The following material was lent by courtesy of Mr. Alejandro Scartaccini of www.BusArg.com . ar
Bodies The Condor of its first model run windows to last prepanorámico ("1955? - 1976)
The stylistic evolution of the products of this bodywork is a truly unique event, as we shall see over the course of the story, the successive models were simple restilizaciones of the above, again and again. In his last 30 years, The Condor design radically innovated not only confined to adapt to new trends above or regulation that was issued.
Eye! This is not to say that, for example, design patterns of a model produced in 1959 were in force 20 years then if that product manufactured in 1979 down from that occurred in 1959 although he had experienced in that time span, a large number of evolutionary jumps represented by all the variants produced in the 20 years that separate versions mentioned.
carroceras
Many (most, in fact) at some point in their lives kicked the board and left certain stylistic features to replace them with completely different. And that was something that happened in El Condor, as we will show throughout this review.
Many (most, in fact) at some point in their lives kicked the board and left certain stylistic features to replace them with completely different. And that was something that happened in El Condor, as we will show throughout this review.
This time we dedicate to the section that runs from the first model run windows until the last one came with panoramic windows not because the variety of designs is enormous and, to dedicate this time to the last part of its history, which includes its widescreen models, the note would be very extensive and, perhaps, tedious development.
The first milestone in this evolution, the basic model, began to occur around 1955, although we have no precise data, absolute. We suspect it was at this time that the board El Condor kicked one last time and replaced his latest model with windows up and down, with morphology and then surpassed, by a completely new line to line running times, as beautiful as harmonic. We believe it was one of the most representative models of the second half of the decade of 1950 and presented its design current for many years without being exceeded.
Now, then, he began to write this story.
initial model ("1955? - 1961?)
The design of the first post-classical model of Bodywork The Condor did not depart from the general morphological lines existing at the time. Say it was not revolutionary, but its appearance, denoting strength and gave the product a well stopped, was liked by many carriers have adopted it as a model practitioner.
details had not advanced. His face and head were conservative, as well as the shapes of their side windows equipped with running classic leaning forward and the design of the latter as was fashionable in those days, accompanied by the curvature of the cylinder head, which curves were very marked.
(Photo: Collection New Ideal SA - Courtesy Gustavo Castiñeira). perfect
This profile helps us to appreciate the lines of the model that the Condor began its saga of contemporary designs. It highlights the wide vents for the driver (do not forget that at the same time, other carroceras used one piece windshield and did not contemplate inclusion) and the appearance of lines convey strength.
The design of the doorways was not actually the first: there was a precedent, which had just rounded the outer corners. The four angles converged in the central division of the segments of the door were straight, which spans both gave the appearance of being one, parted in the middle. Many individuals did not meet with that design of doors.
(Photo: unknown Publication - Stock Jorge Antonio Arcuri and A. De Luca).
This image, although not a very good source enables us to appreciate the remarkable roundness of the head and the design of the first window that has equipped this model, which was tilting model. A few years later was replaced by another, while retaining the general forms, consisted of a single crystal and frameless extrudable metal.
(Photo: Alejandro Scartaccini). His forehead did not provide any evidence or striking way, apart from the normal average design time. His two flat crystals, suitable when replaced by tears, were replaced later by a single windshield surface occupying the two children.
here should make a small digression into the anecdotal and comment that the old unit, 1958 or 1959, is still standing, stored in a galponcito in the town of Lanus. It still keeps the colors (and the number on the flag) of the last line in which circulated, 20 and their general condition is good.
Photo: Jorge L. Stock San Martín). The bodywork long chassis units was resolved in a curious way, while others carroceras widened the openings of windows, or had one more, to balance the appearance of the whole, the people of El Condor decided that the first stop would be larger than the others, too little solution Orthodox, indeed.
If you look closely at the unit of Munro's First appearing in the picture, we see that the first window is clearly longer. These units were not widespread and can be classified as rare.
bodywork This model was not only on Mercedes Benz chassis. We know some interesting variants on current chassis, on which we can offer some pictures:
(Photo: Costa Quirno Transport SA - Courtesy Jesus Santiago de Vedia). About Köln Ford chassis, known colloquially as FK. Among some known examples, such as line 60 we show the overview of this line, we recorded it, much less known, which circulated on line 103 Buenos Aires.
