Austin (1945-1968): Books - History and Technology

American Austin-Bantam - America's first small car

The Bantam American story from Austin to Bantam, from Sir Herbert Austin to Roy S. Evans. Two polar opposites who were the principals in creating and selling Americas first small car and the car company who created the Jeep.
A quick reference guide and perfect primer.

BMC 1100 and 1300 - An Enthusiast's Guide

The British Motor Corporation's 1100 and 1300 model range was amongst the most successful in the Corporation's history, selling more than 2.1 million of all types between its introduction in 1962 and its demise in 1974.
World-wide, it was sold under eight different marque names and in two-door saloon, four-door saloon, two-door estate, and five-door hatchback forms - and very nearly as a van as well. In Britain, it was the country's best-selling car between 1962 and 1971, being beaten just once (in 1967) by the Ford Cortina.

BMC 1100 and 1300 looks at the design and development of a model range that at the time confirmed BMC as a pioneer of new automotive ideas and had a profound impact on other manufacturers. It covers not only the full standard model range, but special conversions, cars built abroad, and owning and running the cars today.

The Last Real Austins 1946-1959

This book chronicles how Austin overcame the tough austerity period immediately after WWII and went on to design a comprehensive range of cars, sports cars, limousines, taxicabs, off-roaders, military vehicles, vans and trucks that has never been equalled by one single manufacturer.

In the immediate post-war years its modern and innovative range of cars, trucks and vans were forced to take on world markets as a result of the British Government's "Export or die" mandate to help pay off massive war debts. At its peak, Austin was required to export 75% of production, resulting in long waiting lists for new vehicles on the home market.
As a result, many of its impressive range of modern vehicles were to find customers in the four corners of the world, helping to establish Austin as one of the world's best known auto makers at the time.

Period covered: 1945-1959

Models covered: Austin Tilly wartime truck, Austin 8,10,12 and 16, A30 and A35, A40 Devon and Dorset, A40 Somerset, A40 Sports, A40 Tourer, A40 Cambridge, A50 Cambridge, A55 Cambridge, A70 Hampshire, A70 Hereford, A90 Atlantic, A90 Westminster, A95 Westminster, A125 Sheerline, A135 Princess, Austin Champ, Austin Gipsy, Austin Healey, Austin Healey Sprite, Austin Leader, Austin FX3 and FX4 taxicabs.

Plus A40 Farina, A55 Farina Cambridge, A99 Farina Westminster.

Plus A35 trucks and vans, A40 trucks and vans, A70 trucks, K8 trucks and vans, J2 trucks and vans, FX3 trucks and vans, Assorted ambulances, fire trucks and hearses.

Austin Cars 1948 to 1990 - A Pictorial History

Austin cars continued in production long after the other marques that formed BMC were discontinued, with only the MG name that was applied to some Rover models lasting beyond 2000.

Illustrated in full colour and with detailed information including colour schemes, optional equipment and technical specifications, this book provides a complete catalogue of the cars from 1948 onwards, including the Austin models built by the Rover group during the 1990s.
This is the ultimate book for those interested in the Austin marque.

Period Covered: 1948-1990

Models Covered:
- A40 Dorset/Devon, A40 Somerset
- A70 Hampshire, A70 Hereford
- A30
- A35
- A40 Cambridge, A50 Cambridge, A55 Cambridge mk1
- A40 Farina mark 1, A40 Farina mark 2
- A55 Cambridge, A60 Cambridge
- A90 Westminster, A95 Westminster, A99 Westminster, A105 Westminster, A110 Westminster, A110 Westminster 2
- Austin 7 (Mini), Austin Mini, Austin Mini mark 2, Mini, Mini Clubman
- 1100 mark 1, 1100 mark 2/1300, 1100/1300 mark 3
- 1800 mark 1, 1800 mark 2, 1800 mark 3
- 2200
- 3 Litre
- Maxi 1, Maxi 2
- Allegro 1, Allegro 2, Allegro 3
- 18/22 series
- Princess 1, Princess 2
- Ambassador
- Metro & Rover 100
- Maestro (incl. Rover)
- Montego (incl. Rover).

Models Not Covered: pre 1948 models, Austin Healey sports cars, cars produced by coachbuilders and outside companies i.e. A125, A135 and Taxi models.

The Cars of BMC

Formed 'officially' in 1952 from the amalgamation of Morris Motors Ltd and the Austin Motor Company Ltd, the British Motor Corporation grew exponentially over the next 16 years, bringing a multitude of marques and models to the market.

Graham Robson presents a total history of BMC, a comprehensive directory of the brands and vehicles that made up the whole. Beginning with a superbly detailed account of the 'pre-history' of BMC, and the many threads that combined to bring Austin and Morris together to create the BMC empire, this deeply researched book is unrivalled in detail and scope.

Along with a detailed history of the company and its creation, Robson provides a comprehensive directory of the marques and models that made up the BMC. From Austin to Wolseley, and taking in names such as Metropolitan and Vanden Plas along the way, each has a dedicated, detailed chapter.

Each chapter includes model histories, plus dates of manufacture, production numbers, technical specifications including chassis layouts, and engine and transmission specifications. You'll even find model dimensions, and the fates of individual model lines.

This new edition covers the cars of the period 1945 to 1975, and the following marques: Austin; Austin-Healey; Innocenti; Metropolitan; MG; Morris; Riley; Vanden Plas; Wolseley; British Motor Holdings (BMH) and British Leyland, plus subsidiaries and overseas connections.