The General Motors PD 4501 Greyhound Scenicruiser is now part of the PBM collection. This particular PD 4501, serial 742, has some historical significance to the San Francisco Bay Area. Originally delivered new to Pacific Greyhound Lines in 1955 as K2305, later renumbered to P2305. In 1960 it became Western Greyhound Lines 8005. In the mid-1960s Western Greyhound took 8 Scenicruisers 8000-8007 re-seated them to 47 passengers and used them exclusively on the heavily traveled route between San Francisco-Travis AFB in Fairfield, CA and the San Francisco International Airport where they ran into the 1970s. A small letter “T” was added after the last digit to distinguish them from other Scenicruisers in Western’s fleet.
After its career with Greyhound 8005T was sold along with 21 other PD 4501s to Melni Bus Service, a charter operator in Santa Barbara, CA. where it eventually became #4704 for Melni and ran into the 1990s. PBM member Peter Govorchin bought the #4704 along with several other Scenicruisers from Melni in 1997. The bus was later owned by a used equipment dealer from whom the museum acquired the bus in the spring of 2003. The PBM is proud to have acquired this “icon” of long distance bus travel with historical a historical tie to the San Francisco bay area.
Manufacturer: General Motors Truck and Coach Division, Pontiac, MI
Model: PD 4501, Serial: #742, Built: 1955
Powertrain: 8V-71 GM Diesel engine mounted straight in w/ 4 speed mechanical transmission.
Body: Aluminum monocoque construction on 2 levels, seating capacity 47 passengers, reclining seats, restroom, air conditioning, underfloor baggage compartments.
Length: 40″ Width: 96″
Mechanical and electrical repairs were completed in 2004 by Coach Maintenance Company in Williams, CA. Extensive restoration of the body began in 2005 at the PBM’s yard in Fremont, CA. Restoration of the exterior was completed in August 2016. Work is now focused on restoring the interior beginning with the driver’s area and lower deck seating and paneling. When this is completed restoration will begin with restoration of the upper deck interior flooring, paneling and seats.
Donations for the restoration of bus 8005 are needed at this time to complete this remaining work. All donations for bus 8005 will be placed in a Special Fund account exclusively for the restoration of bus 8005. To donate to the Special Funds account for this bus indicate Scenicruiser #8005 on your contribution. Please make a donation today to continue the restoration of bus 8005!
The Pacific Bus Museum is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501 ( c ) 3 organization. Your donation may be deductible to the extent allowed by law.
To donate to the Special Funds account for this bus indicate WGL #8005 on your contribution.
Click here to make a donation to the “Pacific Bus Museum” for this bus.