Optare Spectra
The Optare Spectra was a double-decker bus body built on the DAF (now VDL) DB250 chassis between 1991 and 2006.
| Optare Spectra | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Optare |
| Production | 1991–2006 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Doors | 1 or 2 |
| Floor type | Step entrance/Low floor |
| Chassis | DAF/VDL DB250 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | DAF |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 10.5m, 11m |
| Width | 2.5m |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | MCW Metrobus |
| Successor | Optare Olympus |
The vehicle was developed as a joint project between Optare and DAF; it was based on the designs of the successful MCW Metrobus, the design rights of which had been jointly purchased by DAF and Optare in 1989 following the collapse of Metro Cammell Weymann. With the launch of the DB250LF chassis sometime after production commenced, the Spectra was built to low-floor specification, and was one of the first low-floor double-decker buses available in the United Kingdom. The design is notable for the exclusion of a lower deck rear window, a practice that has become more commonplace. The bus typically seated 47 on the upper deck and 28 on the lower deck in single-door format.