Yellow Coach Manufacturing Company
The Yellow Coach Manufacturing Company was an early manufacturer of passenger buses in the United States. Between 1923 and 1943, Yellow Coach built transit buses, electric-powered trolley buses, and parlor coaches.
Founded in Chicago in 1923 by John D. Hertz as a subsidiary of his Yellow Cab Company, the company was renamed Yellow Truck and Coach Manufacturing Company in 1925 when General Motors purchased a majority stake. After GM completely acquired the company in 1943, it was merged with GM's truck division to form the GM Truck & Coach Division.
The car rental subsidiary was purchased back by John Hertz in 1953 through The Omnibus Corporation and floated the following year as The Hertz Corporation.
History
and associates began acquiring smaller Chicago-area companies involved in bus-building in 1922, and soon assembled a manufacturing site covering four square blocks. Yellow Coach Manufacturing Co was formally established in 1923 as a subsidiary of Hertz's Yellow Cab Company, and sold 207 buses in its first year.George J. Rackham, whose career had commenced with the London General Omnibus Company after the First World War, spent the years 1922–1926 in the U.S., and recognised the advantage of low swept chassis frame for bus development while employed by Yellow. It is likely that he was recruited by Hertz to help start up the bus building business. In 1926, he returned to England to join Leyland Motors as Chief Engineer and was responsible for the groundbreaking Titan and Tiger models.
General Motors purchased a controlling stake in the company in 1925 and changed the name to the Yellow Truck & Coach Manufacturing Company, and relocated production to Pontiac West Assembly in Pontiac, Michigan. Within the transit industry, the company continued to be called simply Yellow Coach.
In the 1930s, Yellow Coach produced best-selling models for the rapidly expanding urban transit and intercity bus businesses. Yellow Coach played a significant role in the transition from electric streetcars to transit companys' use of gasoline- or diesel-powered buses operating on rubber wheels. For Greyhound Lines, the largest operator of intercity bus service, Yellow Coach developed distinctive streamlined models which introduced a high floor, underfloor luggage storage, a flat front, air conditioning, and a diesel engine, supplying more than 1,250 buses during Greyhounds' years of fastest growth.
GM purchased the company outright in 1943, merging it into their GM Truck Division to form GM Truck & Coach Division. Although GM continued with the Yellow Coach T-series and P-series product lines, the Yellow Coach badge gave way to the GM Coach or just GM nameplate in 1944. Widespread production of Yellow Coach designs—including certain ZIS buses produced in the Soviet Union—continued until 1959. Limited production of the two remaining small-capacity "Old Look" models would continue until 1969. GMC badges did not appear until 1968.
Car rental - Hertz Drivurself Corp/Yellow Drive-It-Yourself
The company owned a subsidiary, known as either Hertz 'Drivurself Corp' or 'Yellow Drive-It-Yourself' which was sold with Yellow Coach to General Motors and eventual purchased back by Hertz in 1953 with The Omnibus Corporation which was then renamed The Hertz Corporation the following year.Models produced
Letter series (1923–1936)
Yellow started its model designation at the end of the alphabet and worked forward. Initially four types were offered:- Z type single-deck bus or coach
- Z type double-deck bus
- Y type coach
- X type bus or coach.
700-series (1931–1939)
In 1931, Yellow Coach introduced its 700 series buses, featuring one of the first bus designs to mount the engine in the rear. Mounting the engine in the rear represented a significant innovation, reducing mechanical losses, noise, and weight of a long drive shaft and exhaust running between a front engine and the rear drive and tailpipe. Bus manufacturers in Germany and the United Kingdom would not perfect rear-engine models until the 1950s. Customers did not always prefer rear-engined designs, noting that front engines were easier to access, and placed engine noise and vibration away from passengers and sometimes outside the coach body. Eventually, the 700 series included both front- and rear-engined models.In 1934, Dwight Austin, patent-holder on an innovative rear-drive system, was hired by Yellow Coach and soon developed new models in the 700-series with transverse engines and a “V” angle drive. The V-drive and other innovations introduced in the 700 series would become long-lasting standards: air conditioning, diesel engines, a flat front, a high passenger floor, and unibody construction. The V-drive would be GM's standard configuration until the 1980s.
