About Fun Fleet Bus #5321
Some Specs
#5321
Vin: TDH-5301-3639
Built January 1963 for Santa Monica Bus Lines, CA (5231)
First generation
102 inches wide/40 feet long, two door
6V71 Detroit/Allison VH transmission
53 seats, American reclining seats
Added to Fun Fleet
I purchased this bus from SAMTRANS of Northern California. As if I needed another 5301, but this one was unusual. It was very close to a 5303 as it was delivered in early 1963. This bus was always a good bus in the Fun Fleet and ran for years with no problems. It was originally Santa Monica #5321.
When and Where Did it Go?
Unfortunately, Fun Fleet Bus #5321 was sold for scrap. But a party from Germany wanted to buy the powerplant so I removed it and shipped it to Germany. Apparently, they had a fishbowl and needed a power plant. So, part of #5321 lives on...overseas.
A Little #5321 History
Last of the 5301s
Now this bus was significant in fishbowl history. These were the last 5301s made. They came with some 5303 details.
On Standee Window Areas
The steel window inserts had the reinforcement in the standee area introduced on 5303s. They also had the VH-5 type transmissions. These were power-shift type with two-disc clutch plates and three slip disks and eliminated the dip shift on original 5301s.
Our Team
They also had the 5303 type window latches and had the muffler behind the bulkhead like 5303s. They sure sounded good