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Thomas Vista | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Thomas Built Buses, Inc. |
Production | 1989–1998 |
Model years | 1989-1998 |
Assembly | High Point, North Carolina |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Type C |
Body style | School bus |
Layout | Semiforward-control 4x2 |
Platform | Chevrolet/GMC B-Series International 3600 |
Related | Thomas Saf-T-Liner Conventional |
Powertrain | |
Engine | Chevrolet 350 5.7L V8 Chevrolet 366 6.0L V8 Chevrolet 427 7.0L V8 Detroit Diesel 8.2 L V8 International DT360 I6 International DT408 I6 International 7.3 L IDI V8 International DT466 I6 International DT466E I6 International T444E V8 |
Transmission | Allison AT545 four-speed automatic Allison MT643 four-speed automatic |
Dimensions | |
Width | 96 in (2,400 mm) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Thomas Mighty Mite |
Successor | Thomas Saf-T-Liner Conventional Thomas Saf-T-Liner FS-65 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 |
The Thomas Vista is a model line of buses that was manufactured by Thomas Built Buses from 1989 to 1998. Produced nearly exclusively as a school bus, the model line was also sold in commercial-use configurations. To improve forward sightlines for drivers, the chassis design of the Vista combines elements of conventional buses and transit-style school buses (as well as those from smaller buses).
Following the 1998 acquisition of Thomas Built Buses by Freightliner, Thomas ended the production of the Vista in favor of the standard Saf-T-Liner Conventional. While the 2004 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 was not intended as a direct replacement, elements of its body design incorporated features previously used in the Thomas Vista.