What could have been if the Force 7 was actually mass produced? Following the launch of its P76, Leyland planned offshoot models comprising a station wagon and the Force 7 hatchback.
The Force 7 was announced in 1974, but only 10 pre-production models survive today of the 60 produced including one, which was sent to the United Kingdom to undertake secret testing.
One of the first hatchbacks to manufactured in Australia, two engine types were set to be offered as part of the range led by a six-cylinder for the base models and a high performance V8 for the 7V, while a Tour de Force variant was set to feature a leather interior among other luxurious options.
Receiving rave reviews, the Force 7 came too late to turnaround Leyland’s fortunes in Australia as it proved costly to manufacturer and the plug was pulled when the P76 ended production. It also didn’t help when the two models hardly shared a part.
Out of the 10, one was sent to the UK as aforementioned, another was donated to the Birdwood Mill Museum in South Australia, while the remaining eight were auctioned to private buyers after manufacturing of the P76 ended in 1975.
Alongside the three planned model levels, there was also an aim to build a limited edition homologation special to potential race at Bathurst and Repco was keen to be involved.
Having developed into an expert on Leyland’s engine through its work with Jack Brabham in Formula 1 and later Formula 5000. The plan was to produce a unit placed between the 4.4-litre V8 and its Formula 5000 example, with the target being 185kw. The racing version was to have 260kw, which should have placed it close to the Holden L34 Torana.
Unfortunately, the plans never came to fruition and Leyland sold its Zetland plant to the Australian Government leaving Enfield to produce the Mini and Land Rover until Jaguar Rover Australia took over operations in 1983.