Arab II 'Utility' bus

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.

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.