1985 Ford B700

The 1985 Ford B700 is a notable entry in the sixth generation of Ford’s B-Series, produced from 1980 to 1998, and designed as a cowled-chassis bus for bodywork by second-stage manufacturers. This model introduced 6.6L and 7.8L Ford-New Holland I6 diesel engines, developed through a collaboration with New Holland, providing enhanced power options. The design features a narrower hoodline accompanied by separate fenders, echoing stylistic cues from the L-Series “Louisville” heavy trucks of the era. The B700 chassis allowed for versatility, as it was utilized by various body manufacturers, including Thomas Built Buses for their Saf-T-Liner Conventional model. Identifiable by the Ford B700 badging and its distinctive sixth-generation design elements, this model combines functionality with a robust engineering foundation, catering primarily to the school bus market.