The LO 1114 model is celebrating five decades since the start of production at the Mercedes-Benz Industrial Centre, located in Virrey del Pino, La Matanza district. Although this bus is now no longer manufactured, it’s typical for we Argentinians to reminisce about this classic and the feeling of nostalgia it continues to give. With its distinctive silhouette, colours, guards and "fileteado", it lent a picturesque vibe to the streets of Argentina for decades. The memory of this model still holds a special place in the minds of those who had the opportunity to travel in it.

The LO 1114 started its production in 1970 and its development was 100% local, using the base platform used for the L 1114 truck, which was already being manufactured in Argentina. During the LO 1114's production period, which ended in 1988, more than 29,000 of them were produced. Apart from being intended for the local market, this model was also exported to countries in the region, such as Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay and Bolivia.

From the start of its market launch, it achieved great sales success, being chosen by more than 90% of the country's transport companies thanks to its excellent performance and quality, as well as the technical innovations included.

The thousands of them produced, their total presence in the country and the millions of people they transported make the LO 1114 a true legend. This bus has left a legacy that continues to this day for both passengers and transport operators.

The LO 1114 was manufactured with 3 different wheelbases: 4200 mm, 4830 mm and 5170 mm (common name, /42, /48 and /51). It was equipped with a 145 HP OM 352 engine and a five-speed synchronised gearbox, enabling the vehicle to successfully negotiate urban traffic.

Its powertrain was comprised of a simple, robust and reliable set of mechanical components. The OM 352 direct-injection diesel engine with a cylinder capacity of 5675 cm3, 145 HP SAE at 2800 rpm and a torque of approximately 370 Nm at 2800 rpm, was followed by a single-disc clutch with a diameter of 280 mm and mechanical drive.

With regard to the gearbox, there were two versions throughout the production cycle. Both had 5 gears + 1 reverse gear. Initially, the G3/36 gearbox was fitted with a prime ratio of 8.98:1, followed by the G3/40 gearbox with a prime ratio of 7.5:1, which was more robust than its predecessor (400 Nm acceptance torque vs. 360 Nm in the previous version).

In 1982 the option with a 3-speed automatic gearbox was introduced, although the production volume was mostly with manual gearbox. Unlike the L 1114, which had a 2-speed rear axle (high and low), the LO 1114 used an axle developed and produced by Mercedes-Benz with the designation HL4/24 D-7.6 with a choice of 2 ratios 40:7 and 49:7 with a load capacity of 7.6 tonnes. The front axle was rigid with a load capacity of 5 tonnes.

The vehicle was created with a hydraulic brake system, servo-driven by compressed air, which was then changed to an air brake. The service brake was operated independently for each axle, whilst the spring-loaded parking brake could be released pneumatically. The complete system operated with a protective valve that had one great advantage: it could make any circuit experiencing a malfunction independent in order to keep the others operational. This safety concept is still used today in Mercedes-Benz truck and bus braking systems.