(Photo: Author unknown - Courtesy Mr. Passarelli). We a single individual (which does not mean that there has been no other) on International Harvester chassis, to which he gave the popular talent TV nickname, by the way of your grill. Here he is circulating on line 6 Moreno communal party (now Transport La Perlita 501) although it is anticipated that this unit came to this company used (in those years, communal lines in the area rarely incorporated zero cars kilometer).
(Photo: Jorge and Daniel FACC). Bedford chassis of British origin, most of whom entered the country between 1956 and 1958, was also worn by the people of El Condor. In this case we have images that show them in regular service, but the front of the trailer, along with the forms of Chapon windows and trim of the rear axle, we clearly reveal their origin.
(Photo: Jorge and Daniel FACC). Some J6LZ1 Bedford, the most modern and well-known model of this brand in Argentina, arrived in carriages with this variant. Due to its bonnet under the windshield were much larger, when compared with units built over the other makes of chassis. The vents were disproportionate to the size of the openings of windows and the segments of the doors, giving an unattractive appearance.
Note that this unit, radiated to 1976-77, kept many years its original colors, which were none other than the line 76 in Buenos Aires.
(Photo: unknown Publication - Stock Jorge Antonio Arcuri and A. De Luca). Another chassis bodywork at least one copy was the MAN 415 N 1. In the review that we dedicate this chassis is including a photo showing the car's entire body and therefore, not repeat, we included this shot unknown, obtained during a railroad strike and introduces us to this piece unit working with people hanging in the stirrup, which strives to return home.
Presumably there were also copies on other brands that are offered market in those years (Ford-we know a copy of Hercules Ford, Chevrolet, those marketed by Fevre and Basset, Dodge, Desoto, Fargo, and some other low market penetration, Borgward, for example-) but we do not have artwork that allows us to confirm this.
But we do know that perhaps the collective version of this strangest of all, it is the product of a chassis recarrozamiento old. The result was most strange, as you can see in the picture below.
(Photo: Carlos Chamorro). And the finished product was really weird. Do not know if finally circulated in a regular line or whether it was intended for school transport, but the truth is that their rarity is unquestionable. It is said that no other similar unit stored (or perhaps it) in a warehouse, restored and with the colors of the provincial 252, Transport José Hernández, but we could never confirm or deny this information.
At the same time, another model was manufactured in much smaller quantities of clothing to frame shorter than usual. Were fabricated on a par with the version described above and distributed in a smaller scale than his older brother.
At the same time, another model was manufactured in much smaller quantities of clothing to frame shorter than usual. Were fabricated on a par with the version described above and distributed in a smaller scale than his older brother.
short chassis model ("1956? - 1960)
drew attention to the Condor version specifically designed to equip the shorter chassis of the market. The most striking difference lay in the rear section, in which the last window had been cut in half, giving the impression that the car Esteba equipped with three windows and a half. Moreover, unlike the standard model, the fall of the last window, the smaller size, not accompanied the shape of the roof.
also changed the design of the driver vents in older cars bodywork on Mercedes Benz. Was somewhat smaller than the large model and it was not harmonious with the rest of the set with its angular forms, and accompanied the fall of the ledge was the flag stand above the windshield. It really gave the impression of being an implement of another body and it was really bad stuck the weak point of this version in its first añosEsta stylistic anomaly was corrected by 1959, although older models on other chassis and bodywork used the round vents. Notwithstanding
unattractive and discordant of vents used in older cars, the resulting model was pleasing to the eye and, being small, it seemed to be a toy. Not spread in large quantities but, nevertheless, marked presence in several lines Buenos Aires and Greater Buenos Aires. Unit
chassis built over Mercedes Benz L-312 of 1956/57 in superlative condition, belonging to the line 25 in Buenos Aires. Note the driver vents forms that have little or nothing to do with the rest of the set. (Photo: Collection Carlos Distefano). 
Despite the parlous state of this poor group, which at the time the photo was taken about to be scrapped, shows the variations of rounded vents, which are much more integrated into the set if compared with the previous example. (Photo: Alejandro Scartaccini).
As seen in this group built over the 1957 Chevrolet 6600 Transportation Company Ideal San Justo, the design of the vents is related to the larger model and presents far more harmonious than the units fitted to Mercedes Benz . (Photo: Author unknown - Courtesy José Luis Dieguez).
One of the "Mini Condors" stranger than we know is this, bodywork on a Scania chassis for the company Vabis Micro Omnibus Quilmes. (Photo: José Teixeira - Courtesy Sergio Paratore). Simultaneous to the versions already described, was made a handful of front-end units are strange. By not spread too much and marketed only a few, this variant has automatically taken the nature of rarity.
front units (1958 - 1962?)
