C 76
Photo: J.F.Higham

The C class was introduced in 1935. C1 started work on Central Area route 237 and, except for C76, preceded the others in the class by a considerable period. The class was based on the Leyland Cub four-wheel chassis with a Leyland six cylinder diesel engine rated at 27.3 hp. Its introduction was prompted by a demand for buses of smaller capacity to work in the Country area where conditions did not permit, and the traffic did not demand, a vehicle of normal size.
The L.P.T.B. also took over interstation bus working in the City (on behalf of the mainline railways) from a private contractor, and provided special C class buses for the service. (C106-C113). These vehicles were based on the Leyland "Cub" chassis with a petrol engine. The special body had a so-called "observation" rear section, where the rear seats were raised on a platform, and the space underneath was used for luggage storage. These interstation vehicles sported a special blue and cream livery.

Coachwork was by the following builders:
C1 - L.P.T.B. Chiswick.
C2-C75 - Short Brothers.
C76 - acquired from Charles Russett & Son, "St Albans and District."
C77-C98 - Metro-Cammell-Weymann.
# C99-C105 were built as Leyland Cub lorries.
C106-C113 - Park Royal Coachworks Ltd.