Close-up โ the name of the series by the Mercedes-Benz Museum says it all. Each instalment tells surprising, exciting,โฆ. Each instalment tells surprising, exciting, profound stories. To this end, it shines a spotlight on details of a vehicle, exhibit or element of architecture and design. In the spotlight this time: the Mercedes-Benz LO bus from Darling of the public: With its countless colourful details and motifs, the Mercedes-Benz LO almost magically attracts the eye in the Collection Room 1: Gallery of Voyagers โ because no other exhibit in the Mercedes-Benz Museum is as eye-catching as this colourful bus.
And then in XXL size to boot. Landmark: The LO comes from Argentina. This artistic tradition for passenger transport vehicles in Buenos Aires, with curlicues, garlands, flowers and symbols of bright colours, was created at the end of the 19th century. It was first used for decorating horse-drawn carriages. Later, buses continue the tradition, are part of the street scene of the Argentine capital for decades and are an attraction for tourists.
Just like another Argentinian tradition back in the tango. Cosmopolitan: The LO is one of the popular short-nosed vehicles built by Mercedes-Benz from the s onwards as trucks and for export as buses. They are considered indestructible and are treasured the world over. Their friendly face with round headlamps, curved wings and the large Mercedes star in the radiator grille makes for a likeable appearance.
The bus in the Mercedes-Benz Museum has a total weight of eleven tonnes. A total of 5, LO s are produced between and They run in the streets of the capital at times that can be relied upon and constitute the backbone of local public transport.
The colourful design also serves as advertising: because on the lucrative routes through the Argentine capital there is not just one entrepreneurial community but several groups competing with each other. Each and every driver uses conspicuousness and appealing popularity to attract as many passengers as possible, which means money in the bank. Expenditure: Prieto has the vehicle customised both inside and out.
