User:SteveCof00/Freightliner Business Class (FL-Series)

The Freightliner Business Class (also known as the Freightliner FL-Series) is a series of trucks that was produced by Freightliner from 1985 to 2001. The first product line designed after the company was acquired by Daimler AG in 1981, the FL-Series was the first non-Class 8 truck built by Freightliner. As Mercedes-Benz phased out its Brazilian-built truck offerings in North America, the Business Class superseded the Mercedes-Benz L-Series conventionals and LP cabovers.

Initially released as a Class 7 tractor, in the early 1990s, Freightliner expanded the line with Class 5-7 medium-duty trucks and a school bus chassis.

Development
Under the ownership of Daimler-Benz, Freightliner was able to concentrate on developing new product lines. Additionally, Daimler-Benz was able to replace its aging Mercedes-Benz truck lines in North America. In developing its new vehicle, Freightliner saved development costs by adapting the cab from the Mercedes-Benz LK cabover (which had replaced the NG/LP in Germany). Consequently, the low windshield necessitated the hood design to be of an aerodynamic, sloped design.

FL112 (FLC)
Designated by its 112-inch BBC (bumper to back of cab), the FLC (later FL112) was the first of the series to be released. As the largest version of the model line, it is distinguished by quad headlights and the largest grille. The FL112 is also distinguished by a feature that gives away the cabover origins. On these models, the doors retain the wheel cutout used for the LK cabover models; a metal filler panel covers the blank space.

Originally introduced as a tractor, the FLC/FL112 also was sold as a straight truck and in severe-service applications.

Business Class FL-Series (FL 50/60/70/80)
During the 1990s, Freightliner expanded into the medium-duty market for the first time with the Business Class trucks. Based on the FLC, these had a smaller grille and twin headlights. As most models sat lower to the ground than the FLC, the Business Class trucks were given full-length doors. Three cab configurations were available: two-door, extended-cab, and four-door.

Due to their many end uses, the Business Class trucks were sold in many configurations, including straight trucks, tractors, and severe-service trucks.

Bus Chassis (FS-65)
In 1997, a variant of the FL-60 went into production as a cowled bus chassis. Named the Freightliner FS-65, the entry into chassis production would coincide with the 1998 acquisition of school bus body manufacturer Thomas Built Buses by Freightliner. After 2002, all FS-65 chassis were bodied exclusively by Thomas.

The FS-65 would be the last variant of the first-generation Business Class Freightliners to be discontinued, with the last one produced in in December 2006.