CC’ers in North America may have came across this bus in the late 90’s or early 2000’s – it’s an Advanced Bus Industries (ABI) TSV 30 – a mid-sized, low floor coach used by only a few operators. Though it failed to catch on, it does have an interesting “backstory” – where most buses started out as transportation models that were later adapted for recreational and motor home use, the MSV/TSV took the opposite path…
In the early-90’s, Andy Mauck was looking at the executive limousine market, and identified a niche – the then current executive sedans; the Lincoln Town car, Cadillac DeVille, Mercedes S Class or BMW 7 series, were all essentially 5 or 6 passenger vehicles. If corporations wanted to carry more people, they were mostly limited to limousine conversions of those sedans or some type of existing body-on-frame van. Mauck thought he could create an alternative – a vehicle larger than a van that could hold 8-10 executives in luxurious surroundings and comfort – and that would also be uniquely styled. Thus was born the Mauck Special Vehicle (MSV) 1120 – “1” stood for model number, , “12” for the wheelbase (in ft), and “0” (or other number) was used to denote various option packages.
Mauck set up a factory in Worthington Ohio, a suburb of my home town of Columbus. He partnered and received expertise from nearby Custom Coach Corporation – one of the largest bus conversion companies in North America. The MSV was 25 feet long, 96 inches wide, constructed with a carbon steel frame and fitted with fiberglass body panels. The suspension used air bags for a smooth ride. Styling was very modern, with low floors and semi-gullwing front doors. Two powertrains were offered; a GM 7.4 liter Vortec gas V8 or a 5.9 liter Cummins 6 cylinder diesel – both mounted in a “T” configuration in the rear. GVWR was around 13,500 lbs.
While the body and some other components were unique, Mauck was able to tap into the existing supplier network for other items – some you may recognize; headlights were from the Ford Aeromax conventional tractor, the taillights from the Jeep Grand Cherokee, fog lights from the Dodge Viper, and the windshield wipers from the Toyota Previa.
Interiors could be designed however the customer desired – most were outfitted for executive transport and as mobile offices. Prices reflected this attention to detail, with most retailing for around $200K.
In 1998 Mauck sold the company to a group of investors who renamed it Advanced Bus Industries. Looking to expand beyond the executive limousine market, they modified the MSV and developed two low floor, mid-sized urban transit coaches; one 25 feet and the other 30 feet – named TSV 25 and TSV 30.
Gillig Advantage (30 feet)
Eldorado Transmark RE (30 Feet)
Ford Econoline 21 Pax Cutaway
However, competition in the mid-sized market was much fiercer than the company envisioned – Gillig had its 30 ft Advantage model along with the 30 foot Transmark RE by Eldorado. Then there were the ubiquitous (and cheap) “cutaways” – vans with aftermarket bus bodies. Consequently, only five cities purchased TSVs, one being the hometown of Columbus (COTA).
Passengers initially gave them high marks for their low step-in height and smooth air suspension ride. However, operators quickly discovered the TSV’s were not heavy-duty vehicles built to withstand the daily grind of an urban transit bus. Columbus in particular had to constantly replace the front windshields as they would routinely shatter with the continuous pounding over rough pavement. Most didn’t make it to five years of use before they were sold off.
But you can still see an occasional MSV/TSV on the road – their unique styling makes them easy to spot. And if you’re an admirer, well, this one is for sale – just $50K. Looks like a nice, stylish motor home for the well-off couple…
Or, if you have a little more set aside (over $100K) , Andy Mauck is still partnering with Custom Coach and is marketing his Mauck2, built off the Mercedes Sprinter chassis…
Sweet looking buses. It’s a shame that they were never built for transit use. I find them more attractive than either the Gillig Advantage or the Eldorado Transmark. And quality of the product should take priority over initial cost of purchase.
That is an amazing motor home platform! Would love to build on something like that.
The stresses of a daily commuter would not abide well with that build as it is a light duty chassis. But for a motor home that low floor with proper ceiling height would be tremendous! Just add a slide or 2 and you’d have it all.
