Midland Red desired the high seating capacity of double-deckers being produced by other builders but did not favour the rear-engined concept after its experience of pre-war prototypes. In 1960 Midland Red once again astonished the industry by accommodating the new BMMO 10.5 litre engine below the floor while retaining enough ground clearance and headroom in both saloons within a sensible overall height. Midland Red's solution was to turn the engine round so that the cylinder heads faced towards the centre of the vehicle. The semi-auto gearbox was assembled with the engine and a further train of gears behind the gearbox permitted drive to the rear axle via a slightly angled propellor shaft. Chassisless construction, power steering, rubber suspension, and disc brakes completed the package. Sadly only two were produced and, as Midland Red production declined in the 1960s due to staff shortages, the company bought Daimler Fleetlines to meet its requirements for large buses. The D10 thus was the zenith of Midland Red engineering.

The first D10, no 4943, entered service in January 1961 at Birmingham's Digbeth garage. It moved to Bearwood garage in March to continue its trials and in April to Sheepcote Street, Birmingham, where it was joined by second prototype 4944. In May 1961 the pair transferred to Hartshill (Brierley Hill). They spent a few weeks in Leicester early in 1964 but, in April of that year, they moved to Stafford for the rest of their operational lives. 4943 was officially withdrawn in July 1972 although it had been stored since the previous December. It was purchased in September 1972 by an enthusiast who also had the foresight to acquire the engine and gearbox from 4944. 4943 passed to the Museum in April 1979 and, despite its unassuming appearance, is one of our most important exhibits.