Austin (1945-1968): books - history and technology

BMC 1100 and 1300 - An Enthusiast's Guide

The British Motor Corporation's 1100 and 1300 models were among the most successful in its history, with over 2.1 million units sold from their introduction in 1962 to their end in 1974. These cars were marketed under eight different brand names globally and were available in various body styles, including two-door and four-door saloons, two-door estates, and five-door hatchbacks. In Britain, the 1100 and 1300 were the top-selling cars between 1962 and 1971, surpassed only once by the Ford Cortina in 1967.

"BMC 1100 and 1300" examines the design and development of this influential model range, which helped establish BMC as a leader in automotive innovation. The book covers not only the standard models but also special conversions, cars produced overseas, and the experience of owning and maintaining these vehicles today.

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American Austin-Bantam - America's first small car

"American Austin-Bantam" is an illustrated book that details the history of America's first small car and the origins of the Jeep. It follows the journey from Sir Herbert Austin, an English engineer who founded the American Austin Car Company in 1929, to Roy S. Evans, a Georgia entrepreneur who revived it as American Bantam in 1936 after its bankruptcy.
The book highlights their different roles: Austin aimed to introduce his compact Austin 7 to the U.S., while Evans transformed the struggling company and led it to design the iconic Jeep in 1940.
Featuring images and key details, this concise guide covers the cars' production in Butler, Pennsylvania, and their impact, including the Bantam Reconnaissance Car, the first Jeep prototype.

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The Last Real Austins 1946-1959

This book explores how Austin overcame the difficult post-war years and developed a wide range of vehicles, including cars, sports cars, limousines, taxis, off-roaders, military vehicles, vans, and trucks - an achievement unmatched by any other manufacturer.

After World War II, Austin had to focus on exports due to the British Government's "Export or die" policy, aimed at repaying war debts. At its peak, 75% of Austin's production was sent abroad, leading to long waiting times for domestic buyers.
As a result, Austin's innovative vehicles gained popularity worldwide, establishing the brand as one of the most recognized automakers of its time. This illustrated book provides a detailed look at Austin's global impact and engineering achievements.

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.

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Austin Cars 1948 to 1990 - A Pictorial History

Austin cars remained in production long after other brands under British Motor Corporation (BMC) ceased. The Austin name lasted well beyond many, with only MG surviving beyond 2000 in the form of some Rover models.

This fully illustrated, colour book offers a comprehensive catalogue of Austin cars produced from 1948 onwards. It includes detailed information such as colour schemes, optional features, and technical specifications, as well as models made by the Rover group in the 1990s.

This book is the ultimate resource for anyone interested in the Austin brand.

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.

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The Cars of BMC

Formed in 1952 through the merger of Morris Motors Ltd and the Austin Motor Company Ltd, the British Motor Corporation (BMC) rapidly expanded over the next 16 years, introducing numerous brands and models.

In this book, Graham Robson offers a complete history of BMC, including a detailed look at the early developments that led to the merger of Austin and Morris. This well-researched work provides a thorough directory of the brands and vehicles within BMC.

Robson covers the full history of the company and its formation, offering individual chapters for each brand, such as Austin, Wolseley, Metropolitan, and Vanden Plas.
Each chapter includes model histories, production dates, production numbers, technical specifications (including chassis layouts), engine and transmission details, model dimensions, and the fates of specific model lines.

This updated edition focuses on cars produced between 1945 and 1975, covering marques such as Austin, Austin-Healey, Innocenti, MG, Morris, Riley, Vanden Plas, Wolseley, British Motor Holdings, British Leyland, along with subsidiaries and international connections.

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BMC 1100/1300 (ADO16) - Austin, Morris, MG, Riley, Wolseley & Vanden Plas

NEW

ADO16 was the development code for the Austin Morris 1100/1300 range. This book covers all main models and their MG, Riley, and Vanden Plas versions. It explores the mechanical design, development, and the car's place within BMC and the market.

These cars were bestsellers in their time, offering British families a modern, stylish, and practical vehicle. Known for their reliability, efficiency, and spacious interiors, they became popular all-purpose cars.
With over a million units sold in the UK between 1962 and 1973, ADO16s were a common sight in cities, towns, villages, and on country roads. They became the defining British family car of the 1960s.

This book revisits one of the British motor industry's overlooked successes - the car that followed the Mini's legacy to offer Britain and the world a compact yet capable family saloon.

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Landcrabs and 3-Litres - BMC 1800, 2200 (ADO17) and 3-litre (ADO61) cars

NEW

Nicknamed the Landcrab, the BMC 1800 was the largest of three models designed by Sir Alec Issigonis in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Following the success of the Mini and 1100, it featured Hydrolastic suspension and a spacious interior made possible by front-wheel drive. This large family saloon also performed well in motorsport and later had six-cylinder versions, first developed in Australia.

A modified version of the 1800 design was used for the Austin 3-Litre, a luxury car with rear-wheel drive aimed at a more traditional market. However, it was less successful, and plans for rebadged models, including a Bentley version, were abandoned.

Both the BMC 1800 and Austin 3-Litre played key roles in the British car industry of the 1960s and remain popular among classic car enthusiasts. Acclaimed motoring historian James Taylor explores their history in this well-researched and beautifully illustrated book.

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