Ilinga Books

Leyland P76 - Anything But Average

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SKU:
9780980522907
UPC:
9780980522907
MPN:
9780980522907
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  • Leyland P76: Anything But Average (Signed By The Author)
  • Leyland P76: Anything But Average (Signed By The Author)
  • Leyland P76: Anything But Average (Signed By The Author)
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Description

By: Gavin Farmer . 

A history of a Unquely Australian Motor Car.

The Leyland P76 came onto the Australian market in mid-1973 at a time when buyer interest was swinging towards smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. Near hysteria was being generated by the media because of the Middle East conflict that had led to escalating oil prices and the belief that oil reserves were finite, that in all conscience we should be driving cars that were more economical than the traditional Australian family car.

The main beneficiaries of this situation were the Japanese manufacturers. Sales of small and medium- sized Toyota Corolla and Corona, Datsun 120Y and 180B, Mazda 808 and Capella 1600, Mitsubishi Colt and Sigma exploded almost beyond the companies' ability to supply. That situation in turn led to import quotas being introduced in Australia.

Into this maelstrom of turmoil Leyland marched boldly with their uniquely Australian P76 saloon. It was the first time a British company had dared to design and manufacture a car specifically for local conditions rather than continue the old practices of mildly modifying an English-designed model. The Leyland P76 matched or bettered its three rivals in every respect but it must be said that the timing of its release was unfortunate—a team of designers and engineers led by David Beech had worked for more than four years and were committed to their dream.

It was a good car whose life was marred by a series of events that were taking place in other parts of the world and over which Leyland Australia had absolutely no control.

Media appreciation was at an all-time high for a Leyland product—the P76 V8 won the Wheels magazine Car of the Year award—and the dealers were inundated with orders but in the climate of events it was only a matter of time before something unexpected happened and in October 1974 the company announced its closure in Australia. It was a sad time in Australia's industrial history.

 

Other Details

Publisher Code:
9780980522907
ISBN 10:
 
ISBN 13:
9780980522907
Published:
 
Dimensions:
300x215mm
Pages:
212
Illustrations:
Hard Bound, Colour and b/w ill
Barcode:
 
 
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Additional Information

Condition Sync Code:
1000
Sync Category Code:
261186
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2 Reviews

  • 5
    Leyland P76

    Posted by Stephen M. on 29th Jan 2017

    Already have this book. Brilliant. Bought this copy as a present. I know the recipient will be impressed also. Both being long term P76 owners, but no longer due to circumstances.

  • 4
    Where is the Targa Florio P76?

    Posted by barry on 18th Apr 2013

    This is a book honouring the courageous people whose brave effort conceived and gave genesis to a car - as 'Wheels' magazine has been saying for 40 years - the P76 V8. Disinterested UK parents and difficult times meant that nothing could change the outcome. Such books become respected because they detail the original design history and they show continuing owner enthusiasm. If a car is worthy this blend means it will receive due praise and be appreciated more widely for its merits. This is what made "hey , Charger" a great book about a great car - the passion brought to it by an existing owner , New Zealander Gary Bridger. Missing that input "Leyland P76 anything but average" is a good book about a great car. You tube Force 7 V8 to confirm this. Chapters on the Targa Florio road cars ; and the fate of the Green/ Bryson World Cup Rally car are noticeably absent - the last I saw it was languishing in a back shed at Greens Motorcade museum in 1978. Evan Green was over the whole P76 thing by then. Maybe the Brysons or Australian Muscle Car magazine can get this individual and unique car to its rightful place amongst the icons of Australian motorsport. BE.

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