The MCI MC-8 was introduced in 1973 as the replacement for the MC-7 and was sold as the Crusader. It used the 40-foot, 96-inch body of the MC series and became one of the coaches that established MCI’s reputation for durability in interstate service.
MCI MC-8 at a glance
| Production | 1973–1978 |
|---|---|
| Replaced | MC-7 |
| Length | 40 ft |
| Width | 96 in |
| Also known as | the Crusader |
| Last-year change | side windows modified |
| Later in service | a common conversion shell for motorhomes |
There is no separate Wikipedia article on the MC-8: this page is based on the MC-series table and history of the English Wikipedia article on Motor Coach Industries, so it relies on one source.
History of the MCI MC-8
Replacing the MC-7
The MC-8 arrived in 1973 as the successor to the MC-7, keeping the 40-foot length and the 96-inch width but with a new body. MCI sold it as the Crusader. It was one of the coaches from the period when Greyhound, which owned MCI, was switching its fleet from GMC products to its own in-house buses, and the MC series became the backbone of that fleet.
A durable coach
The older MCI buses, especially the MC-8, MC-9 and the 102A3, 102B3 and 102C3 of the 1980s, became the standard for interstate travel for many American bus companies. They had metal frames and roof supports, metal panels on the sides, and were extremely durable and reliable. Many of them survived millions of miles of commercial use and had a second career serving churches and other organisations, while MCI and TMC coaches were also popular conversion shells for motorhomes.
The end of the run
The MC-8 was built until 1978, when the MC-9 took over. In its last year of production the side windows were modified, the only visible change in the model’s five-year life. Examples of the MC-8 remained in service for decades after the last one was built.
Design and features
- Crusader name: the sales name used alongside the MC-8 designation.
- Metal construction: frames, roof supports and side panels made for long service.
- Conversion favourite: many were rebuilt as motorhomes later in life.
- One visible update: the side windows were changed in the last year.
MCI MC-8 versions
- MC-8 (1973–1978): the standard coach.
- Late MC-8: the last-year cars with modified side windows.
The coach it replaced is described in MCI MC-7, its successor in MCI MC-9, and the coach that followed the series in MCI MC-12. More coaches are in the MCI collection.
Video: 1973 MCI MC-8 driving in Florida
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Motor Coach Industries, English Wikipedia: MC-8 table, durability, conversion shells
