The Dennis Loline was a low-height double-decker bus manufactured by Dennis between 1958 and 1966.
History
The Dennis Loline was basically a license-built Bristol Lodekka, being primarily supplied to municipal, private sector British Electric Traction fleets and independent bus companies in the United Kingdom, during a period when Bristol's sales were restricted to state-owned bus companies.Four New Dennis Three Lorries and a Bus Commercial Motor 24 August 1956A Lower Loline Commercial Motor 29 August 1958
Production was to cease in 1962, however this was quickly reversed and it continued to be made until 1966.Loline output to end Commercial Motor 8 December 1961Loline Back on the Market Commercial Motor 7 December 1962A double-decker comeback by Dennis Commercial Motor 19 March 1976
Three versions of the Dennis Loline were built: the Loline with rear entrance, Loline II with front entrance and the later Loline III with a revised front grille in front of the radiator and a different clutch and constant mesh gearbox.Dennis Loline Bus Lists on the WebDennis Loline II Bus Lists on the WebDennis Loline III Bus Lists on the Web
In 1961, Barton Transport commissioned No. 861, which had lowbridge bodywork on a Loline chassis, and was the lowest ever roofed British double-decker. It was specially designed to pass under an ultra low railway bridge at Sawley Junction, now , station.
Aldershot & District Traction operated the largest number of Dennis Loline buses, with 141. Other major customers included North Western Road Car Co. (50), Reading (26) and Walsall (17).
China Motor Bus in Hong Kong put one Dennis Loline into service in 1963. It was the first double-decker bus on Hong Kong Island.
References
Further reading Brown, S. (2013). The Lodekka Alternatives. Ian Allan Publishing.
External links
Aldershot & District Bus Interest Group