DETROIT DIESEL 6N71 426D-SERIES GILLIGS
Powered by the Detroit Diesel model 6N-71 engine, the 426D was one of Gillig's alternatives to Cummins in the mid-ship engine offering. It was also a popular model for California school districts who were familiar with Detroit two-stroke diesel engines. Like the 6V53 rear-engine, the Detroit 6N71 configuration produced a distinct exhaust note.
NORTH FORK UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BUS NO. N-2 - CALIFORNIA STATE
This Gillig, long a feature of the "Miscellaneous Gilligs" page, has now been properly identified. It was originally featured as "Bus of the Month" at the now-defunct School Bus Yard website in November of 1997. The photos immediately following are from its Bus of the Month pictorial, as well as photos from Big Jim's Antique Trucks Photo Gallery on MSN Groups, both of whom allowed their use of these photos on this website.
The second set of photos, which led to the proper identification, were sent to me by Richard Solano of School Bus Central. The bus is a 1960 Gillig 426D-11 with a Detroit 6N71 and a Fuller RT910 10-speed, and is owned by Gary L. Blair of Ivyland, Pennsylvania.
LAKE WASHINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT BUS - WASHINGTON STATE
This bus, whose number nor serial number is known, was last known to be in a field for sale in John Day, Oregon. At the time these photos surfaced on the internet via a listing on Craigslist, this bus was being investigated for a possible purchase. It is missing its seats and a few other details, but is otherwise intact. (Photos added January 23, 2007)
FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BUS NO. 36 - CALIFORNIA STATE
This Gillig, operated by Fresno Unified School District, was one of 24 Gilligs purchased with identical specifications. The specifications included drywall bodyside construction and aluminum body panels. Each were equipped with Allison automatic transmissions and were purchased for only $50 less than Crown SuperCoaches that were comparably equipped.
UNIDENTIFIED GILLIG - WASHINGTON STATE
This bus, photographed here several years ago at Northwest Bus Sales in Fife, Washington, is a 1978 Gillig with a Detroit 6N71T. No other details are known about this bus, and the photos were sourced from the advertisement for it at Northwest Bus Sales in 2003. (Photos added November 20, 2006)
OCEANSIDE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT - CALIFORNIA STATE
This bus, photographed here several years ago at Northwest Bus Sales in Fife, Washington, is a 1978 Gillig with a Detroit 6N71T. No other details are known about this bus, and the photos were sourced from the advertisement for it at Northwest Bus Sales in 2003. (Photos added November 20, 2006)
