FLORIO EUPHORIA

In 1973 the Leyland P76 V8 won Wheels Car of the Year, the pinnacle of Motoring accolades. But not long after the last celebratory champagne was finished, so was the P76. The all Aussie-made sedan was British owned Leyland’s first bespoke crack at the Australian full-size domestic family car market, though others such as the Austin Kimberley had nibbled at the edges.

For all intent and purposes the P76 was a well thought-out and uniquely designed attempt with Giovanni Michelotti penning the lines. Nicknamed “the wedge” on account of its large boot and narrow sloping front end Wheels magazine hailed it a success. “It sets new standards for medium-sized local cars in its ride/handling/roadholding compromise, it has fine brakes, is comfortable, very roomy, practical and, with the all-important V8 engine, has excellent performance and superior fuel consumption.”

 myriad of issues from supply chain problems, industrial action causing parts