| Leyland Swift | |
|---|---|
 Tantivy Blue Coach ToursWadham Stringer bodied Swift onJersey in September 2008 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Leyland |
| Production | 1987-1990 |
| Assembly | Farington |
| Body and chassis | |
| Doors | 1 |
| Floor type | Step entrance |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Cummins B |
| Capacity | 5.9 litres |
| Power output | 86-97 kW |
| Transmission | synchromesh Allisonautomatic |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Leyland Cub |
| Successor | Volvo B6 |
TheLeyland Swift was amidibus chassis manufactured byLeyland between 1987 and 1990 as a successor to theLeyland Cub. It shared many components with the Roadrunnerlight truck but with the engine relocated to behind the front axle which was itself set back to permit a passenger entrance in the front overhang. Mechanically a 6-cylinderCummins B turbo-diesel powerplant was standard with the choice ofsynchromesh orAllisonautomatic gearboxes. It was available in a choice of short wheelbase (3.6 m) or long wheelbase (4.4 m).[1] The first entered service in November 1987.[2]
A number of coachbuilders produced bodies on the Swift withWadham Stringer enjoying healthy sales with a very tidy adaptation of its Vanguard II body. TheReeve Burgess Harrier was also popular, whileWright of Northern Ireland produced two distinct designs and Elme 2001 of Portugal supplied a number to Orioncoach specification and also to Welfare CareCoach specification with a centrally mounted underfloor wheelchair lift.[3][4][5]
Welfare and Bus versions were also constructed byPotteries Motor Traction to the Knype outline, mainly for their own use, although a demonstrator was built.[6] Several Swifts were built as mobile libraries. Sales declined markedly once production of the lower-floorDennis Dart was in full swing.
The Elme Orion and Vanguard II proved particularly popular with operators on the Channel Island ofJersey and Elme onGuernsey owing to its close fit to the maximum vehicle size regulations, seating up to 43 and allowing the replacement of elderlyBedford SB coaches. Otherwise, the Swift was only a moderate success in an uncertain UK marketplace and was disadvantaged by the relatively high floor necessary to clear the mid-mounted powertrain.[7]
AfterLeyland Bus was purchased byVolvo, the Swift was phased out and in some respects replaced by therear-enginedVolvo B6.
Media related toLeyland Swift at Wikimedia Commons