L17
1962 Octopus Reg. 598 CYU Chassis No. 622781 Engine: Leyland 0.600 9.8 Ltr 125 hp Diesel Gearbox: Leyland 6 speed manual.
Delivered new to the `Esso Petroleum Company' in 1963 as a tanker, this was one of the last of this particular model type to be registered as the replacement model fitted with the LAD cab was already in production at Leyland. This vehicle has a 1962 chassis but did not enter service until 1963 as there was a delay in the production of the tank for the vehicle. No subsequent history of the vehicle is known until it was purchased for preservation in 2000 from a coal yard in London where it had been used as a static tank. Restoration started in 2005 and took 2 years to complete. The work included fitting a 6 speed gearbox for a more relaxed cruising speed and improved fuel economy.
Entered by the Pyatt brothers of Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent.
© Leyland Society, 2008