Optare CityPacer

The Optare CityPacer was a minibus body, typically seating 25, produced by Optare from 1985 to 1992. It was based on a Volkswagen LT55 van chassis which at the time was not available in the UK. It was only moderately successful due to its high price, with around 300 produced.

Its prominent feature was its large one-piece front windscreen, with large triangular quarterlights giving the impression that it wrapped around the sides of the body.

The CityPacer was supplemented but not replaced by the StarRider, based on the Mercedes 811D chassis. Both were replaced by the integral Optare MetroRider, which had been a competing design from MCW before Optare bought the rights to the design.