THE LEYLAND COMET (1958)

The Leyland Comet was a long running badge used by Leyland for a series of trucks (and the occasional bus) intended mainly for export markets.

The semibonneted original Comet was first shown in the late 40s. Although initially targeted for export, it was eventually sold in the home market as well. The wheelbase was 17.5 ft (5.3 m) and the gross weight 8.75 long tons (8,890 kg). A coach model seating 33 persons, sharing the same front design, appeared in 1948.

The body was built by Briggs Motor Bodies and was shared with the Ford Thames ET6 and Dodge 100. The original engines were a 75 hp (56 kW) diesel or a 100 hp (75 kW) petrol unit; the petrol version was rarely seen in Britain.

In the 60s, a heavier duty "Super Comet" model was introduced, eventually supplanting the "regular" Comet.

WHAT MAKES IT GREAT… The first heavy duty road vehicle to feature a tilt cab, making the engine far more accessible for maintenance and repairs.

TIME WARP… Owing to the advent of the motorway and sophisticated trucks such as the Comet, road haulage had increased by 60% by the end of the 1960s and the era of the long distance truck driver was born!

Subscribe now for more beautifully produced Engine Porn!

Like us on Facebook   / engine.  .
Twitter   / engineporntv  
Instagram: ENGINE_PRN
Vine: Engine Porn