Leeds based Optare was formed from the ashes of the bodybuilder Roe who closed down in the late 1980's. The Delta was the new company's first new full size single deck bus body. Optare often adopted striking designs for it's products, the Delta was no exception with its large front windscreen it made a striking sight when first launched in 1988.

Although the Delta was never a widely used type certain operators did purchase sizeable fleets, Trent and Wilts & Dorset being two of the biggest users.

The OOC model was the first full size modern single deck bus in the tange and was introduced in late 1996.