The 550s were built in the company shops in the late 1930s (except for the 551) after other companies were buying PCCs at this time. All of the cars were sold to Companhia Municipal de Transportes Coletivos of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Feb 28, 1947.

551 was the first and was built by Brill in 1936. It was a prototype based on the Peter Witt design. All aluminum alloy, it originally had PCM control, but it was later changed to K35. It was the only car of the group with a trolley pole, but it was later rebuilt to the standard features of the other cars.

552 thru 555 were built in the company shops in 1937 and were aluminum alloy construction. 554 was painted buff and 555 was in natural aluminum covered in varnish.

556 thru 600 were built by TARS in 1938 and were aluminum alloy construction. 563 had a buff paint scheme for awhile.

601 was built in the company shops in 1936 and 602 thru 625 were built in 1937. They were lightweight steel and were distinguised by their rib sides. They were over 3000 pounds heavier than the aluminum alloy cars.

AMDG

4/23/2000