1936 Diamond T bus

In NZR Road Services use.

According to the Ferrymead Heritage Bus Group:-

"Charles Tilt established the Diamond T Motor Car Company in Chicago in 1905, building small custom made cars for the first 6 years. In 1911 by request, the Company focused on commercial vehicles with great success. In the 1920's and 30's, Tilt began streamlining his trucks and used a faster 6 cylinder engine, and added air cushioned pneumatic tyres. The engine he used (in 1939) was a Hercules inline 6 cylinder diesel with a 3.5 inch bore and 4.25 inch stroke (4 litre). Later he fitted 6 cylinder Perkins diesels. The carrying capacity was 1.5 tons or 4,250 lbs.

"The 1930's saw the introduction of more sophisticated trucks into Australia and New Zealand, with a larger carrying capacity and average speeds of 20 miles per hour. Diamond T was reliable for climbing steep grades like we have in New Zealand country roads, while fully laden. Diamond T truck chassis were imported and used for building buses, though the chassis' needed to be extended for this. Work done by skilled coachbuilders like Crawley Ridley, Eaddy & Taylor, DSC & Cousins, and Cavanagh. Diamond T Service Cars and Buses were operated by Birkenhead Transport, Edwards Motors of Auckland, Dalbeth Motors, Howick Bus Company and many small operators.

"In 1967, Diamond T became Diamond Reo after the Company was taken over by REO. Later they combined with the White truck conglomerate."