The proper Metrobus Mk.3 was actaully on MCW's drawing board all the way back to 1984. It was supposed to incorporate a number of design feature of the Metroliner coach, then in production, to the Metrobus. The first vehicle was to be built and delivery to London Transport as part of its Alternative Vehicle Evaluation (AVE), but of course, the Mk.3 never materialised.
The only (but key) thing that the DB250 chassis carried from the Metrobus is the module from the rear axis to the engine compartment. It is mated to the front half of the single deck SB220 chassis, put a DAF engine onto it, and becomes the DB250. (Likewise the low-floor DB250LF mated the rear with the SB220LF front).
Those K-reg Spectras were new to London Central actually, but was sent to GoNE after their regular haunt, route 3, was lost to Connex London:
The proper Metrobus Mk.3 was actaully on MCW's drawing board all the way back to 1984. It was supposed to incorporate a number of design feature of the Metroliner co ...
That's why I say that they are the "so-called" MK3. but anyway, thanks for giving the details of the real MK3!
