Arab II 'Utility' bus

Guy Arab II double decker 'Utility' bus, 1943, Weymann body, registration no. DHR 192.

On the outbreak of the Second World War production of civilian vehicles ceased and many were put into national service, consequently a severe shortage of buses followed. As a solution the Ministry of Transport asked Guy Motors to produce a simple standard design. Guy Motors had been founded in 1914 by Sidney Guy and produced lorries, buses and trolleybuses. In response to the government’s request nearly 3,000 Arab ‘Utility’ buses were built between 1942 and 1948. They had 56 slatted wooden seats and a considerably heavier body than its predecessors; this was due to the need to avoid using materials like aluminium that were needed for the war effort. This particular example served from 1943 until 1962 with the Swindon Corporation.

Details

Category:
Road Transport
Object Number:
1997-540
Materials:
oil (unspecified), asbestos, rubber (unidentified), glass, metal (unknown), plastic (unidentified), wood (unidentified) and paper (fibre product)
Measurements:
overall: 4200 mm x 2610 mm x 8060 mm,
type:
double decker bus
credit:
British Rail, Clapham

Parts

Arab II 'Utility' bus

Arab II 'Utility' bus

Guy Arab II double decker 'Utility' bus, 1943, Weymann body, registration no. DHR 192.

More

On the outbreak of the Second World War production of civilian vehicles ceased and many were put into national service, consequently a severe shortage of buses followed. As a solution the Ministry of Transport asked Guy Motors to produce a simple standard design. Guy Motors had been founded in 1914 by Sidney Guy and produced lorries, buses and trolleybuses. In response to the government’s request nearly 3,000 Arab ‘Utility’ buses were built between 1942 and 1948. They had 56 slatted wooden seats and a considerably heavier body than its predecessors; this was due to the need to avoid using materials like aluminium that were needed for the war effort. This particular example served from 1943 until 1962 with the Swindon Corporation.

Measurements:
overall: 4200 mm x 2610 mm x 8060 mm,
Object Number:
1997-540/1
type:
double decker bus
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
BCF Fire Extinguisher

BCF Fire Extinguisher

BCF fire extinguisher from Guy Arab II double decker 'Utility' bus, 1943, Weymann body, registration no. DHR 192.

More

On the outbreak of the Second World War production of civilian vehicles ceased and many were put into national service, consequently a severe shortage of buses followed. As a solution the Ministry of Transport asked Guy Motors to produce a simple standard design. Guy Motors had been founded in 1914 by Sidney Guy and produced lorries, buses and trolleybuses. In response to the government’s request nearly 3,000 Arab ‘Utility’ buses were built between 1942 and 1948. They had 56 slatted wooden seats and a considerably heavier body than its predecessors; this was due to the need to avoid using materials like aluminium that were needed for the war effort. This particular example served from 1943 until 1962 with the Swindon Corporation.

Object Number:
1997-540/2
type:
fire extinguisher