Best-selling transit buses: Models 718 and 728
Notable 700-series versions include models 718 and 728 which were developed for use as urban transit. Model 718 sold 426 units to large transit operators in New York and Los Angeles, becoming the most popular transit bus of the early 1930s. Later model 728 sold 1,189 units to transit operators across 9 variants produced in the late 1930s. Both were exclusively rear-engined.Greyhound (intercity) buses: Models 719 and 743
For Greyhound Lines, an operator of intercity bus service, Yellow Coach developed model 719 in 1936 which introduced the high floor, underfloor luggage storage, a flat front and streamlined styling. In 1937, model 719 was revised to become model 743 and introduced air conditioning and a diesel engine. Models 719 and 743 were both branded as the Super Coach by Greyhound, and sales were effectively limited to Greyhound and its affiliates. Greyhound Lines purchased all 1,256 units of model 743 produced between 1937 and 1939.700 Series production details
All models are wide single-deck buses, except as noted.| Model | Built | Qty | Seats | Wheelbase | Engine | Mounted | Type | Notes |
| 700 | 1932 | 5 | 40 | GM series 616 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | built for Houston Electric Company | |
| 701 | 1931 | 12 | 44 | 600 VDC | rear | trolley coach | built for Wisconsin Gas & Electric Co. | |
| 702 | 1931 | 0 | 40 | GM series 616 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | experimental specifications; replaced by model 705 | |
| 703 | 1931 | 1 | 44 | 600 VDC | rear | transit | trolley coach demonstrator | |
| 704 | 1932 | 19 | 40 | GM series 616 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | People's Motor Bus Co. | |
| 705 | 1932 | 24 | 40 | GM series 616 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | replaced by model 708 | |
| 706 | 1933 | 1 | 72 | GM series 616 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | "Queen Mary" double-deck prototype; built for Chicago Motor Coach Company; replaced by model 720 | |
| 707 | 1931–1934 | GM series 707 6 cyl. gas | poppet valve engine; no other details | |||||
| 708 | 1933–1934 | 27 | 40 | GM series 616 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | replaced by model 718 | |
| 709 | 1933–1934 | 63 | 18 | GM series 257 6 cyl. gas | forward | transit | narrow body; replaced by model 714 | |
| 710 | 1934 | 1 | 22 | GM series 331 6 cyl. gas | forward | transit | narrow body demonstrator; rebuilt into a model 713 | |
| 711 | 1933–1934 | 131 | 30 | GM series 400 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | wide version also built; replaced by model 717 | |
| 712 | 1933–1934 | 185 | 21 | GM series 257 6 cyl. gas | forward | transit | narrow body model; replaced by model 715 | |
| 713 | 1934 | 2 | 24 | GM series 331 6 cyl. gas | forward | transit | narrow body demonstrators; replaced by model 716 | |
| 714 | 1934 | 25 | 18 | GM series 257 6 cyl. gas | forward | transit | narrow body; revised model 711 with streamlining; replaced by model 733 | |
| 715 | 1934 | 400 | 21 | GM series 257 6 cyl. gas | forward | transit | narrow body ; revised model 712 with streamlining; replaced by model 733 | |
| 716 | 1934–1937 | 183 | 23 | GM series 331 6 cyl. gas | forward | transit | narrow body; revised model 713 with streamlining; replaced by model 739 | |
| 717 | 1934–1936 | 122 | 30 | GM series 400 6 cyl. gas | transit | revised model 711 with streamlining; wide version offered but not built; replaced by model 728 | ||
| 718 Series 1 | 1934–1935 | 125 | 40 | GM series 616 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | replaced model 708 | |
| 718 Series 2 | 1935 | 50 | 40 | GM series 616 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | built for New York City Omnibus Corporation | |
| 720 Series 4 | 1938 | 40 | GM series 707 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | new fuel tank and battery location to eliminate fire hazards; built for Chicago Motor Coach Co. | ||
| 720 Series 5 | 1938 | 35 | 72 | GM series 707 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | new fuel tank and battery location to eliminate fire hazards; built for Fifth Avenue Coach Co. New York | |
| 721 | 1934 | 4 | 30 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | wide body; replaced model 711; built for The Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company; replaced by model 1208 | |
| 722 | 1934–1937 | 123 | 21 | GM series 400 6 cyl. gas | front | parlor | narrow streamlined body; replaced by model 738 | |
| 723 | 1934 | 14 | 21 | GM series 331 6 cyl. gas | forward | parlor | narrow streamlined body; similar to model 722 except for drive train; replaced by model 738 | |
| 724 | 1934 | 4 | 28 | GM series 400 6 cyl. gas | rear | parlor | streamlined; replaced model 717; replaced by model PG-29 | |
| 725 | 1934 | 4 | 32 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | streamlined; Banker automatic transmission; total includes one experimental unit; replaced by model 728 | |
| 726 | none | 0 | 41 | GM series 616 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | streamlined; replaced model 718 incorporating model 725 type body construction | |
| 727 | 1934 | 10 | 36 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | streamlined; replaced model 725; total includes one experimental unit; replaced by model 721 | |
| 728 Series 1 | 1935 | 100 | 32 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | replaced model 717; 24 built with straight frame, 76 built with bottle-neck frame | |
