The UNOFFICIAL Web Site

Photo Gallery

DAF DB250, Optare Spectra

A one-off arrival in 1999, was a DAF DB250 with Optare Spectra bodywork from Optare. However, this vehicle has a bit of a story behind it. It was originally part of an export order for a Turkish operator and was left hand drive with dual door bodywork. However, this particular vehicle wasn't required and sat languishing in Optare's Leeds factory for a couple of years. Ipswich heard of the Spectra and bought it after Optare had converted it back to single-door and right hand drive.

Most people thought that that would be the last double-deck vehicle purchased new, but in late-2000, three DAF DB250's arrived with Optare Spectra bodywork, this time the low-floor version for the new Bury Road Park & Ride.

More photos of the P&R Spectras can be seen on the Articles page

	P442 SWX - This is the Turkish reject, talked about above! As you can see, it looks right at home here in Ipswich, and is pictured at Tower Ramparts on 18th Dec 200, on its usual 2/9/10 cycle. Photo: Peter Horrex
X153 LBJ - Ever wondered what is under the bodywork? Well, this shot at Optare's Crossgates Factory shows 53 "naked"! Photo: Simon Barnett
	X151 LBJ - Minor teething problems with the 51-53 batch caused them to be sent to Bury St.Edmunds for remedial work. Hence, Mark Pitman was a bit surprised to find this one sitting in Northern Way in Bury in October 2000! Photo: Mark Pitman
X153 LBJ - only a few days after entering service, 53 is now seen fully bodied, and in Ipswich's Upper Brook Street on the 801. Photo: Peter Horrex