Lot Ended
Description
From a deceased estate; 5.76 straight-six diesel power; two-speed
axle; Briggs body; good running order and in regular use; a super example
of this legendary post-war workhorse
Launched in
1948, the Leyland Comet was a medium-duty alternative to Leyland’s heavy-duty
Tiger range and was primarily aimed at the export market. The second generation
model ran from 1952 – 1958 and had a cab-over-engine configuration which
provided better load space within UK length regulations, although a traditional
‘bonneted’ version remained available in some markets until 1955/56.
The 1954 model was typically branded as the
‘Comet 90’ and was primarily powered by Leyland's own 5.76-litre O.350
six-cylinder diesel engine which produced around 90hp and was noted for its
durability and relatively good fuel economy for the time. The steel cab was
built by Briggs Motor Bodies and was also shared with the Ford Thames ET6 and
the Dodge 100.
Rated for a gross weight of about
8.75 long tons, the Comet was a phenomenal success, not just in the UK, but also
across Commonwealth and export markets. Its rugged ladder-frame chassis made it
adaptable to various body styles, including flatbeds, tippers, and even
passenger coaches in some regions. This global reach was cemented in 1954 when
licensed production began in India by Ashok Motors (later Ashok Leyland), where
the nameplate and its descendants continued to be manufactured for
decades.
Dating from 1954, this Comet has the
traditional bonneted cab and the 5.76 diesel engine with a two-speed high/low
ratio axle. Nothing is known of the truck’s early history but the V5C states
that it was first UK-registered in June 1995 so perhaps it came in from abroad
or had been off the road for quite some time prior to that date – who
knows? Some sign writing on the base of the cab suggests that it may have
been restored by C&G Coachworks in 1994.
From 1995
– 2015 it was owned by a Mr D Henton of Willenhall who presumably painted it in
the current PED Transport Services livery. On offer here from a deceased estate,
the current owner acquired it from Mr Henton in March 2015 and we are told
that it has always been in regular use and has attended various commercial
vehicle shows.
As you can see in the
photos, this Comet is in good shape for a 70-year-old and has been starting
promptly and driving nicely as we have moved it around on site. In case you are
wondering what is under the tarpaulins, we have no idea so whoever buys it may
be in for a pleasant surprise.
We did hear a
rumour that a load of gold bullion had gone missing from a secret government
bunker near Bridgend where this vehicle has resided these past 10 years, but we
can't really comment on that. Mum’s the word…
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com