This 2001 ABI was converted by Custom Coach, then rfitted in 2014 by GVSCO co. Full queen bed and full kitchen, hopped up ISB pushed 400 HP.
Vehicle sold to a gentleman from California.
Here is the completed interior of the 2001 ABI “Le Mirage”
plenty of head hgt, at 7 feet… 90 gal! water tank, 7500KW onan genset and full heated marble flooring……
I have never seen one of these! However, I think the interior shot is from one of the Sprinter-based models.
Definitely a Sprinter dash anyway. I know them depressingly well.
You’re right – thanks – I got them switched – fixed now. Jim.
If I ever knew these existed, I’ve long forgotten.
The history of making a unique executive transport is not good; it’s a lot cheaper to tart up an existing van/bus. And the history of using vehicles designed for private use in transit use is even much worse. That never seems to work out.
Very interesting — I’ve never seen one of these. Too bad the concept didn’t work out, because it looks like much more appealing of a ride than a standard small-city transit bus.
And I’m very surprised that the gullwing-style doors made it into the transit-bus version.
I’ll now have to keep my eyes out for an example at campgrounds; I’d love to see one in action.
Jim, as always I learn something new when I read your articles.
This probably isn’t the right place for this, but there are some shots of PCC cars and older in the slideshow on this page, as well as some CC’s from various decades…http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/The-very-wet-Streets-of-San-Francisco-vintage-10838113.php
Might be good article fodder for someone.
Those are great pics Speedy – thanks for sharing. Jim.
Interesting article. It seems (the transit version anyway) like a home-grown Toyota Coaster alternative. The Coaster does get used for some transit roles, doesn’t it, as the size is right in there? I swear I’ve been on a few in Japan (and/or Hong Kong?) beyond just airport shuttles and liked them a lot, apparently a new model is due to be released this month.
Yep, you’re correct Jim – they are used for some transit duties but at least here in Japan, the Hino Poncho I think has it beat in that market. I didn’t know a new Coaster was coming out this month – thanks for the heads-up. Jim.
Oddly enough, I was reading an article about the tsv not long ago. Wonder why the silver one has a vauxhall logo?
That’s a good question Adam – that particular picture is of a Mauck that was for sale at a Mecum auction in Kansas City in 2014 – but I did read that quite a few Maucks were sold overseas so perhaps this one went over to Europe and somehow got into the Vauxhall retail chain before returning stateside… Jim.
Interesting vehicle, never seen one. Thanks for posting!
As a former bus driver, I have to notice that one of the awkward things about this coach is that the passenger door is so far towards the rear. I’m not sure where the fare box would go, but positioning the bus accurately at the curb and checking passenger fares would be challenging. Plus, lots of wasted space in front of the door next to the driver.
Very interesting-looking vehicle, and the semi-gullwing doors give it an extra bit of unique.
Also, both the civilian version of this vehicle, and the SAAB posted immediately before it, have 3-spoke wheels.
Hello my name is Kevin and I just purchased a 2002 MSV and according to the VIN number it’s the next to the last one that was made by Mauck original company in which 92 of them was made from what I was told. Just trying to find groups that are sharing information on these special vehicles. I’m needing all information that I can get, manuals, diagrams, things of such. Thanks!!!
Do you still have your MSV? I’m looking at one. Can we talk?
Mark at 409-351-1577
Kevin Williams,
I own two TSV-30, and a complete Manual on the vehicle.
Contact me please.
Robert Keating
robert.b.keating@icloud.com
424-257-7251
I was the president of ABI from 1998 to 2002. The TSV 30’ was designed for the transit industry and was not a body on chassis. It was a monocoque construction with a stainless steel frame and fiberglass skin. The MSV Mauck vehicles were initially built with mild steel frames but the last 50 were stainless. The biggest problem was the tag axle that was added to the design when they found the original design was overweight and added the tag to compensate. Unfortunately they did not realize that the NHTSA brake standards required that the tag must have brakes! We discovered this after the last vehicle shipped.
I’m interested in a Mauck RV if any is for sale. Allard62@aol.com
These buses are so sexy!