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Optare built over 600 examples of the Excel between 1995 and 2004 (inc), sandwiched between the Sigma on 'step entrance' Dennis Lance chassis and the Tempo.
Reading Buses was a major customer, taking 48 (numbered 901-45 & 961-3) between 1997 and 2000, split over several batches. The first 45 were 11.5m examples, whilst the final three were 11.8m. When the batch of seven delivered in Autumn 1998 (925-31) came up for withdrawal and sale in late 2009, five found their way to South Wales operators in early 2010. New Adventure Travel received three and South Wales Transport received S926/30 LBL, plus older R916 SJH.
They initially entered service in Reading's cream, maroon and turquoise livery, and this gave way to all-over white before green was applied to their skirts and cove panels. This is illustrated by S930 LBL as she is captured on the West Way Metro Track in October 2010 during the 18 months that Swansea Bus Station was closed for re-development and Tesco funded a free service between its store and the temporary City Centre terminus points.
The trio passed to Ensignbus in early 2012, and S930 LBL was subsequently sold to P&O Ferries for foot passenger use at Dover Port. R916 SJH and S926 LBL were presumably sold by Ensignbus for scrap.
First West of England 33506 (LK08FKY) is seen at Portishead, Combe Road on "Excel" route X4.
Formerly First London DN33506 and First Leicester 33506.
The Lotus Excel was made between 1982 and 1992. It is based on the 1975 Lotus Eclat and is powered by a 2.2-litre, four cylinder engine.
Blackpool Transport Optare Excel 221 (T884 RBR) is seen stored inside the tram depot at Rigby Road on 24th January 2016.
There is a rumour that this bus might see further service........
1108 had arrived via the take over of Williamsons service work,one of those was the 576 route to Oswestry where i had taken this photograph on my last day at Arriva 27/3/02.1108 was later transfered to Swanlincote together with 1109
New to Harris Bus of Grays, Optare Excel P321 KAR later operated for East Thames Buses and South Gloucestershire of Patchway before ending up at this dealer in October 2009. It later passed to Thomsons of Ringway but was broken for spares in 2011. Next to it is parked Volvo / Wright M531 WHF that had latterly been with Arriva North West in Liverpool.
Optare Excel R208DKG had been new to Cardiff in 1997 but soon passed to Reading Buses and then on to Eastbourne Buses. It had also spent time with South Gloucestershire of Patchway, but it's final PSV owner before this shot at a dealer in October 2009 had been Red Arrow of Huddersfield. It was not to operate again and was scrapped before 2011.
Next to it is Dennis Dart / Alexander K109 XHG which had been new to United Counties before passing to GTL in Merseyside and then A2Z of Walsall.
Notts+Derby Optare Excel 259 seen on the D1 today. Formerly a Skyline excel, along with sister bus 258, will they survive the upcoming DDA law deadline?
Excel No 266 now based at Langley Mill, on the 'donkey' run shuttle to Heanor market leaving the garage. Mon 12th May 2014.
Trentbarton Optare Excel 263 Y263 DRC still looks good in Sutton in Ashfield working the 141 on 09-07-15.
The Lotus Excel was made between 1982 and 1992. It is based on the 1975 Lotus Eclat and is powered by a 2.2-litre, four cylinder engine.
A surprise at a very local show, another Excel.I didn't get to catch the owner at this time, but he is now a friend.
A very tidy example, with a few individual touches and modifications.
Spotted a long while ago by . [https://www.flickr.com/photos/47381765@N04]. See comment.
East exit/entrance the the ExCel Convention Centre. It is part of the ExCel Phase II development, designed by Grimshaw.
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The only Optare Excel that is still operating out of Trentbarton's Sutton Depot 261 Y261 DRC, is seen near Nottingham City Hospital working the 141 on 05-08-16.
The slot for the fourth Olympian on service 1 turned out to be filled in by this Excel, 216 (T216 HCW), which is (I believe) the last remaining native example in the fleet - there are others from Go-Ahead and Reading still in use. I don't know if this was just done for some variety, or if this one is about to be withdrawn as well, but it was certainly turned out nicely for the event.