Austin cars (until 1940): books - history and models
A book on the Austin Seven or Ten? Here are books on the history, models and technology of Austin and the factory at Longbridge.
An Austin Anthology
This book presents a fascinating collection of true stories featuring various vehicles produced by the Austin Motor Company from 1906 until World War II. It highlights the people who built, drove, and even flew them.
While the Austin Seven and Austin taxicabs have been widely documented, this book explores lesser-known Austin models. These include the Austin 12/6, which could be won through a cigarette promotion, and the Austin 20, which competed in the 1914 Austrian Alpine Trial. It also tells the story of 'Pobble, ' a racing car that later served as an ambulance in World War I, and an Australian couple who drove their Austin Twelve around Australia in 1926.
Other intriguing tales include a Music Hall performer who shared the stage with his Austin Seven and the 'Austin Unity Song' recorded as a gift for company guests. This illustrated anthology brings to life Austin's rich and varied history.
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.
Information
Author:
James 'Jim' Stringer
Details:
112 pages, 22 x 15.5 x 1.5 cm / 8.7 x 6.1 x 0.59 in, hardback
Following Jim Stringer's first book, "An Austin Anthology", this second volume presents 20 more stories about the Austin Motor Company, its vehicles, and the people who owned them. The author explores the history of the first Austin car, revealing how it was quickly made available to the public just months after the company was founded. It also covers the Austin Seven, which, though designed at Longbridge, was built at the Swift Motor Car factory in Coventry and sold under both the Swift and Austin names.
The book delves into the story of Herbert Austin's four 100hp racing cars built for the 1908 French Grand Prix and what happened to them afterwards, including the fate of the surviving car now displayed at the British Heritage Museum. It also tells the story of Daisy Fearon, who drove a 1928 Austin for decades, despite her unpredictable driving later in life.
"An Austin Anthology II" is a nostalgic and entertaining collection, filled with original photographs from the era, sure to captivate all Austin enthusiasts.
Information
Author:
James Stringer
Details:
144 pages, 22 x 15.5 x 1.5 cm / 8.7 x 6.1 x 0.59 in, hardback
Herbert Austin's Heavy Twelve-Four - A Very Dependable Motorcar
Until now, there has been no detailed book about the Austin 12/4. This car exemplifies Herbert Austin's philosophy that his vehicles should be durable, well-built, technically sound, and offer good value for money.
This book covers the story behind the model's introduction, contemporary press reports, early advertisements, and brochures up to 1934-35. It includes various body styles, those exported as chassis to New Zealand and Australia and then bodied locally, and a section on taxicabs. It also discusses different coachwork from various coachbuilders, including their wartime efforts.
When many cabs from the thirties were retired in the early fifties, they found new roles, which Jim details. The Austin 12/4 has survived in significant numbers, and Jim's book explains why. It includes everything you need to know about the Heavy 12/4 Austin, including restoration stories.
Information
Author:
James Stringer
Details:
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
Herbert Austin's Heavy Twelve-Four - A Very Dependable Motorcar
Volume Three of the "Austin Anthology", continuing James Stringer's popular series, offers a fascinating collection of stories related to the Austin Motor Company. This volume highlights interesting tales such as the extraordinary journey of 'Mugwump' from Bristol to Cape Town and back, the humorous dispute between Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers over an Austin 12/4, and the company's promotional film, "The Mighty Atom", featuring the Austin 7.
As the third installment, the book provides a fresh perspective on the history of the Austin Motor Company. It covers travel stories, historical anecdotes, and corporate events, including the company's receivership and the subsequent General Motors takeover attempt. Aimed at Austin owners and enthusiasts, this volume offers a nostalgic and informative look at prewar Austin cars. It includes many previously untold stories, supported by unpublished photographs, enriching the reader's understanding of this iconic brand.
Information
Author:
James Stringer
Details:
112 pages, 22 x 15.5 x 1.6 cm / 8.7 x 6.1 x 0.63 in, hardback
Making Cars at Longbridge : 1906 to the Present Day
This richly illustrated book offers a detailed history of over 100 years of car manufacturing at the Longbridge factory near Birmingham. Founded by Herbert Austin in 1905, the Austin Motor Company later became part of the British Motor Corporation, British Leyland, Rover Group, and MG Rover. The factory produced iconic British models, including the Austin Seven, Mini, Austin Metro, MG TF, and Rover 75.
From its early days, Longbridge was a key employer and an important part of the local community. However, in April 2005, MG Rover entered administration, marking a significant change for the area and prompting its long-term regeneration. Despite these changes, the community remains proud of its manufacturing heritage and looks to the future with optimism.
This updated edition commemorates both the 110th anniversary of motor production at Longbridge and the 150th birthday of Herbert Austin. It includes a new colour section depicting the car manufacturing process, from design to showroom.
Information
Author:
Gillian Bardsley, Colin Corke
Details:
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
Making Cars at Longbridge : 1906 to the Present Day
The TMB Bookshop presents not only general books on Austin . Click here to discover all books on Austin (including technical books like workshop manuals, restauration manuals, driver's handbooks, parts catalogues, etc.).
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