Car Manufacturers - Great Britain: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Tyrrell Racing - The Championship Years and Beyond

This book presents the full history of the Tyrrell Racing team through the eyes of one of its photographers. Founded in 1958 by Ken Tyrrell in Formula 3 and Formula 2, the team achieved early success in 1967 when Jacky Ickx won the Formula 2 class at the German Grand Prix in a Matra MS7. In 1968, Jackie Stewart secured three Grand Prix victories in the Matra MS10, followed in 1969 by the World Championship win with the Matra MS80.

The author captures the atmosphere of these formative years through clear text and period images. The book also follows Tyrrell's move from customer cars to its own designs, leading to immediate success in the early 1970s, including Drivers' and Constructors' Championships in 1971. Over the next two seasons, the team won nine Grands Prix.

Later chapters cover the gradual decline, with fewer victories, the final Grand Prix win in 1983, and the end of the Tyrrell name in 1998. The book concludes by tracing Tyrrell's lasting influence, still visible in today's Mercedes-AMG F1 team. With contributions from Jackie Stewart and Bob and Kenneth Tyrrell, and 180 official photographs, it offers a concise and authoritative account.

Product details

Author:	David Oliver
Details:	96 pages, 9.25 x 6.5 x 0.39 in (23.5 x 16.5 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	180 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2024)
ISBN:	9781398116726

Gilbern Cars

The Gilbern motorcar, the only car ever produced in Wales, featured the iconic Welsh Dragon as its badge. From 1959 to 1973, it evolved from a basic sporty coupe for enthusiasts to a gentleman's touring car, undergoing several ownership changes. Models such as the Gilbern GT, Gilbern Genie, and Gilbern Invader are highlighted in this book.
Michael Burgess, through detailed illustrations, narrates the history of this unique company. This book is essential for anyone interested in the history of British car manufacturers.

Product details

Author:	Michael Burgess
Details:	96 pages, 9.25 x 6.5 x 0.35 in (23.5 x 16.5 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	100 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2019)
ISBN:	9781445690919

The All-British Marendaz Special: The Man, The Cars And The Aeroplanes

This book tells the story of Captain Marendaz, a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War, and his later career as a car manufacturer in the 1920s and 1930s. He competed at Brooklands and other events before turning to aircraft design and production. Marendaz had close ties with Stirling Moss' parents and Kaye Don, participating in trials and record attempts with his own cars and the American Graham-Paige.

His life was marked by frequent disputes, culminating in his arrest under the Category 18B regulations in 1940. He later moved to South Africa, where further difficulties arose before his return to England in 1972.

The book includes numerous first-hand accounts from those who worked for Marendaz, offering valuable insight into life in car and aircraft factories before the war. It also explores the social history of the period. His sports cars, known for their elegant design, are depicted in historical and modern photographs. His correspondence with the author and others sheds light on his controversial life.

Product details

Author:	Graham Skillen
Details:	192 pages, 9.7 x 6.9 x 0.51 in (24.5 x 17.5 x 1.3 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	88 b&w and 47 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Fonthill Media (GB, 2019)
ISBN:	9781781557020

Traction for Sale : The Story of Ferguson Formula Four-Wheel Drive

The Ferguson name is significant in both four-wheel drive technology and tractor development. This book explores the research and development behind Ferguson's advancements and the challenges faced in gaining acceptance for the technology.

"Traction for Sale" also tells the story of key individuals: Fred Dixon, who envisioned a safer family car with four-wheel drive; Harry Ferguson, who invested his name, fortune, and dedication; and Tony Rolt, whose determination made the project a reality.

