Optare Vecta
The Optare Vecta was a step-entrance single-decker bus body that was built on MAN chassis by Optare of Leeds, England between 1991 and 1997.[1] The Vecta was largely similar to the Delta body on the DAF SB220, but had a straight front end with a separately mounted destination display. Most were based on the 11.190 chassis, but there were also two built on the less powerful 11.180. The Vecta is built for medium-length chassis whereas the Sigma is built for full length chassis as the Dennis Lance chassis.
Optare Vecta | |
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An Optare Vecta operating with HTL Buses of Liverpool. It was originally an Optare demonstrator. | |
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Optare |
Production | 1991–1997 |
Assembly | Leeds, England |
Body and chassis | |
Doors | 1 door |
Floor type | Step entrance |
Chassis | MAN 11.180/11.190 |
Powertrain | |
Engine | MAN (original) Cummins (re-engines) |
Capacity | 31 to 39 seated |
Transmission | ZF automatic |
Dimensions | |
Length | 10200mm |
Width | 2500mm |
Height | 3000mm |
Chronology | |
Successor | Optare Excel |
Operators
A total of 130 were built, with the biggest customer being United Automobile Services with 51, including the first two.[2] Trent Buses[3] took 15, while Reading Buses[4] bought 13, including the two 11.180s. Other significant customers included London bus operators Westlink[5] and R & I Tours (eight and five respectively), Scottish coach operator Hutchison of Overtown[6] (seven) and Crosville Cymru[7], Black Prince of Morley[8] and Tillingbourne of Cranleigh[9] (four each).
Second-hand
The United and Crosville Cymru vehicles were subsequently operated by Arriva North East, with some having their MAN engines replaced by Cummins power units.
See also
References
- "Optare Vecta citybus unveiled". Commercial Motor Archive. 14 March 1991. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
- "Optare Vectas for Teesside". Commercial Motor. 10 October 1991. p. 22. Archived from the original on 16 July 2019. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
- may, steve. "(image) M810 PRA". Archived from the original on 6 July 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
- Walton, Tim. "(image) 802 K802DCF Reading Buses Optare Vecta - North Weald". Archived from the original on 6 July 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
- Bowerbank, Mark. "(image) Westlink Optare Vecta (MAN 11.190) VA6 N286DWY in Kingston". Archived from the original on 6 July 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
- Devoy, David. "(image) HUTCHISON'S OF OVERTOWN L23WGA". Archived from the original on 6 July 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
- "(image) Crosville Wales Optare Vecta M 504 AJC". Archived from the original on 6 July 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
- Pridden, Lewis. "(image) Preserved M73 WYG MAN 11.190 Optare Vecta". Archived from the original on 6 July 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
- Wadman, Michael. "(image) Tillingbourne-P105CPJ-Guildford-080798b". Archived from the original on 6 July 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
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