| 728 Series 2 | 1935 | 165 | 32 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | bottle-neck frame | |
| 728 Series 3 | 1935–1936 | 177 | 32 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | four different clutch and shift versions offered | |
| 728 Series 4 | 1936 | 150 | 32 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | 18 built with flat floor, 132 built with floor ramped to rear | |
| 728 Series 5 | 1936 | 50 | 32 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | strengthened frame; all with ramped floor | |
| 728 Series 6 | 1936–1938 | 392 | 32 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | modified rear end for easier engine access; one rebuilt to series 6A prototype | |
| 728 Series 6A | 1937–1938 | 92 | 32 | GM series 479 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | same as series 6 except for engine | |
| 728 Series 6B | none | 0 | 32 | GM series 479 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | same as series 6A but with improved interior lighting | |
| 728 Series 7 | 1938–1939 | 31 | 32 | GM series 479 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | rear end modified to accept either 479 or 529 engine; improved interior lighting; replaced by model TG-3201 | |
| 729 Series 1 | 1935 | 61 | 36 | GM series 450 supercharged 6 cyl. gas-electric | rear | transit | "All Service Vehicle" or "All Purpose Coach" ; built for Public Service Coordinated Transport | |
| 729 Series 2 | 1936 | 25 | 36 | GM series 450 supercharged 6 cyl. gas-electric | rear | transit | improved front and rear ends; built for Public Service Coordinated Transport | |
| 729 Series 3 | 1936 | 74 | 36 | GM series 450 supercharged 6 cyl. gas-electric | rear | transit | relocated electrical controller; built for Public Service Coordinated Transport | |
| 729 Series 4 | 1936 | 1 | 36 | Hercules 474 c.i.d. 4 cyl. oil-electric | rear | transit | similar to series 3 but with diesel-electric propulsion; built for Public Service Coordinated Transport | |
| 729 Series 5 | 1937 | 195 | 36 | GM series 450 supercharged 6 cyl. gas-electric | rear | transit | similar to series 3 but with improved chassis and drop-sash windows; built for Public Service Coordinated Transport | |
| 729 Series 6 | 1938 | 1 | 36 | GM series 529 supercharged 6 cyl. gas-electric | rear | transit | simplified version of series 5; built for Baltimore Transit Company | |
| 730 | none | 0 | 32 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | streamlined; intended to replace model 728; replaced by model 728 series 2 | |
| 731 Series 1 | 1935 | 10 | 36 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | built for St. Louis Public Service Company | |
| 731 Series 2 | 1935 | 23 | 36 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | interchangeable frame for air or manual shift; 5 built with flat floor, 18 built with floor ramped to rear | |
| 731 Series 3 | 1936 | 50 | 36 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | strengthened frame; all with ramped floor | |
| 731 Series 4 | 1936 | 100 | 36 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | modified rear axle | |
| 732 Series 5 | 1936–1938 | 161 | 36 | GM series 450 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | modified rear end for easier drive-train access | |
| 732 Series 5A | 1937–1939 | 42 | 36 | GM series 529 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | same as series 5 except for engine | |
| 732 Series 6 | 1937–1939 | 158 | 36 | GM series 529 6 cyl. gas | rear | transit | streamlined; improved interior lighting; replaced by model TG-3601 | |
| 733 | front | transit | ||||||
| 734 | rear | suburban | ||||||
| 735 | rear | transit | double-decker | |||||
| 736 | diesel | rear | ||||||
| 738 | rear | small parlor | ||||||
| 739 | rear | small transit | ||||||
| 740 | rear | transit | ||||||
| 741 | gas-electric | rear | transit | "All Service Vehicle" | ||||
| 742 | 1937–1939 | 172 | 37 | rear | suburban | replaced by model 1210 | ||
| 743 | 1937–1939 | 1,256 | 37 | diesel | rear | parlor | "Super Coach" built exclusively for Greyhound Lines and affiliates | |
| 744 | 36 | rear | transit | |||||
| 745 | rear | sleeper coach | ||||||
| 746 | diesel-electric | rear | transit | "All Service Vehicle" | ||||
| Model | Built | Qty | Seats | Wheelbase | Engine | Mounted | Type | Notes |
1200-series (1938–1940)
The Model 1200 series was launched in 1938 with the re-designation of Model 739 as Model 1203 for Public Service Corporation. The 6-model series name ended when three were given new P-series names, and another was given a T-series name.| Model | Seats | Type | Engine | Notes |
| 1203 | transit | Redesignated Model 139; Built for Public Service Corp. of New Jersey. | ||
| 1204 | 24 | transit | rear | produced 1938–1940; replaced by model TG-2401 |
| 1208 | 41 | transit | trolleybus | 40 units built in 1938 for The Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company; last YC trolleybuses |
| 1209 | 25 | parlor | rear | "Cruiserette"; replaced by model PG-2501 |
| 1210 | 37 | parlor | rear | 46 units produced in 1939; replaced by models PG-3701 and PD-3701 |
| 1213 | 29 | parlor | rear | replaced model 724; replaced by model PG-2901 without change |
By 1940, Model 1200 series designs were renamed into either the T- or P-series. The new model designations indicated type, fuel, propulsion or customer, seating capacity, and version number.