The book highlights the contributions of engineers and mechanics working at the forefront of automotive innovation. It covers Ferguson's experimental research vehicles, including the Ferguson-Climax Grand Prix car, and notable four-wheel drive models using Ferguson Formula technology. These include the Jensen FF, Indianapolis and Formula One race cars, and vehicles featuring the Viscous Control Unit, such as Group B rally cars, Ford's Sierra and Scorpio 4x4, Jeep models, later Range Rovers, Audi Quattros, and the Jaguar X-Type.
Also included are high-performance cars like the McLaren F1 and Jaguar XJ220, as well as transmission components supplied to manufacturers like Mazda and Volkswagen.

Product details

Author:	Bill Munro, Pat Turner
Details:	350 pages, 10.8 x 8.5 in (27.5 x 21.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	300 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Earlswood Press (GB, 2019)
ISBN:	9780993101861

Works Healeys In Detail - Healey, Nash-Healey and Austin-Healey works competition entrants, car by car

Donald Healey began rallying in the 1920s and soon gained fame in European events. A successful businessman, he aspired to build high-performance cars and, in 1946, launched his first models - the Westland roadster and the Elliott saloon - from his small Warwick factory.
The Elliott was the fastest saloon of its time, exceeding 110 mph and entering rallying by 1947. Healey later introduced the Silverstone, the elegant Tickford saloon, the Nash-Healey, and the renowned 100. The 100 quickly became the first Austin-Healey, leading to the 100/6, the 3000, and the addition of the Sprite.

Pages of the book "Works Healeys In Detail - Healey, Nash-Healey and Austin-Healey works competition entrants, car by car"

This book explores Donald Healey's cars in rallying, racing, and record attempts from the late 1940s to the last racing Austin-Healey Sprite in 1967. It covers competition versions of the 100, 100S, 100/6, and the highly successful 3000, which dominated international rallies in the 1960s with legendary drivers like Pat Moss, Timo Mäkinen, Rauno Aaltonen, and Paddy Hopkirk.
The author details each works car's history - entries, drivers, and results - supported by nearly all existing photographs. The book also features detailed color images of key surviving examples.

Product details

Author:	Graham Robson
Details:	176 pages, 10 x 10 in (25.5 x 25.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	200+ b&w and color photos's
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2018)
ISBN:	9781906133795

Cosworth - The Search for Power

Covers the entire history, life and times of the famous British high-performance engineering company, from its 1958 foundation by Keith Duckworth, through its often-exciting and always fascinating evolution, expansion and worldwide success in both motorsport and high-performance road cars.

Not only has Cosworth designed and supplied many race car engines, which won F1, CART, and many other Championship races, but it has also produced many celebrated high-performance road-car engines.
In more recent times, its growing expertise in developing electronic data capture components, and in providing ultra-high-tech engine manufacturing facilities, has made it a world leader.
The expansion continues, and in this book the Cosworth story has been brought up-to-the-minute to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the birth of the legendary DFV F1 engine.

Product details

Author:	Graham Robson
Details:	256 pages, 9.8 x 9.8 in (25 x 25 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	312 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2017)
ISBN:	9781845848958

Gulf-Mirage 1967 to 1982 (WSC Giants)

Details the origin and history of the Mirage sports cars, designed by the British-based John Wyer Automotive firm to contest the various versions of the World Sports Car Championship between 1967 and 1975, funded by the Gulf Oil Corporation.

The cars began as developments of the Ford GT40, but they soon assumed their own identity. After 1975, the Mirage was no longer in John Wyer hands, but the name lived on, and the marque remained a significant player in the World Championship for some years.

This book includes the developmental and race history, with a full list of all events and individual chassis numbers.

Product details

Author:	Ed McDonough
Details:	100 pages, 7.7 x 8.25 x 0.55 in (19.5 x 21 x 1.4 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	40 b&w and 60 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2017)
Series:	WSC Giants
ISBN:	9781787111752

Coventry Climax Racing Engines : The Definitive Development History

The result of extensive research, this book chronicles the definitive development history of Coventry Climax racing engines: the first British engines to power Formula One World Championship-winning cars.

