Greyhound Senicruiser #5425

#5425 at a Pontiac car club meetup in 2023

Background

For many Americans of a certain generation, the Senicruiser is synonymous with cross-country bus travel and the company Greyhound Bus Lines. It remains an icon of American highways from the 1950s into the 1970s and even beyond. Born out of a seven-year collaboration process between Greyhound and General Motors, its signature two-level seating arrangement resembled observation cars on passenger trains of the era. After years of designing and testing, GMC built 1,001 Senicruisers between 1954 and 1956, all exclusive to Greyhound and its affiliates. All were equipped with two rear axles, air-ride suspension, and air conditioning.

Service History

All Senicruisers were originally built with two 160hp GM 4-71 Diesel engines and a single 3-speed transmission with a manual 2-speed clutch for six forward speeds. This was frustrating to Greyhound drivers, who were accustomed to 4-speed manual transmissions. Severe mechanical issues also meant that by 1961 all remaining Senicruisers were refitted with a single 8V-71 Diesel engine and a four-speed Spicer manual transmission.

#5425’s individual service history currently requires further research. We have one photo of the bus operating on the Atlantic coast with a “Boston” destination sign. We believe it served Southern Greyhound Lines and was retired by 1974.

Post-Service History

#5425 was received by OPT in 2022. In 2023 the exterior was repainted into Greyhound colors. As of 2025 work is continuing on the engine, transmission, and other systems. The interior requires further evaluation. The upholstery, while not original, is in surprisingly good shape.