Now for something really different...

[richard5933]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGiyMvCxqdc

Not sure if these are 'copies' of models from the US or purely the creation of someone in the USSR. Either way, they're unique.

[oltrunt]

Absolutely astounding!  Jack

[Iceni John]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGiyMvCxqdc

Not sure if these are 'copies' of models from the US or purely the creation of someone in the USSR. Either way, they're unique.

Copies of what?   Ikarus's classic model 55 with its pert little derriere came out several years before Mack's similarly-buttocked bus.   Ikarus in Hungary was one of the world's largest bus makers in its heyday, produced the world's first low-floor bendy-bus, and even used Detroit Series 50s in some of its buses.   Crown partnered with Ikarus to import some high-floor mid-engine bendy-buses, but they weren't too successful here.   (Apparently they were fitted with Volkswagen air-cooled engines to make the journey from the Long Beach docks to Crown's factory in Los Angeles where they were fitted with a Cummins 855 and a US drivetrain.)   The Russian ZiS-127 was a long-distance bus, quite average by Soviet standards, and not obviously aping the GM Old Looks like some Soviet transit buses.   Mind you, its rear windows are almost Crown or Gillig-esque.

John   

[CrabbyMilton]

Thanks for posting that. Sharp looking vintage buses there. The spoke wheels on that solid red one really make it interesting since you almost never see those type on buses over here.
The way those Russians drive over there I would fear for the safety of those buses and drivers.
Just YOUTUBE bad Russian drivers and see for yourself.
I have heard that story about IKARUS fitting those buses with VW engines on a temporary basis.
Why wouldn't they just install the powertrain at the factory or just tow the buses to the California plant for the powertrain install. Seems like a lot of hassle and how can a small engine like that that could hardly power a car power a full sized bus?

[Dave5Cs]

Another different one.

[Oonrahnjay]

Another different one. 

     How "British Leyland-ish".