Pages of the book "Coventry Climax Racing Engines : The Definitive Development History"

Des Hamill, a professional engineer, describes the innovative nature of these wonderful engines, and how racing engine technology advanced through an important era of motorsport.
The comments and anecdotes of those who were there give a real insight to life at Coventry Climax before its takeover by Jaguar in 1963. The author was given free access to Walter Hassan's papers; he also managed to track down and interview all of the surviving key players from the company's motor racing heyday, when it claimed four World Championship wins.

Product details

Author:	Des Hammill
Details:	192 pages, 8.9 x 5.9 in (22.5 x 15 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	77 b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2016)
Series:	Veloce Classic Reprint
ISBN:	9781787110434

The Lea-Francis Story

Lea-Francis was founded in 1895 in Coventry, UK, by R.H. Lea. The company initially produced bicycles and motorcycles but became known for high-quality sports cars by the 1920s.
From the 1930s to the 1960s, Lea-Francis focused on medium-sized cars, built with precision and top-quality materials. The company was successful in motorsports and known for innovation, but poor business management led to financial instability over the years.

In this book, Barrie Price, drawing on his lifelong connection to Lea-Francis, presents the full history of the company and its achievements.

Product details

Author:	Barrie Price
Details:	176 pages, 9.8 x 8.1 in (25 x 20.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	extensively illustrated
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2016)
Series:	Veloce Classic Reprint
ISBN:	9781845849573

Worcestershire's Motoring Heritage

Worcestershire can proudly boast that it is the home of the British motor industry. Barely three years after Karl Benz had built the world's first motorcar, the Santler brothers developed their internal combustion engine-powered four wheeler in Malvern.
It was the start of something big, and although the Santler brothers never saw success in the motor industry, the county was the site of some of the biggest motor manufacturers in the UK and still is a major motorsport centre with the hill climb speed trial at Shelsley Walsh being run from 1905 to the present day.

Herbert Austin's factory at Longbridge was in the county until 1911, when the area became part of the city of Birmingham. Worcestershire can still claim a motor industry, with the Morgan still being built in traditional ways by skilled craftsmen in Malvern. The county also has numerous Formula One and motorsport connections.

Lord Nuffield, the founder of Morris and MG, was born plain old William Richard Morris in a terraced house in Worcester. Together with Lord Austin he built up the two largest motor manufacturers in Britain, which combined in the 1950s to become the British Motor Company.

Product details

Author:	Martin P. Watts
Details:	192 pages, 9.7 x 6.9 x 0.51 in (24.5 x 17.5 x 1.3 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	150 photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2014)
ISBN:	9781445604190

Around the World in a Napier : The Story of Two Motoring Pioneers

In the nineteenth century, Jules Verne imagined a journey around the world. At the beginning of the twentieth century, American millionaire Charles J. Glidden made this journey a reality, although it took much longer than eighty days. With the help of Sussex engineer Charles Thomas, Glidden drove his Napier car twice around the world, visiting places that had never seen a motor vehicle.

Their travels spanned thirty-nine countries across four continents. In Switzerland, they were arrested for driving on a restricted road. Later, they adapted the car with railroad wheels and drove on the tracks of the Canadian Pacific to Vancouver.
Throughout their journey, they encountered a diverse range of people, from poor pilgrims to maharajahs. In Fiji, they met the last cannibal, and in Japan, they faced anti-Western sentiments.

Andrew Jepson narrates the captivating story of these pioneering journeys, accompanied by images from Charles Thomas' photograph albums. This book is essential reading for all car enthusiasts.

Product details

Author:	Andrew Jepson
Details:	128 pages, 9.25 x 6.1 x 0.31 in (23.5 x 15.5 x 0.8 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	85 b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	The History Press Ltd (GB, 2013)
ISBN:	9780752497730

Coventry's Motorcar Heritage

Coventry, home of the cycle industry, was also to become the birthplace of the motor industry when the Daimler Company became the first in Britain to mass produce cars in the late 1890s. Spearheaded by H.J. Lawson, Coventry soon became a hub of motoring activity, and by the early 1900s was teaming with small and large companies, testing cars, motor-bicycles and tricycles around the local streets and surrounding country lanes.
Many of these companies had previously been established as cycle manufacturers, yet introduced engines to their cycle frames in various forms, as well as producing safer three- and four-wheeled experimental machines. Other companies were established solely as motor manufacturers, many were short-lived, but others would survive and prosper.

