In 1947, Britain was still reeling from WWll. Churchill was gone, their infrastructure in ruins and the Socialists ran the government. The climate in which this 1947 Bedford OB 5001 Duple Vista Coach Bus was built with a bare bones budget for mass transportation, make this bus even more amazing. The opening top body design demonstrates creativity and attention to detail. Swoopy. riveted trim abounds to give the bus an even more streamlined look. In the interior, there is beautifully appointed uncramped passenger seating with legroom and head rests. The drivers compartment is nicely done with fine wood cabinetry and stocked with emergency needs including a first aid kit. Metro buses in the US look like cattle cars in comparison.
Sun Star did a wonderful job on all their vintage British buses including their London double-deckers, but these Bedford models are so quirky in their looks that of the two lineups, this one is my favorite. A couple of pics show the bus with an Austin London cab, also by Sun Star, to put the bus in scale.
Great pictures Rich! These coaches made by Sunstar are absolutely great. I have 1 bedford and 2 Routemasters. Combined with the english Mini's, Bentley's and Jags they look fantastic.
