DFV 641W

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This most unusual Leyland National was built in April 1973 as an underframe only for body development work. It is 10.9 metres long, the same length as many of the exported Nationals, but very rare in the UK where Mark 1 Nationals were normally either 10.3 or 11.3 metres long. The underframe was bodied by Eastern Coach Works (ECW) of Lowestoft in a project known as C27 by Leyland and EX13 by ECW. The body was built to dual door specification as a prototype for the still-born development of a CKD (completely knocked down) alternative to the standard National for export only. Remarkably, it somehow survived with Leyland until 1980 when it escaped cutting and was instead sold on. Although it was built in April 1973 it was not registered until late 1980, hence its 'W' registration plate rather than an 'L' registration plate which it would have received if it had been registered when built. The vehicle is a bizarre combination of Leyland National features with an ECW flavour and most noticeably it has a completely different roofline to a standard National.

Unfortunately the vehicle history details are a bit sketchy. However we do know that the current owner, Mr Theo Abbott of Salford, purchased her from Mr Leo McKeena in November 1986. She is fully fitted out as a motor caravan and she is used by the owner to travel to Spain most winters. She had a new Leyland 510 engine fitted in February 1998 as the old engine was severely damaged on a trip to Spain. However she still managed to get back home all the way from Spain! It just goes to show how good the Leyland 510 engine really is.

5Motor Caravan - DFV 641W

ECW bodied C27 National DFV 641W. Despite the badges she is still fitted with a Leyland 510 engine. She has been converted to a motor caravan and has lost her front doorway. She carries the name "SUNSEEKER". Pictured on the 14th March 2003.

© Photograph by Mike Nash.

5Motor Caravan - DFV 641W

Near side rear pictured on the 14th March 2003.

© Photograph by Mike Nash.

5Motor Caravan - DFV 641W

A view of the off side rear taken on the 14th March 2003.

© Photograph by Mike Nash.