Daimler bus and coach books - history and models

Daimler Coaches in Colour

Daimler was one of the oldest manufacturers of public service vehicle (PSV) chassis in the UK, known for quality and innovation, particularly with its fluid flywheel technology. From early charabancs with solid tires to the half-cab front-engined CVD6, the underfloor-engined Freeline, and the rear-engined Roadliner, Daimler consistently upheld its reputation.

Over the years, the company changed ownership multiple times before becoming part of British Leyland, which ultimately led to its decline.
This book, featuring over 100 color images, provides a detailed history of Daimler's contributions to bus manufacturing.

Information

The London DMS Bus

Unable to develop its own rear-engined Routemaster (FRM), London Transport conducted trials between the Leyland Atlantean and Daimler Fleetline for one-person-operated double-deckers. The Fleetline performed better, leading to large orders, with the first DMS buses entering service on January 2, 1971.

However, operational issues soon emerged. Complex safety features caused gearbox failures and high fuel consumption. Passengers disliked the slow boarding process due to unreliable automatic fare collection and limited seating. The expected cost savings from removing conductors were offset by the need for more buses on converted routes.

As a result, orders were revised to include crew-operated Fleetlines (DMs), quieter B20 models were developed, and efforts were made to adapt them to Aldenham Works' overhaul system. Despite these measures, persistent issues led to early withdrawals. The first DMS buses were retired before the last RTs, and between 1979 and 1983, most were sold. Outside London, they performed well once modified.

This book details the complete history of the Daimler DMS series. The B20 models lasted longer, but by 1993, the last DMS had left service due to increasing competition from low-cost operators.

Information

Daimler Fleetline

The Daimler Fleetline, produced between 1960 and 1980, was a rear-engined double-deck bus designed in Coventry to compete with the Leyland Atlantean. Over two decades, several thousand units were built.

London Transport was the largest customer, purchasing 2.646 buses after an initial XF order. Other major buyers included Birmingham Corporation/West Midlands PTE, which acquired over 1.000, including the first single-deck versions, and Greater Manchester PTE, which ordered more than 500.

The Fleetline was widely used by BET Group companies and subsidiaries of the Scottish Bus Group. Many later joined the National Bus Company after BET operators were nationalized. The model was also exported, with Hong Kong being a key market. China Motor Bus, for instance, acquired 336 new buses between 1972 and 1980, and later, second-hand units from London Transport.

Though nearly 30 years have passed since production ended, some Fleetlines remain in service, while others have been preserved.
This book presents the full history of the Daimler Fleetline from its development to its final retirement. It is richly illustrated with photographs and memorabilia.

Information