As previously mentioned, there was a lot of cars front bodywork by El Condor. There was too much effort when designing, because only limited to a front arm and paste it into the initial model that we call. While the resulting product was not unsightly, with a little bit of imagination could have been flying a model with more stylistic managed as other bodywork, which clearly distinguished the design of their traditional models of conventional front.
The design of the front of the car for urban service, with broad top destinations flag was really poorly resolved: it was all created for the common collective virtually unchanged and fit it into a model that asks to leave fly creativity and find a more play and less fancy.
The result was really ugly, as you can see in the picture included below. In units designed for middle distance, however, the front design integrates well with the rest of the set.
not produced many of these curious bus, but draws attention to the many chassis clothed. We got data from some of the units produced (which secure and obviously will not be all). About Mercedes Benz OP-312 had at least one car on the line 406 Buenos Aires (the Tracker Fournier) and one in Independence, internally numbered 11. After radiation, circulated in a small, ephemeral communal line of Tigre, numbered 5, which was later absorbed by General Omnibus Micro Pacheco, the current line 721, which has maintained this branch, called the Trunks.
Once completed
absorption, the bus in question was added to the fleet of new borrowing, in which the internal magazine 54.
absorption, the bus in question was added to the fleet of new borrowing, in which the internal magazine 54.
Independence was also built over a car chassis and one on Vabis Scania Volvo (internal 55). DAF also had two, 43 and 53 inmates, who continued his career with mixed fortunes: 43 was acquired by a component, which was destined to charter services or transportation of schoolchildren and 53, go curiosity, was taken by another member of Independence to Pullman Atlantic, linking the Constitution with Mar del Plata, which was in free fall the quality of their services and was heading to his disappearance.
He adapted to the replacement of the seats with more chords to provide long distance service, but did not last long in this service. Other companies with DAF chassis units were built over the Express Cañuelas (surprisingly one of the cars survives, used as a box - dressing room), the Paraná and Expreso Expreso Pilar.
The Expreso Pilar car bodywork on DAF chassis features a front line with a middle-distance service without top banner and a small indicator of destinations under the windshield. (Photo: author unknown. Courtesy Manuel Larrea Varda). 
View of one of the units OP-312 Mercedes chassis with urban front, with large top banner. As seen, the set flag - Windshield - vents is the same common groups and presents the appearance of being badly hit on a model that does not belong. (Photo: Alejandro Scartaccini). Started the 60s, allegedly by 1961, the people of El Condor decided to put hand to design and accommodate certain details to tidy up their stylistic lines. The resulting model, although it had no profound differences with the previous one was much more pleasing to the eye.
First restilización ("1961? - 1964/65)
Compared to this morning in clean with the previous version we will see much more harmonious, although the old model was very pleasing to the eye.
1962 or 1963 unit belonging to the line 107 Buenos Aires, photographed in the warehouses of the bodywork, before being delivered to their owners. (Photo: Magazine Industry Carrocera Argentina).
changed in the front windshield assembly - vents, with an excellent result style. Note the replacement of two small flat glass by a single, somewhat broader, which greatly improved their appearance. The design of the vents, slightly more rounded, fit well with the new windshield.
The slightly increased his height windows and rear window accompanied this trend, not to be out of step with the rest of the design. Also increased slightly the glass surface of leaves of the doors.
The last clean version of the original model very well and he sat at the same time, reaffirmed his reputation as a strong body. While he was well treated, a group bodywork by the Condor was a guarantee, in those years, a solid product, with no major problems in this regard.
This version was produced on various chassis, main season, for example, the Bedford J6LZ1 ...
car line 6 of the city of Buenos Aires, Corrientes Avenue photographed. Observe, the Chapon trim and the space between the last window of the bezel, the bodies of steak they want to convey speed and dynamism. (Photo: Leonard H. Mc. Combe - Archive Life Magazine, 1964).
corrected ... where all the ugly appearance of the windshield - vents, dwarfing the size slightly. Although the perspective of the photo does not show well, it reaches the vents has seen reduced in size and are more integrated into the overall design of the model.
not know many examples built on a chassis to which we may consider strange. We know some unit built over one of the chassis marketed in Argentina by the firm Fevre and Basset (Dodge, Desoto or Fargo), but we have pictures that allow us to present them. Yes we have a strange material on Ford F-600 manufactured for the company Fano, located in Vicente Lopez area dedicated to tourism services, charter or personnel carriers.
