Leyland Royal Tiger
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.
| Leyland Royal Tiger | |
|---|---|
 Preserved Leyland Royal Tiger Doyen in July 2008 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Leyland |
| Production | 1982-1987 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Doors | 1 |
| Floor type | Step entrance |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Leyland TL11 Cummins L10 |
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.
References
- The most significant coach debut for decades Commercial Motor 13 November 1982
- NBC takes Royal Tiger Commercial Motor 13 November 1982
- Leyland in Scotland Commercial Motor 11 December 1982
- New Nationals are launched Commercial Motor 18 December 1982
- Leyland Royal Tiger Bus Lists on the Web
- Roe factory blow Commercial Motor 2 June 1984
- Royal wave to Lions and Tigers Commercial Motor 12 May 1988
- Millar, Alan (1992) Bus & Coach Recognition Ian Allan Publishing ISBN 0-7110-2060-4
External links
Media related to Leyland Royal Tiger at Wikimedia Commons