>Simongraham at 12:28, 3 June 2021

2021-06-03T12:28:18Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2016}}
{{Infobox automobile
|name = Leyland Comet
|aka = {{unbulleted list | Leyland Super Comet | Leyland Super Comet '90' }}
|image = 1954 Leyland Comet 90 flatbed lorry (ENH 210), 2009 HCVS London to Brighton run.jpg
|caption = 1954 Leyland Comet 90
|manufacturer = [[Leyland Motors|Leyland Trucks]]
|production = {{unbulleted list | 1947-2015
}}
|predecessor =
|successor =
|class = Medium-duty
|body_style = {{unbulleted list | Bonneted truck | [[Cab over|Cabover truck]] | [[Bus]] }}
|engine =
|transmission =
|wheelbase =
|length =
|width =
|height =
|weight =
|related =
|vehicles =
}}

The '''Leyland Comet''' was a long running badge used by [[Leyland Motors|Leyland]] for a series of trucks (and the occasional bus) intended mainly for export markets. The name lives on in India, where [[Ashok Leyland]] still uses the badge today.

==First generation==
The semi-bonneted original Comet was first shown in December 1947.<ref name=Grace>{{cite web | title = Leyland Motors: Comet | url = http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Leyland_Motors:_Comet | publisher = Grace's Guide | work = British Industrial History | access-date = 2014-05-14 }}</ref> While intended mainly for export, it was also sold in the home market. The wheelbase is {{convert|17.5|ft|m|abbr=on}} and the gross weight {{convert|8.75|LT|kg|abbr=out}}.<ref>{{cite web | title = History of Leyland Motors, Leyland, Lancashire | work = Made in Preston: the engineer's story | date = 2013-10-28 | access-date = 2014-05-14 | url = http://www.madeinpreston.co.uk/Road/leylandinfo.html }}</ref> A coach model seating 33, sharing the same front design, appeared in 1948.<ref name=Grace/> The cab was built by [[Walter Briggs, Sr.|Briggs Motor Bodies]] and was shared with the [[Ford Thames ET6]] and [[Dodge 100 "Kew"|Dodge 100]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Fordson, Ford Thames ET6 | url = http://www.simoncars.co.uk/fordcv/fordet6.html | work = Simon Cars | first = Simon GP | last = Geoghegan | access-date = 2014-05-14 }}</ref> Ford purchased Briggs in 1953, meaning Leyland (and Dodge) were forced to develop new cabs. The original engines were a {{convert|75|hp|kW|abbr=on}} diesel or a {{convert|100|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} petrol unit; the petrol version was rarely seen in Britain.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Leyland's Comet was here before | url = http://i45.tinypic.com/9a3jhe.jpg | location = UK | journal = Motor Transport | date = 1998 }}</ref>

In 1950 the diesel engine was updated to the new 5.76 litre Leyland O.350 unit, now with {{convert|90|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. Maximum weight was increased to {{convert|12|LT|kg|sigfig=3|abbr=out}}; models for tropical zones received a considerably lower rating.<ref name=Commercial55>{{cite journal | title = Leyland Comets have More Power | url = http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/3rd-june-1955/39/leyland-comets-have-more-power | journal = Commercial Motor | date = 1955-06-03 }}</ref> In 1955 the maximum power output was increased again, to {{convert|100|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2200 rpm, as the new O.350 Mk. III engine replaced the previous version.<ref name=Commercial55/>

==Second generation==
[[File:1956 Leyland Comet cabover.jpg|thumb|left|1956 Leyland Comet 100]]
In 1952 a [[cab over]] version of the Comet became available. This was sold next to the bonneted model until 1955/56, depending on the market. Power from the Leyland O.350 engine in the bonneted version went from {{convert|90|to|100|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} in 1955. This model continued in production until 1958, although Australian models continued to use this cab into the early 1960s. This model also entered production in India after having received government approval in 1951.<ref>{{cite web | title = Our World: History | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111112143538/http://www.ashokleyland.com/history | url = http://www.ashokleyland.com/history | archive-date=2011-11-12 | publisher = Ashok Leyland }}</ref> Ashok Motors, [[Ashok Leyland]] after 1954, manufactured it locally. The original front clip design remained in use into the early 1970s. Ashok Leyland proceeded to develop a simplified local cab design and continued to build the Comet into the 1990s.

