Leata Automobile Overview

Introduction to Leata

• Leata was an automobile brand manufactured by Stinebaugh Manufacturing Inc.
• Founded by Donald E. Stinebaugh and his son Leonard D. "Sonny" Stinebaugh.
• Based in Post Falls, Idaho, USA.
• Operated as a public company in the automotive industry from 1975 to 1977.

Stinebaugh Manufacturing Inc.

• Founded: 1975 in Post Falls, Idaho, USA.
• Defunct: 1977.
• Key People:
  • Donald E. Stinebaugh
  • Leonard D. "Sonny" Stinebaugh
• Products: Focused on manufacturing microcars and luxury cars.

Car Models Produced

1975 Model

• First model was a boxy 2-door sedan.
• Powered by a 4-cylinder Continental engine.
• Engine output: 50 bhp with a top speed of 112 km/h (70 mph).
• Fuel economy: 39-55 miles per gallon.
• Retail price was $2895.
• 20 units manufactured by March 1975.
• Employment: 15 workers, with plans to expand production to 1,000-1,500 cars annually.

1977 Cabalero Model

• Introduced a more modern-looking vehicle named Cabalero.
• Named after the founder's wife, Hilda "Leata" Stinebaugh.
• Equipped with a 4-cylinder General Motors LY-5 engine.
• Features included power windows, power seat, cruise control.
• Design: Baroque styling with custom fiberglass body panels, round headlights in square bezels, rectangular "classic" grille, heavily styled mudguards.
• Available models: Pickup or hatchback.

Production and Closure

• Only 97 Leatas were manufactured before the company ceased operations in late 1977.

References

1. Georgano, Nick (2000). Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile. London, England: Stationery Office. ISBN0117023191.
2. McAleer, Brendan (2016-03-22). "I Drove the Worst Car in America". The Drive.
3. Matthews, Nigel. "The Leata was a Chevette disguised as a luxury car". driving.ca. Retrieved 23 September 2020.