Here the unit in question. Note the resolution of the windscreen and vents, totally foreign to the stylistic habits of this bodywork. (Photo: Magazine Industry Carrocera Argentina, No. 18, April-June 1964). Admitted in 1965, we find the following restilización, which also differ too much from the front. Second
restilización (1965 - 1973)
If we compare this "new" design with the former, we see that not much has changed. The most noticeable change was a slight increase in the size of the windows.
Comparing with "clinical eye" this drive line 108 Buenos Aires with the previously presented line 107, we see that the bottom line of the windows does not match the driver's vents, which it does in the car's 107. The difference is minimal, but enough to appreciate. (Photo: publication unknown - Adalberto Nogués Collection).
During production of this version was a milestone in public transport in Argentina: the beginning of the production of frontal offset chassis Mercedes Benz LO-1112, in 1965. The Condor was one of the decently carroceras who adapted existing design this new chassis. In addition, was one of the few that, in their model, it devoted a large space for the driver, much larger and more comfortable than offering products from other firms.
From the first moment (and do not really consist causes) recorded two variations on this chassis, the difference lay in the design of the windows of the driver.
(Photo: Magazine Industry Carrocera Argentina).
(Photo: author unknown. Be grateful for any information). Note, in the drive line 102, manufactured in 1965 and presented in the journal Industria Argentina Carrocera absolute novelty, the window divided into two sections, the fixed lower and upper moving. Car instead of line 60, whose enrollment may correspond to 1967 or 1968, shows the variant without divisions.
The latter unit also shows a fundamental change implemented in 1966 thanks to new regulations which came into force on 1 January of that year: the inclusion of the back door. With it was optimized internal circulation, which until then was very uncomfortable, especially during peak hours.
was in this version also eliminated beginning to trim the sides Chapon, located on the rear. By 1968 the design was modified lower rear end of the last window that although retained its basic shapes round, took a somewhat more angular.
This curious group (it was rare to find this version units built over Chevrolet C-50 chassis. Recorded 60 specimens in the world-famous companies and marplatenses July 9 and Belgrano), applied to school transport shows the lateral aspect without Chapon that served trim rear fender. (Photo: Jorge Arcuri).
This perfect profile of a community built over Mercedes Benz LO-911 can see a curiosity, with the inclusion of the back door, the three main windows (and historically the same) must have been accommodated in the space available, increased slightly due to the location of the door down. In this case, the last window size increased, which was out of step with that of their peers. (Photo: Carlos Chamorro).
Here we see a variant on the same subject of the photo above: If you look closely at the three windows located between gates in this unit in late 1973, we see that, on this occasion, the last window is smaller than the other two. No we know why these small variations. (Photo: Aldo M. Daneri).
This model was very long-lived, as it was for about 8 years but, as we see, the basic lines had not changed much of the first units at the factory outlets by 1955. And this circumstance could be considered almost a record, but this design had not yet exhausted its variants, although their appearance and seemed to be outdated and generally overcome. Notably
a condor soared this version and went far, far away. More precisely the Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, donated by a Mercedes Benz dealership west of the Great Buenos Aires and painted the colors of Transport Pearlite, the traditional business of the town of Moreno.
We know that this curious emigrant wakes up much sympathy and exposed in many events throughout the length and breadth of Germany. And we also know the capital have been surprised that many Argentine immigrants, as they cross without notice to the old Condor in a German autobahn ...
Model "transitional" (1973-74)
(Photo: Alejandro Scartaccini) not met many units as presented in this photograph. Basically it's the same old design, but equipped with aluminum frame windows slide.
All known examples of this model were built over Mercedes Benz LO-1114. We are not aware if there was some elusive unit manufactured on another chassis.
may not have been manufactured or half a dozen cars like this. And this may be because, almost immediately, went out the next version, which ultimately proved to be the last of the pre-pan.
Third
restilización (1974 - 1976)
restilización (1974 - 1976)
In this new stage of evolution, the designers of the Condor they merely stylistic tendencies aggiornamiento Buenos Aires at the time, which marked an increase in size of the glass surfaces. Thus, new windows (which kept unchanged its basic forms, but enlarged their size) and a lunette, though a little larger than its predecessor, still retained the old-fashioned look that characterized were the most visible elements of this new restilización.
