Optare Solo luxury motorhome bus conversion

For sale is my converted 2006 Optare Solo Slimline 7.8m ex-council bus – a luxury home on wheels or a spacious, well-equipped weekend camper!

The build and conversion has been done to a professional standard with off-grid spec and modern interiors. It is powered by a Mercedes 4250cc diesel engine, has automatic transmission, air suspension and air brakes. The Solo Slimline model was designed for rural routes so is narrower than a normal bus at 2.35m, helping to make it agile and mobile for a vehicle of its size. It’s a lovely vehicle to drive, even down narrow country lanes!

The bus was originally used by Warwickshire Council as a disabled transport vehicle and therefore not in continuous use, so has done relatively few miles (198,600) for a vehicle of its kind. Buses of it’s age can easily do 800,000+ miles with regular maintenance. It has been regularly serviced and looked after throughout its life and is in great condition with many more years of life ahead.

Features:

– 4 burner gas hob
– Extractor fan
– Fridge freezer
– Lots of kitchen storage space
– Fold up dining table
– Compost toilet
– Shower
– Roof fans
– Diesel heater
– Permanent double bed
– Fold out double sofa bed
– Bike rack
– Reversing camera
– Deck on the roof
– 4 x 175W solar panels
– 300ah lithium battery
– 12v and 240v power options
– Mains hook up (if ever needed)
– Clothes rail and drawers
– Lots of storage
– Bookshelf
– 105L water tank

I also have another single bus seat that could be fitted up front if two forward-facing seats were required. It currently has 3 seats with seatbelts including driver’s seat. The sofa could be fitted with additional lap belts if needed. The sofa folds out to a double bed, allowing the bus to sleep 4 people. See images for some scrapes and dinks to the bodywork, nothing major.

Licensing:

The maximum authorised mass of the vehicle is currently 11.3 tonnes, but I’ve had it weighed and the actual gross weight is 7.25 tonnes. This means currently you would need a Cat C license or have passed your test before 1997 to drive the bus, though we could explore down-plating the bus to a 7.5T vehicle if helpful. I found doing the 4-day Category C training helpful anyway to give me the skills and confidence to drive a larger vehicle.

Insurance currently costs me just under £1,000 a year.

MOT history:

I’ve recently put the bus through MOT, which is valid until 2nd February 2026. It was done at the official Cornwall Council bus MOT centre and the guy said it was looking in good shape with many years of use left in it.

Some comments and fixes on the advisories in the most recent MOT:
1. Nearside Rear tyres 3mm (these have got around 5,000-10,000 miles left on them before they’ll need replacing)
2. Rear axle & TRAILING ARMS CORROSION (minor surface corrosion, non-structural – I’m getting this rust-sealed and painted next week to fix the problem. Can send pictures)
3. Front AXLE & ATACHMENTS CORROSION (minor surface corrosion, non-structural – I’m getting this rust-sealed and painted next week to fix the problem. Can send pictures)
4. Nearside Rear BUMPER DAMAGE (this has been re-fibreglassed and is now fixed, see images)

I’ve absolutely loved this bus and will be sad to see it go. Happy to chat over the phone about any of the details – drop me a message and we can go from there.