Leyland National

Leyland National
Preserved NBC Cumberland Leyland National, the earliest surviving National produced, outside the former British Leyland Lillyhall factory in May 2022
Overview
ManufacturerLeyland
Production1972–1985
AssemblyWorkington, Cumbria, England
DesignerGiovanni Michelotti[1]
Body and chassis
Doors1, 2 or 3
Floor typeStep entrance
ChassisIntegral
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Length10.3 m (34 ft), 10.6 m (35 ft), 10.9 m (36 ft), 11.3 m (37 ft), 11.6 m (38 ft)
Chronology
Predecessor
SuccessorLeyland Lynx

The Leyland National is an integrally-constructed British step-floor single-decker bus manufactured in large quantities between 1972 and 1985. It was developed as a joint project between two UK nationalised industries – the National Bus Company and British Leyland.[2] Buses were constructed at a specially built factory at the Lillyhall Industrial Estate, Workington. Styling was carried out by the Italian vehicle stylist Giovanni Michelotti, previously commissioned by both Triumph (Herald, TR4, GT6, 2000/2500, 1300, Dolomite and Stag) and Scammell lorries (Routeman GRP cab).

It was intended to replace all the rear-engined single-decker buses offered by British Leyland, including the AEC Swift, Bristol RE, single-deck Daimler Fleetline, Daimler Roadliner and Leyland Panther.

  1. ^ Jack, Doug (1984). "1970: The Leyland National". The Leyland Bus Mk 2. Glossop: Transport Publishing Company. pp. 378–405. ISBN 1 85648 103 4.
  2. ^ Moses, Derek (18 July 1969). "Enter Leyland National with an integral bus". Commercial Motor. Retrieved 5 February 2020.