This new-found industry soon attracted a new type of worker to Coventry, specialised in mechanical engineering. These men and their families came from all parts of the UK and beyond, and made new lives for themselves in the city. Coventry has been home to well in excess of 100 independent motor manufacturers, but in recent years the city has suffered greatly with the loss of huge companied like Jaguar and Peugeot.

The legacy of many of these historic cars can, however, still be enjoyed through museums and private collections. This outstanding volume is illustrated with 200 archive photographs and ephemera from the collection held at Coventry Transport Museum, and is a valuable record of the motor companies and their machines, as well as the individuals who both founded and worked for these manufacturers.

Product details

Author:	Damien Kimberley
Details:	160 pages, 9.7 x 6.9 x 0.43 in (24.5 x 17.5 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	200 b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	The History Press Ltd (GB, 2012)
ISBN:	9780752454481

Brabham Ralt Honda - The Ron Tauranac Story

Ron Tauranac has designed racing cars for over forty years, and Mike Lawrence's book provides a detailed account of his work, focusing on his contributions to Brabham, Honda, and his own Ralt company. This biography highlights Tauranac as one of the key figures in motorsport, offering an insightful exploration of open-wheel race car production.
The book covers the significant personalities and events in racing, offering a clear understanding of who played pivotal roles, when key moments occurred, and why they were important. It is a must-read for those seeking to uncover the true history of motorsport design and innovation.
Originally published by Motor Racing Publications in 1999, this book is an invaluable resource for racing enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

Product details

Author:	Mike Lawrence
Details:	288 pages, 8.7 x 5.9 in (22 x 15 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	extensively illustrated
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2011)
ISBN:	9781855209237

Westfield (1982-2004) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Westfield sports cars from the years 1982-2004. Describes the Westfield XI, SE, SEi, SEiGHT, Weasel, 330V8, ZEi, ZEi130, ZEi220, SPa, FW400, Fireblade, Megabusa, XTR2, XTR4 and Sport 200.

• The 38 period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	128 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.35 in (27 x 20 x 0.9 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	200+ b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2005)
Series:	Performance Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855206823

Marcos Coupes & Spyders (1960-1997) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Marcos Coupés and Spyder models from the years 1960-1997. Describes the Marcos GT Ford 100th, Volvo 1800, Ford 1600, Mini-Marcos GT 850, Lawrencetune, 1275 Cooper S, 3 litre V6, Mantis, Mantula, Spyder, Mantara, GT Le Mans, Riviera and LM500.

• The period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Author:	R. M. Clarke
Details:	172 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.43 in (27 x 20 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	extensively illustrated
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 1998)
Series:	Gold Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855203976

Railton & Brough Superior (1933-1950) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Railton and Brough Superior models from the years 1933-1950. Describes the Essex Terraplane, Napier-Railton, Railton Terraplane, Drop-head Coupé, Tourer, Sports, Light Sports, Saloon, Sandown, Cobham, Fairmile, 21HP, Brough Superior, 3.5L, Supercharged, Saloon and 12-cylinder.

• The period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	172 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.35 in (27 x 20 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	450 photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 1995)
Series:	Gold Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855203136

Panther (1972-1990) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Panther sports cars from the years 1972-1990. Describes the Panther J72, 'Ferrari', the Ville, Rio, Lima, Kallista, 1.6, 2.8, 2.9 and Solo.

• The 57 period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	180 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.35 in (27 x 20 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	450 photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 1991)
Series:	Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855201125