Mercedes-Benz Bus History - Daimler

delivered 110 hp. From 1962 the company responded to calls for
greater output by offering the larger OM 322 5.7-liter in-line engine
giving 126 hp. The power of both engines was transmitted by a fully-
synchronized five-speed gearbox.
But it was not just length and technology that saw change: over the
years the look of the Mercedes-Benz O 321 H was also revamped.
While the early units were plain and unsophisticated in appearance, in
time particularly the coaches went in for an ever-increasing
abundance of chrome. This included not only the frame for the
radiator grille, but also a broad molding below the front windshield,
which continued along the sides and clearly marked the vehicle’s
waistline.
Thanks to a number of facelifts, the O 321 H also gained in stature
over the years. The original flat front windshield was enlarged and
extended further downwards from 1957 on. In 1961 it grew again in
size, this time upwards, providing passengers with a better view. Then,
in 1963, the O 321 H was given a new rear end with a large, one-piece
screen. Standing room also improved, thanks to a raised roof in the
mid-section. But by this time the bus was approaching the end of an
illustrious career in Europe. Already the first highly specialized buses
were beginning to take over from the O 321 H: companion models, the
O 317 and O 322, were now purely regular service buses.
Throughout its long history the O 321 H also enjoyed an international
career. The bus plant in Mannheim turned out more than 30,000 of
these bestsellers, roughly two thirds of which were complete buses,
and one third chassis to receive bodies. Many of these buses were
destined for export to other European countries, Africa and Asia. In
1965 the plant also delivered 116 parts kits to Greece and four to
Argentina. Deliveries to Brazil were of a different order altogether,
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany
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