==Third generation==
[[File:Brighton Commercial Vehicle run 2005 - Flickr - Elsie esq. (46).jpg|thumb|right|1963 Leyland Comet (LAD)]]
In 1958, as part of an effectivization program, the Comet received a new cab - called the "Vista Vue" cab, it was developed by [[Albion Motors|Albion]] for a variety of their models. Dodge UK also used it for their [[Dodge 300|300]] model, consequently this cabin shape is often referred to as the [[LAD cab|"LAD" design]]. There was also a heavier duty "Super Comet" model introduced, which eventually largely supplanted the "regular" Comet. Also in 1958 the 375 engine, based on the preceding design and rated at 110 hp, became available in the "Vista Vue" cab. Following this, a redesigned engine with cross-flow cylinder head was released. Initially it was a 370 (6.1 litre) at 110 hp, followed by a 400 (6.6 litre) option at 125 hp.

==Fourth generation==
[[File:1969 Leyland Super Comet, D.J. Edwards.jpg|thumb|left|1969 Leyland Super Comet (Ergomatic)|198x198px]]
Introduced in 1964, the fourth generation Comet used the [[Ergomatic]] cab, as also used by a number of other Leyland models and other British truck manufacturers in [[Leyland Motor Corporation]], the Ergomatic was built by [[GKN]]-Sankey while the LAD was the work of [[Rubery Owen|Motor Panels]].

{{clear}}
[[File:Leyland Comet (Fifth Generation) Jamaica.jpg|alt=|thumb|200x200px|Leyland Comet in Jamaica]]

==Fifth generation==
After a decade and a half in retirement, the "Comet" label was reintroduced in 1986. Again, the model was intended specifically for export markets (primarily in the developing world), with simplified equipment, fewer gears, and a sturdy construction. The design is an all-metal version of the [[Leyland Roadrunner|C44 Roadrunner]], again simplified in order to make local assembly easier.<ref name=truck86>{{cite journal | journal = TRUCK | date = June 1986 | ref = Tcomet | page = 8 | last = Kennett | first = Pat | title = What's new: Leyland launch the Comet | location = London, UK | publisher = FF Publishing Ltd }}</ref> The design consists of six major pressings, and was designed so as to allow for hand welding on a simple jig. The chassis is made of straight rails. The six-wheeled version is called the "Super Comet". The Comet was part of a new rationalised range and replaced the Terrier, Boxer, Reiver, Landmaster, and Clydesdale models - although there was some resistance to retiring these classic model names in markets where they had a good reputation.<ref name=truck86/> Leyland's previous "export specials", the Landmaster and larger [[Leyland Landtrain|Landtrain]], had been of a bonneted design, but Leyland determined that the bonneted design was becoming less favoured across developing markets.<ref>{{cite journal | journal = Commercial Motor | date=17 May 1986 | title=Return of the Comet | page=53}}</ref>

[[File:Leyland Super-Comet (Fifth Generation) Jamaica.jpg|thumb|187x187px|Fifth Generation Super-Comet in Jamaica]]
Models ranging from {{convert|9|to|13|LT|kg|-2|abbr=out}} received the {{convert|115|hp|kW|abbr=on}} 6-98 NV engine. The {{convert|14|LT|kg|-2|abbr=out}} has the {{convert|140|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Leyland 402, while the heavier {{convert|16|LT|kg|-2|abbr=out}} model and the Super Comets have the {{convert|160|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Leyland 411.<ref name=truck86/> With only five speeds, the top speed of a 1986 12-tonne Comet is a mere {{convert|54|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, but this was more than sufficient for conditions in the markets targeted.<ref>[[#Tcomet|Kennett]], p. 9</ref> The primary markets intended for the Comet were English-speaking countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and also some Middle Eastern markets. The Caribbean, Latin America, and Singapore also received some Comets.<ref name=truck86/>

==References==
{{Commons category|Leyland Comet}}
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Leyland vehicles|Comet]]
[[Category:Trucks]]
[[Category:Cab over vehicles]]
[[Category:Vehicles introduced in 1947]]
[[Category:Ashok Leyland]]

Leyland Comet - Revision history

>Simongraham at 12:28, 3 June 2021