LEADER

Sylva Leader

Summary:         The 2 seat Sylva Leader was derived from the Star. Engines ranged from the donor Viva 1256 to crossflow 1300 / 1600. Other options were 1800/2300 Magnum and Fiat Twin cam but this was rather tall for the bonnet line. As with the Star the suspension was originally from the Vauxhall Viva or Magnum.  A Chevette based version was offered by Swindon Sports Cars who took over the project in 1986. The very strong steel space frame chassis was covered by a non stressed fibreglass body with the flip front bonnet giving excellent access to the engine bay. The front suspension was twin wishbones without an anti roll bar with a live rear axle with a 4 point location system. This worked surprisingly well due to the low centre of gravity. The later leaders had a 5 point location system which improved handling. Later production was taken over by Robbley Motors but this was short lived. The manufacturing rights for the Leader were first sold to Niall Johannson who continued to make the kits under the name Swindon Sportscars.

Current Manufacturer/Project Owner: John McStea