That is one short bus!
I got a short bus and it is in the gallery in 1954. It is also in the link below.
I am not sure if this bus has been shortened, the reasoning being:
1. Look at the mayberry school district sign, it 'fits' the panel.
2. The wheel cut outs appear to be symetrical, equal.
3. I saw a picture of short bus like this I think on google under short bus or vintage bus or vintage school transportation.
4. Maybe it was the same bus.
There have been several short buses on ebay in teh past few years.
