Austin and Austin Rover (1968-1990): Illustrated History Books & Guides

Austin Rover Maestro and Montego

In the early 1980s, British Leyland (BL) introduced the Maestro and Montego to compete in the compact and mid-size car markets, replacing the Austin Maxi, Morris Ital, and Austin Allegro as part of a modernization plan led by Michael Edwardes. This book explores their development and BL's efforts to remain competitive.

Following the Mini Metro, the Maestro featured a spacious design, electronic engine management, a digital dashboard, and voice warnings. It also introduced new engines and transmissions. However, like many BL cars, it faced reliability and quality issues. The MG Maestro Turbo stood out as the fastest in its class.

Launched in 1984, the Montego featured the S-Series engine and won a Design Council Award. It offered self-levelling suspension, a large boot, and optional rear-facing child seats in the estate version. Despite these advantages, it struggled against Ford and Vauxhall due to quality concerns. The Countryman estate, later equipped with a turbo-diesel engine, improved its appeal.

Product details

Author:	Craig Cheetham
Details:	96 pages, 9.25 x 6.5 x 0.47 in (23.5 x 16.5 x 1.2 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	150 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2022)
ISBN:	9781398102156

Austin and Rover Metro - The Full Story

Introduced in 1980 as the Austin Mini-Metro, the Metro played a crucial role in British Leyland's survival and was seen as the car that saved the company. This book explores its design, development, and commercial success from its early sketches in 1975 to the end of production in 1998, when it became the Rover 100.

The book details the engineering improvements, the media and public reception at launch, and the transition to the Rover brand. It also covers the introduction of the K-Series engine and high-performance versions like the MG Metro Turbo, GTA, and GTi, along with the Metro's racing achievements.

Interviews with key designers provide insight into the car's development, and the book also examines concepts for a Metro successor that never reached production. Finally, it includes practical advice for current and future Metro owners.

Product details

Author:	Craig Cheetham
Details:	96 pages, 9.25 x 6.5 in (23.5 x 16.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	many b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2020)
ISBN:	9781398100930

British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986

In 1968, British Leyland was formed by merging most of Britain's car manufacturers to create a strong, unified group capable of competing with major European companies. However, this goal was not achieved.

Many books have explored the politics and business aspects of British Leyland, but "British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986" focuses specifically on the vehicles produced by the company. It covers both inherited models and those developed under its management.

During its 18 years, British Leyland produced a wide range of vehicles, often leading to confusion about their origins. This book clarifies which models were made, by whom, and when.

The book stops at 1986, the year British Leyland ceased to exist. What remained of its car and light commercial vehicle division was renamed the Rover Group.

Pages of the book "British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986"

Product details

Author:	James Taylor
Details:	192 pages, 11 x 8.5 x 0.79 in (28 x 21.5 x 2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	63 b&w and 173 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2018)
ISBN:	9781785003912

Austin Allegro - An Enthusiast's Guide

Harris Mann, the stylist of the Austin Allegro, once remarked that the car "took a lot of criticism, but it wasn't that bad ... The problem was that no two cars were exactly the same due to quality control issues." As a result, few have examined its history - its intended purpose, how it was designed, and why it became so notorious.

This book provides a balanced account of the Allegro's story, covering its ambitious design, management decisions, setbacks, labor disputes, public criticism, and eventual reassessment. Now gaining recognition as an affordable classic, the book offers practical guidance on ownership and purchasing for all models.

From the reliable Series 2 to the rare, sportier Equipe, this book reconsiders the Allegro's role in classic car culture. It concludes that the model is not only a simple and economical classic but also an important part of Britain's automotive heritage.

Product details

Author:	Ben Wanklyn
Details:	160 pages, 9.7 x 7.5 x 0.43 in (24.5 x 19 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	170 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2014)
ISBN:	9781847976765

L'Austin Metro de mon père + MG Metro et Rover 100

The Austin Metro, the bigger sister of the Mini, was a major success in Europe during the 1980s. More than just a city car, it symbolized the revival of the British automotive industry after a difficult period. Launched in 1980, it stood out for its clever engineering, reliability, and attractive design, helping British Leyland-Austin Rover regain stability.

With the addition of sporty MG versions and a five-door variant, its commercial success grew. The Metro reached its peak with the 6R4, an all-wheel-drive rally version. In the 1990s, it was modernized and rebranded as the Rover 100, adopting a more premium image. After 18 years of production and over two million units sold, it remains a major achievement in British car history.

- Illustrated book about the Austin Metro (1980-1998).
- Detailed history and development of the Austin Metro, MG Metro, and Rover 100.
- A precise guide for enthusiasts and owners.
- Technical details, variants, and special models.
- Over 200 period photos, some never seen before.

Product details

Author:	Adrien Cahuzac
Details:	120 pages, 8.5 x 9 in (21.5 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	200 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2016)
Series:	De mon père
ISBN:	9791028301460