The Clipper Flxible Badge

The Flxible Company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024, marking a century since the company built its first bus in 1924.  The main celebration, the Flxible & Converted Bus Centennial Summit was held from August 21-25, 2024 in Loudonville, Ohio featuring a parade of historic buses on August 24.  The event featured over 20 iconic Flxible buses, including a 1924 model from Canada and the 1947 Clipper used by the Goodyear Blimp. The celebration was organized by Flxible Owners International to honor the company.

The Flxible Co. (pronounced "flexible") was an American manufacturer of intercity coaches and transit buses.  Founded in 1913 in Loudonville, Ohio the company initially produced motorcycle sidecars before transitioning to buses in the 1920s.  Flxible was a major competitor to General Motors in the transit bus market and was one of the largest North American manufacturers during its peak.  

In 1919, the company dropped the first "E" in "flexible" and changed its name to The Flxible Company so the name could be trademarked.  Flxible was one of the largest transit-bus manufacturers in North America. 

The three primary, iconic intercity coach models produced by Flxible that defined their mid-century lineup were the Clipper (1937-1950), the VisiCoach (1950-1958) and the StarLiner (1957-1967).  These buses are recognized for their distinct design often featuring high-mounted driving positions and large panoramic windows in later models. 

The Clipper was known for its "Airway" style and early adoption of intercity design.  It featured smaller windows and a distinct front badge placement. 

The VisiCoach was introduced with larger, higher side windows and a flatter roof to improve visibility.

The Starliner was a later more modernized model that often featured a "rooftop eyebrow" window for increased light and a script version of the Flxible logo.

Other notable types produced included the "Airporter" (1946-1950) and the "Flxliner" (1963-1969).

1946 Flxible

"Blast From The Past"

"Born Feb 23 1947"

1947 Flxible Clipper

1947 Flxible Clipper Serial Number 7665

Port Clinton, Ohio

This Flxible was used as a mobile airship mooring mast and support vehicle for the Goodyear Blimp. It is often seen at aviation events previously served in a caravan with Goodyear Blimp operations and  has appeared at events such as the Props and Pistons Festival in Akron, Ohio. It represents 1940s transit and aviation support history often participating in celebrations related to the Flxible bus manufacturing history. 

On December 11, 2018 the newest arrival was a 1947 Flxible Bus.  John Lingafelter completed a multi-year restoration of the 71 year old vehicle.  Goodyear had three buses built by Flxible Corporation in 1946 and 1947 to support airship operation and of the three built, only the 1947 is known to have survived. The 1947 bus retired in 1966, sold and was converted into a private motorhome.  In 2014, John and Paulette Lingafelter purchased the bus to prevent it from being scrapped and began searching for someone who would have an interest in restoring the vehicle.  Later in 2014 the Liberty Aviation Museum learned the bus was available and asked Mr. Lingafelter to undertake the restoration project.  He was a skilled restorer of collectible cars and had a special interest in the Flxible bus.  Using his years of experience, he began the extensive restoration. Panels and components were fabricated and made to function as new.  Wiring and fuel tanks were replaced and numerous electrical gremlins were resolved.  Surprisingly the engine, transmission and other mechanical components required little attention.  The original 6-cylinder gasoline engine manufactured by Reo started easily and ran smoothly.  The 4-speed manual transmission shifted as it should and the brakes worked properly.  

This special Flxible bus is on display at the Liberty Aviation Museum and serves as a mobile ambassador for the museum.  

Located at the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton, Ohio (3515 East State Road) is the Tin Goose Diner.   The history of the diner is long and storied with the residents of Port Clinton laying claim to their share of the venerable tale.  The Tin Goose diner offers a wide range of food, mostly American cuisine and a casual atmosphere.  Diners are an American icon, serving plain fare at a reasonable price.  The Tin Goose is a wonderful representative of that history.  

1952 Flxible Visicoach

1950 Flxible Visicoach 

1955 Flxible

1954 Flxible Visicoach

1957 Flxible Starliner