MARATHON HEART
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As the standard engine for the Marathon, Leyland offered the newly developed TL12, which produced 273hp at a rather fast 2,200rpm.
The engine was based on the AEC AV760, although many AEC fans wondered whether their short-lived V8 engine – of the late 1960s – should have been given more development so that it could also be offered in the group’s flagship.
The TL12 engine was built with the potential of 38 tonnes operation in mind (that didn’t happen until 1984) although for the 44-tonne export market, where a 6x4 Marathon was available, either the 315bhp Rolls Royce Eagle or Cummins NTC 335 (327hp) could be fitted.
Because the TL12 didn’t suit every UK operator, from June 1974 Leyland offered the 220hp Rolls Royce engine as an option and from December 1975 the Cummins 250.