A motor coach is something we've all seen, a huge road vehicle designed for carrying many passengers, or converted to provide a large amount of space and comfort for just a few, or for a task-specific purpose. Passenger motor coaches can be compared to airliner cabins or railroad cars, as they usually have separate storage for passengers' luggage, as well as aligned rows of seats and many windows. Oftentimes passenger motor coaches will incorporate television screens for entertainment on long drives, and will often include a simple lavatory, and sometimes a galley or kitchen area.
There are two basic kinds of motor coach. One type is the passenger motor coach, which is also the most common. The other type is the conversion shell, which is a motor coach body then customized with whatever the user would like. A conversion shell motor coach can become a rolling classroom, a Mobile Command Center for law enforcement and crisis personnel, a mobile executive suite for corporate officers, a movable health center, an overnight sleeper for a rock band, a recreational vehicle for cruising the open road, or even a party room on wheels (these are often referred to as limousine buses). Conversion shell motor coaches can be adapted to fit almost any needs, but they're not cheap. A conversion shell alone can cost over $300,000, and that doesn't include any specialized interior. However, converted motor coaches are often available for rent, in particular recreational vehicles and limousine buses.
There are several companies that specialize in motor coaches, and for the most part, these companies are able to produce both passenger motor coaches and conversion shell motor coaches.
Prevost Car, a division of the Volvo company, is a longtime maker of quality motor coaches. Prevost motor coaches are easily recognizable, with their tall windows and extra headroom. Prevost motor coaches are often sold as recreational vehicles and are often converted to task-specific purposes, such as the Mobile Command Center.
Motor Coach Industries, or MCI, is an American-based manufacturer of speciality motor coaches, including passenger and conversion shell motor coaches. Like Prevost, MCI motor coaches are popular and easy to recognize. They offer high capacities, luggage storage, and even steam showers, if needed. MCI motor coaches are used across North America for a wide variety of purposes.
Krystal, a noted manufacturer of luxury vehicles, including limousines, offers a lower-cost series of motor coaches, keeping costs down by building custom motor coaches on commercially available chassises. Krystal motor coaches tend to be either passenger motor coaches or limousine buses, and are usually smaller in overall size and capacity than Prevost or MCI motor coaches.
Eagle buses, a popular form of motor coach from the 1960s and 1970s, have been making a comeback as well, becoming choice vehicles for conversion shell motor coaches, largely thanks to their signature stainless steel shine.
New, used, and custom motor coaches are available, in a wide variety of forms. There are motor coaches available to suit nearly any need imaginable.