This decision clearly shows the new type of points taken in this version, much more spacious than before, although they can not be described as panoramic. The car, belonging to the company Mariano Moreno, borrowing from line 36 of Buenos Aires, was the last representative of this model that circulated in Buenos Aires. (Photo: Gabriel F. Chiacchio).
The design of the bezel, which well shows the school bus, is presented rather than outdated when compared to other contemporary models to it. However, it does not clash with the overall design, which retains the classic rounded at the time that went into production this model, had already begun to give way to angular shapes. (Photo: Gabriel F. Chiacchio).
Note the strange design of the entire windshield - vents of this group belonging to the traditional firm tandilense The Movediza: his oddly shaped and the windshield should match that this unit was designed, when new, some service that met by gravel roads, destroying traditional windshield. Many variants carroceras offered "to rubble" in their designs, but we believe that the Condor was the firm changed its original form unless to do so. (Photo: Hannibal F. Trasmonte).
The units built over Mercedes Benz LO-911 were much less numerous than those made on the eternal LO-1114. In the picture, a copy belonging to line 109 in Buenos Aires. (Photo: Courtesy Adrián Pérez Castro).
virtually no known copies made on the chassis Chevrolet C-50. In Buenos Aires, remember at least one circulating in line 60. This car, built in 1976, serves the Municipality of General Pueyrredón. Note the strange (and precarious aspect) of the whole windshield - vents, redesigned by force by the lower height of the hood on the most current Mercedes Benz LO-1114. (Photo: Adalberto Nogués).
to 1976, when a full change in style, with the advent of panoramic units by regulation. Between 1975 and 1977, all restructured their styling carroceras to adapt to new rules issued by decree. But El Condor maintained at any cost, far as he could, the old design. Although they were seen outdated for the products offered by other body-builders, many carriers were faithful to the Condor, mostly on the strength of their products.
But the time came to renew their styling limit and El Condor continued its longstanding practice of converting the model into production. If we analyze the first widescreen model, we reach the conclusion that there is nothing more than the previous model adaptation to the new regulations.
But that is another long story worth telling ...
Alejandro Scartaccini
January-February 2010
This note was made by research own.
Sources: Magazine Industry Carrocera Argentina, numbers, and years more. Special thanks to Jorge
Arcuri, Carlos and Pedro Camilo Sueiro Teisa for the valuable information provided.
Note the strange design of the entire windshield - vents of this group belonging to the traditional firm tandilense The Movediza: his oddly shaped and the windshield should match that this unit was designed, when new, some service that met by gravel roads, destroying traditional windshield. Many variants carroceras offered "to rubble" in their designs, but we believe that the Condor was the firm changed its original form unless to do so. (Photo: Hannibal F. Trasmonte).
The units built over Mercedes Benz LO-911 were much less numerous than those made on the eternal LO-1114. In the picture, a copy belonging to line 109 in Buenos Aires. (Photo: Courtesy Adrián Pérez Castro). virtually no known copies made on the chassis Chevrolet C-50. In Buenos Aires, remember at least one circulating in line 60. This car, built in 1976, serves the Municipality of General Pueyrredón. Note the strange (and precarious aspect) of the whole windshield - vents, redesigned by force by the lower height of the hood on the most current Mercedes Benz LO-1114. (Photo: Adalberto Nogués).
Despite the appearance of old-looking, stylistically speaking, had an acceptable level of production, especially bodywork on Mercedes Benz LO-1114. In addition, it produced an interesting item on Mercedes Benz LO-911 and a few Chevrolet C-50. We do not know if you drive a Ford chassis equipped. We
to 1976, when a full change in style, with the advent of panoramic units by regulation. Between 1975 and 1977, all restructured their styling carroceras to adapt to new rules issued by decree. But El Condor maintained at any cost, far as he could, the old design. Although they were seen outdated for the products offered by other body-builders, many carriers were faithful to the Condor, mostly on the strength of their products.
But the time came to renew their styling limit and El Condor continued its longstanding practice of converting the model into production. If we analyze the first widescreen model, we reach the conclusion that there is nothing more than the previous model adaptation to the new regulations.
But that is another long story worth telling ...
Alejandro Scartaccini
January-February 2010
This note was made by research own.
Sources: Magazine Industry Carrocera Argentina, numbers, and years more. Special thanks to Jorge
Arcuri, Carlos and Pedro Camilo Sueiro Teisa for the valuable information provided.
