Chicago Motor Coach Company early 1960's era GMC fishbowl windshield bus # 414 in downtown Chicago Illinois. November 1980?

Chicago Motor Coach Company early 1960's era GMC fishbowl windshield bus # 414 in downtown Chicago Illinois. November 1980?
Originally uploaded by Eddie from Chicago

I spotted this historic photo on the internet recently.

Although the bus has markings for the pre 1952 Chicago Transit Authority predecessor company known as The Chicago Motor Coach Company in this 1980 photo...I somewhat doubt the validity of it's origins.

The Chicago transit Authority was formed in 1945, but did not begin actual operations until 1947 when the money was raised to acquire the Chicago Surface Linees Company ( Streetcars and some buses.), and the Chicago Rapid Transit Company.

The CTA acquired The Chicago Motor Coach Company in the year of 1952, and gradually painted their buses in CTA colors and markings during the first few years or so of CTA operations.

The bus model shown here, was introduced by the General Motors Corp in 1959. hese buses with their large Fishbowl Windshields, were refered to as "New Look GM's".

Except for the red stripe and Chicago Motor Coach Company makings, the paint scheme is modified early 1960's era CTA. This bus could have possibly been painted in to a "Heritage" color scheme honoring the pre 1952 predecessor company, or may have been painted this way for a movie assignment or public relations event.

The CTA acquired their last "New" GM fishbowl windshield buses around 1977, and retired the last ones from service in 1996.