ramone:
Which was the better coach The Leyland Leopa4d 680 0r the AEC Relliance AH760 there seemed to be more Leopards about than AECs
There’s probably not a definitive, objective, answer to that question because there was no “standard” specification for either. For instance the Reliance could be specified with a ZF 6-speed synchro-box, or the semi-automatic Pneumo-cyclic 'box. Some operators even fitted the D203 6-speed overdrive constant mesh box as used in Mandators. Similarly the Leopard had options. Both the AEC AH690 and horizontal Leyland O.680 engines were de-rated, so worked well within their capabilities. I have heard it said by knowledgeable bus people that the Reliance had the better chassis and suspension by the late 1970s when AEC production was coming to an end. The end result of a contest between the Leopard and the Reliance would probably be an honorable draw; both were excellent premium quality coaches in their day. After production ceased it was reckoned that a Volvo coach of the 1980s was the nearest vehicle to a Reliance or Leopard on the market. As for there seeming to be more Leopards than Reliances that was because of Leyland’s latter years policy of always pushing the Leyland brand and pricing the Reliance higher.