Yellow Cab to Hertz

[This is one of a series of articles written by Merrill Weekes for the newspaper Old Autos, starting in April, 2004. The series is written with the collective title of "Model T's to Motor Coaches."]

Following World War One, there were many attempts to convert trucks to passenger carrying vehicles. They were rudimentary and uncomfortable with inadequate heating systems.

John Hertz had founded a taxi business under the name Yellow Cab. Of course, his taxis were painted yellow. He also created Hertz Rent-a-Car and eventually developed the Yellow Cab Company to build bus bodies for truck chassis.

General Motors management personnel recognized a need for a reliable intercity motor coach. Roads were improving and many communities did not have train service to the larger centers. In 1925, G.M. purchased a controlling interest in the Hertz company and formed the Yellow Truck and Coach Manufacturing Company. In 1928, production of motor coaches began in a new factory in Pontiac, Michigan.

General Motors purchased the remaining interest in Yellow Truck and Coach in 1943, and following World War Two, it was renamed the General Motors Truck and Coach Division.

In 1945, G.M. introduced the revolutionary PDA-3702 to replace the 700 series. The new model coaches bore little resemblance to their predecessors. They were streamlined with baggage compartments under the floor. No more climbing a ladder at the rear of the coach to place baggage on the roof top under tarp. The engine was a four cylinder DDA-4-21 2 cycle diesel mounted in line with a four speed transmission. A nice smooth running power plant, but some what under powered with a full load of passengers and baggage.

They were well constructed and carried many thousands of passengers for many years. After retirement, many were converted to mobile homes.

General Motors sold the Hertz Drive Rent-a-Car division in 1953.

Merrill S. Weekes, December 2004