Nothing comes close to the Neoplan Starliner’s kerbside appeal. As far as making a statement goes, it can’t be beaten, and one example is currently looking for a new home at Worksop-based Irizar UK
It’s arguably the most distinctive coach ever produced, and although the Neoplan Starliner ceased production in 2015, there’s an opportunity to own a late-model used example thanks to Irizar UK.
The coach in question is a P11 model that is 12.99m long. First registered in February 2013, it arrived from Merseyside operator Ellisons a fortnight ago and it seats 36 to sports team configuration.
Irizar UK has a £240,000 sticker price on it and the dealership is willing to look at part-exchanges.
When routeone visited Irizar UK’s Worksop base, the Starliner was still in as-received condition, but it will be stripped of its former owner’s identity before sale and it can be repainted to suit the buyer. What does it have going for it?
The details
Power is from a Euro 5 EEV MAN D26 engine developing 505bhp, coupled to a 12-speed TipMatic automated gearbox.
The P11 is the shorter of the two Starliner models, and the rear overhang is 2.40m; at the front, it is 2.92m. The tachograph shows 410,000km and the coach weighs in at 17,720kg unladen; GVW is 25,900kg, giving a substantial tolerance for passengers and luggage.
Tyres are a mixture of Hankook and Michelin casings and all have a reasonable amount of tread left on them. The bodywork is in good condition, as is the glazing.
On the inside
The driver enjoys a cabin that is well separated from the saloon thanks to the height distance between the two areas. The cab is very tidy and the seat is in perfect condition; there is little sign of any of the wear and tear in and around the driver’s area that often starts to become evident when coaches put on the miles.
Passengers sitting at the front enjoy a view through the coach’s trademark raked upper windscreen, and all travelers benefit from the roofline glazing that is fitted throughout; glass with the exception of the lower windscreen is very heavily tinted.
Seats are from Kiel and they are finished in two-tone grey leather in a 2+2 layout. Most are located around full-size tables that have a granite-effect finish along with recesses for drinks, but a handful of positions are in conventional airline-style layout.
Charging sockets are fitted throughout. They have a highly-polished metal fascia that includes both 240v and USB points, while flooring is wood-effect.
Numerous fridges are present, while above the centre toilet is a coffee machine.
At the rear is a well-equipped kitchen that comes with various storage areas, meal-warming equipment and an oven, along with running water and numerous plug sockets.
Various monitors are positioned around the saloon and the luggage racks are true airline-style examples, opening downwards on twin struts.
On the road
Some drivers may be over-awed by a Starliner, with its huge windscreens and futuristic look, but the reality when behind the wheel could not be more different.
This is a simple coach to drive, aided by the relatively low cab, and the steering is very light and precise. The steering wheel is just the right size, and visibility is also good, although the offside mirror gets in the way slightly at roundabouts.
MAN’s TipMatic gearbox is a badge-engineered ZF AS-Tronic, and by the time that this coach was built it had thankfully advanced from its earlier form. The transmission’s behaviour when moving is fine, but clutch control from a start is not perfect.
The number of gearshifts is comparatively low, because the ‘box makes good use of the engine’s 2,300Nm of torque. Under full throttle acceleration is impressive and block shifts are taken as far as 11th gear. In top, the engine is turning at around 1,200rpm at 62mph.
Pick up the phone, and…
Irizar UK is selling the Starliner in team coach spec, although it is able to carry more than 36 passengers and it could no doubt be converted to standard specification if its next owner required, although additional seating would need to be sourced.
The dealership can arrange repainting, and the coach will also come with six months’ mechanical breakdown insurance cover as part of the asking price.
Irizar UK also has arrangements with finance brokers that would be able to provide funding for the Starliner, subject to status.
So why is this coach worth a look? Even as a used purchase, the Starliner has the ultimate in what MAN described as ‘kerb clout’, and no other comparable model new or used comes close. It’s also in remarkably good condition, and it’s suitable for continued use as a team transport, or conversion to a more mundane standard specification.
