Family - Setra

1961
14 | The sixties The sixties | 15
A time of mass movements
In 1967, the luxuriously equipped
Setra panorama coach with its “all
around” view delivers an all new
travel feeling. A first: it features a
lavatory under the passenger compartment.
T
he sixties get things
moving in terms of social
developments as well. And
Tat Kässbohrer, a new era takes off,
and production takes a huge step
forward, with buses being used
increasingly as a popular method
of transportation for the masses.
In 1963, the new urban bus is
introduced at the IAA in Frankfurt
as precursor to the 100 series.
The Setra S 125, with its huge
capacity accommodating 125
passengers, captures high levels
of attention. No less than four
years later, the 100 series takes
over the market.1967
1967
The S 125 – pioneer of modern
line bus construction
As forerunner to the 100 series, and
with its low floor and steps, wide
doors, 42 seats and very generous
standing room, the S 125 is the first
German bus specially conceived to
meet the quickly increasing requirements
of modern urban transit.
This line bus offers two features
which are destined to become Setra
“specialities”. Firstly, the outwardly
swinging door, developed by
Kässbohrer, which thanks to its
functionality and precision, becomes
the most widely used door in touring
and regional-service coaches.
And secondly, independent wheel
suspension with air cushioning,
which has more than proven itself
since its original presentation in
1955, becomes synonymous with
Setra quality.
The 100 series –
modular construction at its best
With the modularly built Setra 100
series, Kässbohrer enters a new era
in bus and coach construction.
The modular construction principle
introduced in 1956 with the 10
series had laid the first cornerstone
for this evolution. The 100 series
perfects the production system, and
its premiere at the 1967 IAA is a
true sensation. The model spectrum
ranges from the 8.7 m long S 100,
through the S 110, S 120, and S 130
types, through to the 12 m long
S 150. The further development of
the Club Coach in the following
year, the S 80 with eight rows of
seats, and the lengthened version
of the S 130, the S 140 with 14 rows
of seats launched in 1971, complete
the 100 series. Along with its
streamlined, modern design, a
series of spectacular innovations
contribute to making it a true
highlight in its time. The S 130 and
S 150 models are introduced with
optional air suspension, which becomes
a standard feature in 1969,
giving passengers an even smoother
ride. Yet another comfort enhancement
Setra introduces are the
standard anti-fog, double glazed
side windows. In terms of safety,
Setra also makes major strides with
a state-of-the-art braking system
with hydro-pneumatic dual-circuit
brakes, which can be applied with
exceptional sensitivity, thanks to
their compressed air running plate
brake valve. The “small” S 80 drives
the “small” S 100 out of the range.
And, the flagship of many bus
operations, the S 150, enjoys
outstanding turnover with 2,479
units sold. The entire 100 series,
with its 22 models, sells an impressive
12,339 units – the company’s
greatest success to date.
Luxurious panoramic views
Travelling through the Alps in an
ultra-comfortable touring coach,
while enjoying an uninterrupted
panoramic view: this is exactly what
the panorama bus, built in 1967 and
based on the S 150, offers with its
all-around windows. The coach is
inspired by the luxurious Golden
Eagle and Silver Eagle panorama
coaches exported to the USA – with
a lavatory under the passenger
compartment. The S 150 panorama
coach is a luxurious, high-decker
touring coach which is unmatched
in Europe. No other touring coach
offers passengers an even remotely
comparable travel experience.
1962