A showpiece of the past will be a highlight of the IBC trade show in Amsterdam next month. With the kind support of RTPs museum in Lisbon, BTS broadcast technology solutions will exhibit a fully functional vintage OB van built in 1957 to demonstrate the historic roots of the company as well as of the industry.
The historic OB van was ordered by RTP, the Portuguese public broadcaster, and built in Darmstadt, Germany. The Mercedes Benz Model LP-312/36, carrying the Portuguese licence plate number GD-61-21, has a six-cylinder Diesel engine with 110 horse power and a maximum speed of 76 km. It was especially conceived and modified to allow TV coverage of outside events. Equipped with the most advanced technology of the time and being a truly mobile studio, it was the first vehicle of its kind in Portugal.
On 9 February 1958 the first exterior broadcast was made from this vehicle – the football match between Sporting Lisbon and FC Austria at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
The van was in service from 1957 to 1980.
As a result of an agreement between RTP and Mercedes Benz Portugal, the vehicle was completely renovated in 2006. It is the only example of its kind in Europe.
Still equipped with the majority of the original televisual equipment, RTP’s first exterior vehicle is a highlight at RTP’s Museum and Document Office.
Its restoration took more than a year to complete and required profound mechanical, electrical and plate recuperation. Most of the interior and exterior appliances were also restored or substituted, including materials made from wood, which made up a great part of the interior, as well as the bodywork. Upholstery and fillings were also lovingly restored using the original material.
RTP’s Engineering and Technology Directorship later supplied the relevant TV equipment, keeping as faithful as possible to the era.
For more information about the van go to http://museu.rtp.pt/#/en/carro
