Description
The Leyland Eight 7.3 was a later variant of the original Leyland Eight, produced by Leyland Motors in the early 1920s as a luxury, high-performance car. Known for its innovative engineering and exceptional build quality, the Leyland Eight was designed by J.G. Parry-Thomas, who sought to create a car that rivaled the finest luxury automobiles of the time, such as Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza.
This model was powered by an upgraded 7.3-liter (7,256cc) straight-eight engine, which produced about 90 to 100 horsepower. The engine design was advanced for the era, featuring an overhead camshaft, which contributed to smoother performance and higher power output. Paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, the Leyland Eight 7.3 could reach impressive speeds for its time, reportedly capable of achieving around 90 mph, which was quite remarkable for a luxury car in the early 1920s.
The Leyland Eight 7.3 was crafted with attention to luxury and style, featuring a long, elegant wheelbase and a sophisticated design that allowed owners to commission custom coachwork from various body builders. The car’s substantial engine size, combined with its refined interior and solid engineering, positioned it as a vehicle for the wealthy, aimed at those who valued both performance and exclusivity.
However, due to its high production costs and limited appeal in the competitive luxury car market, only a handful of Leyland Eight cars were ever made, with around 18 total units produced across its variations. Today, the Leyland Eight 7.3 is a rare collector’s item, celebrated for its engineering innovation and as a testament to early 20th-century luxury automotive craftsmanship.