Leyland National. A classic?

[Leyland Worldmaster]

Sadly a management buy out didn't last too long, so yes it was sold to Volvo, presumably to gain the best selling Olympian; Volvo's only presence in the d/deck market was the D10M... Also forgot to mention the National also formed the basis for railcars too, some of which are still in service today!

[Spitfire]

This is why we need to get back to manufacturing in this great country of ours.
When You take into account how old these railcars are it is a credit to the people that built them.

[suzublu]

I loved driving our Nationals Stuart,we had one painted silver for the Queens Jubilee in 77, I remember the jerky take off when you selected 1st with the right sided gear lever,so we put it in 2nd 'till you moved,& then first to get rid of the kangaroo effect. Not as good as the Bristols we had,but a good laugh

[Leyland Worldmaster]

Originally Posted by suzublu

I loved driving our Nationals Stuart,we had one painted silver for the Queens Jubilee in 77, I remember the jerky take off when you selected 1st with the right sided gear lever,so we put it in 2nd 'till you moved,& then first to get rid of the kangaroo effect. Not as good as the Bristols we had,but a good laugh

I'm really jealous! I'd love to have a drive in one;I know its sad, but I've driven Leopards, a Lynx and a Leyland Olympian, but I'd like a drive in a Tiger and Royal Tiger Doyen too; have wanted to since I was five! Your stories about your experience with Nationals and Bristol RE types are fascinating. Have you any more? I hope I'll be able to tell of mine; I know that Scania Omnitown/ Omnidekka/ Omnicity, Dennis Dart, MAN 12.240 and Volvo Olympian won't be as interesting, but in a few years they will have their own enthusiastic followers; indeed I've driven the first Scania Omnidekka and the one thousandth low floor Scania double decker... But not a National!

[Leyland Worldmaster]

Originally Posted by Spitfire

This is why we need to get back to manufacturing in this great country of ours.
When You take into account how old these railcars are it is a credit to the people that built them.

You'll like this story; when Lillyhall factory was new, Mercedes-Benz top brass visited. One of them was so impressed with the product and the factory, he gave the plant director an Meschersmitt (sorry about spelling) manual, and commented that the National was "Designed like an aircraft, and built like a car"... Praise indeed...

[Leyland Worldmaster]

Oh, and I believe some of the ex BR railcars were exported, and are still in service! Preserved example in US too! With TL11 engine...