The X-type was the first bus built by London General Omnibus Co. Ltd (LGOC).
The combined company, using the "General" fleetname, had a fleet of 885 motor buses, although horse-buses remained common.
The Chief Motor Engineer, Frank Searle, proposed the LGOC build its own vehicles in the former Vanguard premises at Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow,[1] and designs for an initial 20 were put underway.
The prototype vehicle was completed on 12 August 1909 and received its police licence just before Christmas.
The bodywork resembled that of the last horse-bus designs, with an open top deck and seats that ran longitudinally along the sides.