Colour transparency; interior view of an RT-type bus, 1970-1980

The RT-type bus was the standard London bus from after the Second World War until it was replaced by Routemaster and Daimler Fleetline buses. The original design had been developed in 1939, but the war caused delays. Production started in 1947, and 7,000 were made by 1954. This made the RT the largest standardised fleet in the world. This photo highlights the RT seat upholstery. This design was introduced in 1947. This colour scheme - brown shades with pale green - was intended to coordinate with the colours inside the bus. In the right edge of the shot, the green-painted window-surround can just be seen. In the background is a brown-painted wall panel. On the upper decks of buses, off-white and brown colours were used which helped disguise the nicotine stains that would soon discolour the paintwork. Back then, smoking was allowed on the upper deck.