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The 2 seatSylva Leader was derived from theSylva Starkit car. Slightly less extreme styling led to better sales. Based on the ever popularLotus 7 style of car there were many similar designs over the years.[1]
Engines ranged from theFord crossflow 1300 to the 1600. Other options were theFord Pinto, though this was rather tall for the bonnet line, and even aRover V8 was fitted.
Suspension was originally from theVauxhall Viva orMagnum and there was aChevette based version as well.Carburettors were usually twin 40 Webers or Dell'Ortos as the low bonnet made fitting the standard downdraft carb difficult.
The very strong steel spaceframechassis was covered by a non stressedfiberglass body with the flip front bonnet giving excellent access to the engine bay.
Slightly larger and heavier than the later Striker it had a small boot accessible via the rear of the cockpit so if a full roll cage was fitted little could be carried. The front suspension was twin wishbones without ananti roll bar with a live rear axle with a 4-point location system. This worked surprisingly well due to the low centre of gravity.
The later Strikers had a 5-point location system which improved handling.
Later production was taken over by Robbley Motors but this was short lived. Front enginedrear wheel drive cars such as this are becoming rarer due to a shortage of suitable donor vehicles.