First Iranpeyma-built bus, 1963, with Lutfollah Namdari Zandi at the wheel

Heritage Archive

Nearly a Century on Iran's Roads

From the Amir Kabir garage to Magirus and Mercedes-Benz O302 production — the real Iranpeyma story in archival photographs.

Founded in Tehran

Trademark registered

First body built in-house

Years of passenger service

Last O302 production

Four eras of Iranpeyma

Each chapter marks a step toward becoming a symbol of intercity travel in Iran.

1948–1961
Born on the Road
Iranpeyma began as a passenger transport company. In the 1950s, imported buses — Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet, and wooden bodies on truck chassis — crossed Iran's highways. Benz chassis arrived from Beirut; drivers would pilot them to Iran with a small wooden cab bolted to the front.
- The 'Cadillac-tail' Chevrolet body — wooden frame, steel skin
- Iranpeyma coaches and foreign tourists in the 1950s
- Mercedes-Benz on the Kandovan/Chalus mountain road
1948–1961
Born on the Road
Iranpeyma began as a passenger transport company. In the 1950s, imported buses — Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet, and wooden bodies on truck chassis — crossed Iran's highways. Benz chassis arrived from Beirut; drivers would pilot them to Iran with a small wooden cab bolted to the front.
The 'Cadillac-tail' Chevrolet body — wooden frame, steel skin
Iranpeyma coaches and foreign tourists in the 1950s
Mercedes-Benz on the Kandovan/Chalus mountain road
1962–1965
The Factory Years
After 15 years of passenger service, Lutfollah Namdari Zandi proposed entering bus manufacturing in 1962. The first body launched in 1963 on a Magirus-Deutz chassis. The 1964 high-window model followed in 1964, then luxury and de-luxe variants in 1965 — the latter with onboard restrooms.
- First Iranpeyma-built body — Magirus-Deutz 1963
- Featured in Kayhan newspaper — 12 September 1963
- Photographed outside Tehran Hilton — 'The Hilton and a German bus were my dream'
1962–1965
The Factory Years
After 15 years of passenger service, Lutfollah Namdari Zandi proposed entering bus manufacturing in 1962. The first body launched in 1963 on a Magirus-Deutz chassis. The 1964 high-window model followed in 1964, then luxury and de-luxe variants in 1965 — the latter with onboard restrooms.
First Iranpeyma-built body — Magirus-Deutz 1963
Featured in Kayhan newspaper — 12 September 1963
Photographed outside Tehran Hilton — 'The Hilton and a German bus were my dream'
1960s–90s
The Mercedes-Benz O302 Era
The O302 body followed the Magirus super de-luxe and remained in production for decades — the coach most Iranians remember. Red Kashan velvet seats were built in-house. With 32 seats, 15 cm extra width, and a separate AC unit, Iranpeyma coaches outclassed rivals.
- Exclusive red velvet seats — made at the Iranpeyma factory
- Custom liveries for regional transport companies
- Final model unveiled at Tehran Auto Show 1995
1960s–90s
The Mercedes-Benz O302 Era
The O302 body followed the Magirus super de-luxe and remained in production for decades — the coach most Iranians remember. Red Kashan velvet seats were built in-house. With 32 seats, 15 cm extra width, and a separate AC unit, Iranpeyma coaches outclassed rivals.
Exclusive red velvet seats — made at the Iranpeyma factory
Custom liveries for regional transport companies
Final model unveiled at Tehran Auto Show 1995
1980–Today
Transition and Legacy
From 1980, cooperative transport companies replaced private operators. After 32 years, Iranpeyma's passenger service ended — but the second generation kept manufacturing alive. Seventeen cooperatives became customers. A mid-1960s visit to Hungary's Csepel factory reflected the company's international outlook.
- Passenger service ended; manufacturing continued
- 17 cooperative companies as bus customers
- O302 production until 1997
1980–Today
Transition and Legacy
From 1980, cooperative transport companies replaced private operators. After 32 years, Iranpeyma's passenger service ended — but the second generation kept manufacturing alive. Seventeen cooperatives became customers. A mid-1960s visit to Hungary's Csepel factory reflected the company's international outlook.
Passenger service ended; manufacturing continued
17 cooperative companies as bus customers
O302 production until 1997

Founders and the second generation

Mohammadreza Namdari Zandi

Founder — visionary ideas ahead of their time

Lutfollah Namdari Zandi

Co-founder of the bus factory — championed in-house production

Haj Mohammad Namdari Zandi

Amir Kabir office manager — discipline and hard work

Shahrokh & Shahram Namdari Zandi

Second generation — continued O302 production through the 1990s

Iranpeyma coaches had separate AC units and seated 32 — National's held 27. We added 15 cm to the width and widened the seats. Passengers and owners preferred our coaches.

— From the memoir of Shahram Namdari Zandi