Austin Cars (until 1940): Books - History and Models

An Austin Anthology

An entertaining collection of true stories that feature just a few of the products manufactured by the Austin Motor Company from 1906 until the outbreak of the Second World War, including the people who helped to make them, those who drove them, and even those who flew them.

Although the history of the Austin Seven and Taxicabs have been covered before in much greater detail elsewhere, you will find within these pages the stories of many other Austin creations: the Austin 12/6 which could be won by smoking Kensitas cigarettes; the Austin 20 which competed in the 1914 Austrian Alpine Trial; the remarkable racing car named `Pobble' which went on to serve as an ambulance during the First World War, and the Australian couple who, in 1926, decided to drive their Austin Twelve right around Australia.

The Music Hall artist, George Clarke, who performed on stage with his Austin Seven, and the `Austin Unity Song,' a recording of which was presented to guests at the Company's Annual dinner, are just two more fascinating stories which go to make up this Austin Anthology.

Features:
- The Austin heir killed by a German sniper during WW1
- An Austin bi-plane you could keep in your garage
- The Longbridge typist who was murdered by her married lover
- The Royal Flying Corps fighter ace who designed his own aeroplane
- How Queen Mary greatly enjoyed the Austin Seven's antics at the London Palladium
- The Austin Twelve that was driven right around Australia in 1926
- The largest Austin ever built with all the luxuries of a mobile home
- What happened to the pensioned-off taxis - not all were scrapped ... some went on amazing journeys
- The apprentice who asked for time off to go to the pantomime.

Author:	James 'Jim' Stringer
Specs:	112 pages, 22 x 15.5 x 1.5 cm / 8.7 x 6.1 x 0.59 in, hardback
Illustrations:	108 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2018)
ISBN:	9781787111912

An Austin Anthology II

Following on from Jim Stringer's first book 'An Austin Anthology,' this second volume features 20 more stories relating to the Austin Motor Company, its products and the people who purchased them.
The author takes a look at the very first Austin to be built, and discovers why it was able to be offered to the public so quickly after the Company's formation only a few month's earlier. He also uncovers how the single-cylinder Austin Seven, whilst designed at Longbridge, was actually built at the Swift Motor Car factory in Coventry, and offered as a Swift or an Austin.

In 1908 Herbert Austin produced four 100hp racing cars to compete at the French Grand Prix in Dieppe. But what happened to them afterwards? And is the only survivor, now on display at the British Heritage Museum, Gaydon as genuine as it would appear?

And then there is the story of Daisy Fearon, whose only means of transport was a 1928 Austin which she'd owned since 1931. As Daisy aged, her driving became less and less predictable, causing those who knew her to run for cover when she was seen at the wheel.

An amusing and nostalgic collection of stories, illustrated with original period photographs, An Austin Anthology II is bound to entertain and delight all Austin enthusiasts.

Author:	James Stringer
Specs:	144 pages, 22 x 15.5 x 1.5 cm / 8.7 x 6.1 x 0.59 in, hardback
Illustrations:	154 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2019)
ISBN:	9781787114265

Herbert Austin's Heavy Twelve-Four - A Very Dependable Motorcar

Until now there has been no in-depth book about the Austin 12/4. This most worthy of cars epitomised Herbert Austin's philosophy that his cars must demonstrate longevity, robust construction, sound engineering and represent good value for money.

Here we have the story behind the model's introduction, contemporary press reports, early advertisements, from the first brochures issued up to 1934-35, the various body styles available.
Those which were exported as chassis to New Zealand and Australia and then bodied locally are also included. The taxicabs have a section to themselves, as does the different coachwork available from various coachbuilders - including the work they undertook during the war.

When many cabs dating from the thirties were pensioned off in the early fifties, they took on many other roles, and Jim details some of them.
Separate chapters are reserved for 12/4s which have earned their own special place in the Austin Twelve's history; these include "Peggy", the cab featured in the film Carry on Cabby, and "Gumdrop", the tourer immortalised by the late Val Biro.

The Austin 12/4 has survived in respectable numbers, and if you are wondering why, Jim's book will leave you in no doubt. Everything you need to know about the Heavy 12/4 Austin, including stories of restorations, is in this book. In 2022 we celebrate the centenary of the addition of this model to the Austin range

Author:	James Stringer
Specs:	128 pages, 28 x 22 x 1.6 cm / 11 x 8.7 x 0.63 in, hardback
Illustrations:	300+ b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2022)
ISBN:	9781914929007

An Austin Anthology III

NEW

Volume Three of the Austin Anthology, a continuation of James Stringer's acclaimed series, presents a captivating assortment of Austin-related tales.
This collection delves into charming and nostalgic stories, featuring highlights such as the remarkable journey of 'Mugwump' from Bristol to Cape Town and back, the intriguing dispute between Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers over an Austin 12/4, and the Austin Motor Car Company's promotional film, 'The Mighty Atom,' centered around the Austin 7.

As the third installment in James Stringer's popular series, the book offers a unique perspective on the history of the Austin Motor Car Company. It explores traveler's tales, historical anecdotes, and corporate events, including the company's receivership and the subsequent takeover bid by General Motors.
Tailored for Austin owners and enthusiasts, this charmingly nostalgic volume contains many previously unheard stories accompanied by unpublished photographs, enriching the reader's understanding of prewar Austin cars.

Author:	James Stringer
Specs:	112 pages, 22 x 15.5 x 1.6 cm / 8.7 x 6.1 x 0.63 in, hardback
Illustrations:	187 photos
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2023)
ISBN:	9781787116504

Making Cars at Longbridge : 1906 to the Present Day

Lavishly illustrated with unique images from the official company archive, this book charts more than 100 years of car-making at the Longbridge factory, near Birmingham. Herbert Austin founded the Austin Motor Company here in April 1905 and it was subsequently home to the British Motor Corporation, British Leyland, Rover Group and, latterly, MG Rover. Its products include some of the most famous British models ever produced, such as the pioneering Austin Seven, the innovative trend-setting Mini, the popular Austin Metro and, in later years, the best-selling MG TF and elegant Rover 75.

The factory was a major employer and an integral part of the local community from its beginnings until the sad events of April 2005, when MG Rover went into administration. This radically changed the landscape, spearheading the long-term regeneration of the area. The community is looking to the future with confidence, never forgetting its long and proud tradition of manufacturing.

This fully updated version honours the 110th anniversary of the first motor production at Longbridge as well as the 150th birthday of Herbert Austin. It includes a new colour section showing various stages in the life of a car, from the design studio to the showroom.

Author:	Gillian Bardsley, Colin Corke
Specs:	192 pages, 25 x 17 cm / 9.8 x 6.7 in, paperback
Illustrations:	220 b&w and 8 colour photos
Publisher:	The History Press Ltd (GB, 2016)
ISBN:	9780750965293