Details of Cars

MCI MC-9: the Crusader II that became an American standard

MCI

MCI MC-9: the Crusader II that became an American standard

The MCI MC-9 was introduced in 1978 as the replacement for the MC-8 and sold as the Crusader II. Built for 13 years in several versions, it became one of the coaches that made the MCI MC series the standard of American interstate travel.

MCI MC-9 at a glance

MCI MC-9 key facts
Production 1978–1991
Replaced MC-8
Length 40 ft
Width 96 in
Also known as Crusader II
MC-9A commuter coach
MC-9B commuter coach with a larger front destination sign
MC-9 Special late cars with optional square headlights
Durability metal frames, roof supports and side panels

There is no separate Wikipedia article on the MC-9: 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-9

The Crusader II

The MC-9 followed the MC-8 in 1978 and was sold as the Crusader II. It kept the 40-foot length and 96-inch width of its predecessor, and it stayed in production until 1991, the longest run of any MC-series coach.

Commuter versions

MCI built two commuter versions of the MC-9. The MC-9A was the first, and the MC-9B that followed was distinguished by a larger front destination sign, a change aimed at operators running scheduled commuter services. Later cars were known as the MC-9 Special, recognised by optional square headlights and by their late model years.

The workhorse

Together with the MC-8 and the 102A3, 102B3 and 102C3 of the 1980s, the MC-9 became the standard for interstate travel for many American bus companies. The coaches had metal frames and roof supports and metal panels on the sides, and were extremely durable and reliable. Many survived millions of miles of commercial use and had a second career with churches and other organisations, while MCI and TMC coaches were also popular conversion shells for motorhomes.

Design and features

  • Longest MC run: 13 years in production, from 1978 to 1991.
  • Commuter variants: the MC-9A and MC-9B for scheduled services.
  • Square headlights: the mark of the late MC-9 Special.
  • Built to last: metal construction kept many in service for decades.

MCI MC-9 versions

  • MC-9 (1978–1991): the standard coach.
  • MC-9A: commuter coach.
  • MC-9B: commuter coach with a larger front destination sign.
  • MC-9 Special: late cars with optional square headlights.

The coach it replaced is described in MCI MC-8, its successor in MCI MC-12, and the wide-body coaches that followed in MCI 102. More coaches are in the MCI collection.

Video: 1981 MCI MC-9 with Detroit Diesel 8V71

Video on YouTube.

Sources

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