T-series (1940–1942)
All "T"-series models were urban transit buses. The model designation consisted of two or three letters followed by four numbers. These gave a basic description of the type of bus:| Type | Fuel | Transmission | Nominal seating capacity | Series |
| T = transit bus | D = diesel G = gasoline | = mechanical E = electric propulsion | 21 = 24 = 25 = 27 = 32 = 36 = 40 = 45 = 54 = | two digits |
P-series (1939–1944)
The "P" indicated that, as parlor coaches, the P-series was primarily designed for the seated comfort of intercity bus passengers. All models are wide rear-engine parlor coaches.| Type | Fuel | Customer | Nominal seating capacity | Series |
| P = parlor coach | D = diesel G = gasoline | G = Greyhound-only model | 25 = 29 & 33 = 37 & 41 = | two digits |
| Model | Built | Quantity | Engine | Notes |
| PG-2501 | 1939–1940 | 8 | GMC 248 6 cyl. gas | Replaced model 1209 without change. |
| PG-2502 | 1939–1940 | 66 | GMC 308 6 cyl. gas | Raised rear end with different fan, radiator arrangement and transmission than PG-2501. |
| PG-2503 | 1941 | 4 | GMC 248 6 cyl. gas | Same as PG-2501 with-two rod transmission shift, improved frame, improved engine mounts, conventional clutch pedal and sealed beam headlights; also includes appearance changes as listed under PG-2505. |
| PG-2504 | 1940–1941 | 70 | GMC 308 6 cyl. gas | Same as PG-2502 with two-rod transmission shift, improved frame, improved engine mounts, conventional clutch pedal and sealed beam headlights. |
| PG-2505 | 1941–1942 | 118 | GMC 308 6 cyl. gas | Same as PG-2504 with improved interior appearance and numerous special items now incorporated as standard. |
| PG-2901 | 1939–1940 | 50 | GMC 426 6 cyl. gas | "Cruiserette"; replaced model 1213 without change. |
| PD-2901 | 1939–1940 | 16 | GMC 4-71 4 cyl. diesel | "Cruiserette" |
| PG-2902 | 1940–1941 | 56 | GMC 426 6 cyl. gas | "Cruiserette"; same as PG-2901 with two-rod transmission shift, and sealed beam headlights, double-wrapped spring eyes and improved double-drag steering link. |
| PD-2902 | 1941–1942 | 249 | GMC 4-71 4 cyl. diesel | "Cruiserette"; same as PD-2901 with improved interior appearance and numerous special items now incorporated as standard. |
| PG-2903 | 1941–1942 | 304 | GMC 426 6 cyl. gas | "Cruiserette"; same as PG-2902 with improved interior appearance and numerous special items now incorporated as standard. |
| PD-3301 | 1942 | 115 | GMC 4-71 4 cyl. diesel | Construction and appearance similar to PG-2900s. |
| PG-3301 | 1942–1943 | 49 | GMC 477 6 cyl. gas | Construction and appearance similar to PG-2900s. |
| PD-3701 | 1940–1941 | 59 | GMC 6-71 6 cyl. diesel | "Silversides" |
| PDG-3701 | 1940–1941 | 240 | GMC 6-71 6 cyl. diesel | Greyhound version of the PD-3701. |
| PG-3701 | 1940–1941 | 70 | GMC 707 6 cyl. gas | |
| PGG-3701 | 1940–1941 | 91 | GMC 707 6 cyl. gas | Greyhound version of the PG-3701. |
| PDA-3701 | 1942–1943 | 185 | GMC 4-71 4 cyl. diesel | Construction and appearance similar to PG-2900s. |
| PGA-3701 | 1942–1943 | 51 | GMC 477 6 cyl. gas | Construction and appearance similar to PG-2900s. |
| PDG-4101 | 1940–1941 | 224 | GMC 6-71 6 cyl. diesel | 1940 Greyhound specifications. |
| PGG-4101 | 1940–1941 | 35 | GMC 707 6 cyl. gas | 1940 Greyhound specifications. |