Leyland Royal Tiger

Motor vehicle
Leyland Royal Tiger
Preserved Leyland Royal Tiger Doyen
E50TYG in July 2018
Overview
ManufacturerLeyland
Production1982-1987
Body and chassis
Doors1
Floor typeStep entrance
Powertrain
EngineLeyland TL11
Cummins L10

The Leyland Royal Tiger was a rear-engined coach chassis manufactured by Leyland between 1982 and 1987.[1][2][3][4][5] It was intended to counter the offerings of foreign competitors such as the Jonckheere or Van Hool bodied DAF, Scania and Volvo touring coaches, but was not particularly successful, with only between 160 and 170 built.

The majority (around 60%) were built as integral vehicles by Leyland themselves, in which case they were named Leyland Royal Tiger Doyen. Earlier examples were built at Leyland's Charles H Roe subsidiary in Leeds. Production later moved to Workington.[6] The remainder of the underframes were given Plaxton Paramount or Van Hool bodywork.

The Royal Tiger was fitted with Leyland's TL11 engine or in some cases the Cummins L10. Following the takeover of Leyland by Volvo, the Royal Tiger ceased production in 1988.[7]

National Travel East operated the largest number of Royal Tigers with eleven whilst their successor, Ridings Travel, operated the largest number of Doyens, taking eight in 1988. Only a few Royal Tigers have survived, including E50TYG at the Dewsbury Bus Museum.[8]

Leyland Royal Tiger with Plaxton Paramount 3500 body

References

  1. ^ The most significant coach debut for decades Commercial Motor 13 November 1982
  2. ^ NBC takes Royal Tiger Commercial Motor 13 November 1982
  3. ^ Leyland in Scotland Commercial Motor 11 December 1982
  4. ^ New Nationals are launched Commercial Motor 18 December 1982
  5. ^ Leyland Royal Tiger Bus Lists on the Web
  6. ^ Roe factory blow Commercial Motor 2 June 1984
  7. ^ Royal wave to Lions and Tigers Commercial Motor 12 May 1988
  8. ^ Dewsbury Bus Museum

Media related to Leyland Royal Tiger at Wikimedia Commons