The
Pegaso Z-403 Monocasco was a two-level
monocoque
Monocoque ( ), also called structural skin, is a structural system in which loads are supported by an object's external skin, in a manner similar to an egg shell. The word ''monocoque'' is a French term for "single shell".
First used for boats, ...
(chassisless)
coach, fitted with a
diesel engine
The diesel engine, named after the German engineer Rudolf Diesel, is an internal combustion engine in which Combustion, ignition of diesel fuel is caused by the elevated temperature of the air in the cylinder due to Mechanics, mechanical Compr ...
asymmetrically mounted amidships, designed in 1949 and built in Spain by
Enasa between 1951 and 1957.
The first Z-403 body design dates back to 1949. It brought notable contributions to passenger service for its safety and comfort and was considered an "auto-
pullman" by virtue of its great comfort and its amenities. In the standard version it was equipped with radio, bar, and a small bookcase.
The Z-403 featured a single chassisless structure which allowed a better use of space, with all the mechanical units located in the underside of the vehicle, isolated from the passenger compartment.
Its split-level deck greatly improved the passengers' view and allowed for considerable luggage space. Its concept answered to the creation of a vehicle with a total length of , capable of transporting 30 to 45 seated persons depending on the comfort desired, and with good visibility. For greatest comfort, independent front-wheel suspension was used, with transverse arms and torsion bars.
The high resistance to flexion and torsion of the single-structure was ensured by the elements which made up the monocoque: the exterior covering of light, easily changeable metal panels. The ceiling and even the ornamental band under the windows were also structurally important parts. The body was made of steel profiles covered laterally with thick steel sheets combined with thick corrugated sheets of light alloy. The roof was made entirely of light alloy.
The Pegaso Diesel engine with was mounted in the central part of the vehicle, in the space under the half top deck, providing good weight distribution and high stability. Also offered was the possibility of a petrol version of . The petrol-fuelled version never got past the prototype stage, due to its high fuel consumption.
The Z-403 was developed and produced in the Pegaso plant in
Barcelona
Barcelona ( ; ; ) is a city on the northeastern coast of Spain. It is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, as well as the second-most populous municipality of Spain. With a population of 1.6 million within c ...
, and it is believed that a total of around 50 units were sold. Primary customers were
Iberia
The Iberian Peninsula ( ), also known as Iberia, is a peninsula in south-western Europe. Mostly separated from the rest of the European landmass by the Pyrenees, it includes the territories of peninsular Spain and Continental Portugal, compri ...
and
Aviaco airlines and Atesa tour operator.
Film appearance
In the final scene of
Orson Welles
George Orson Welles (May 6, 1915 – October 10, 1985) was an American director, actor, writer, producer, and magician who is remembered for his innovative work in film, radio, and theatre. He is among the greatest and most influential film ...
's 1955 film
Mr. Arkadin, a pair of Pegaso Z-403 coaches appear prominently close to an aircraft in an airport (actually, Madrid
Barajas airport, the coaches belonging to
Iberia airlines).
See also
*
PD-4501 Scenicruiser
Bibliography
Lage, Manuel. Hispano-Suiza/Pegaso. Madrid 1992. {{ISBN, 84-7782-236-0
Coaches (bus)
Buses of Spain