Ford Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac: books - history

Ford Cars - Ford UK cars 1945-1995 - A Pictorial History

Ford cars are found worldwide, and classic models remain popular at vintage car shows. This book is a comprehensive, full-color guide to British Ford models produced between 1945 and 1995.

It includes a detailed history, model comparisons, and technical specifications to help identify vehicles sold by Ford of Britain. Each model is covered with original color photographs, technical details, and available color schemes.

Part of a well-received series on classic British cars, this volume is authored by David Rowe, who brings over 30 years of experience from working in Ford dealerships and firsthand knowledge of many of these models.

Contents:
- History of UK Ford models (1945-1995)
- Model-by-model comparisons
- Full-color photographs
- Technical specifications
- Special editions
- Available color schemes
- Standard and optional equipment
- Dashboard instrument diagrams
- Production dates
- Original launch prices

Product details

British Ford Cars of the 1960s and 1970s

The 1960s and 1970s were crucial years for Ford in Europe, marked by significant changes, especially from a British perspective. In the early 1960s, Ford offered only two types of cars: small family sedans and large family sedans.
By the late 1970s, however, Ford expanded to five market segments, introducing small hatchbacks, small sedans, medium sedans, sporty coupes, and large sedans. By 1967, the Ford Cortina became the best-selling car in Britain, helping Ford surpass its competitors as the leading manufacturer.

This book, with over 270 photographs, covers:
- The Ford company structure, key businesses, and locations during these two decades
- Influences on model design, engineering, styling, specifications, and performance
- Market response and sales data
- Special editions, overseas models, and conversions
- Practical buying advice for each model.

Product details

Ford Design in the UK - 70 Years of Success

This book offers a detailed look into Ford UK's design studios over the past 70 years. It traces the company's British design history, the development of its studio sites, and the work of the designers, modellers and engineers who shaped many well-known vehicles. It also explains how automotive design has changed over time, from traditional craft methods to today's advanced digital processes.

The book follows the progress of major Ford projects created in the UK, with a strong focus on the Dunton studio, opened in 1967 and still an essential part of Ford's design network in Europe. It describes early techniques such as chalk sketches and wooden models used for the Consul, as well as modern digital renderings and clay models produced for the latest Transit. Many of these stories are told directly by the people involved.

Contents include:
- Early work at Briggs in Dagenham: Consul, Zodiac, Classic
- Development of the Cortina, Corsair, Escort and Capri at Aveley
- Opening of Dunton and the growth of design activities
- Challenges and internal politics during the creation of Ford of Europe in the 1960s
- Eight generations of Ford Transit, 1965 to today
- The Uwe Bahnsen era: Granada, Sierra, Scorpio and Cargo
- New Edge design and the politics of the 1990s
- The development of the Mondeo, Ka and Puma
- From New Edge to Kinetic Design in the 2000s
- The impact of modern digital design methods

Models covered: Consul, Zephyr, Zodiac, Classic, Anglia, Cortina, Corsair, Escort, Capri, Granada, Granada Scorpio, Fiesta, Sierra, RS200, Ka, Puma, Focus, Mondeo, Transit and Transit Connect.

Product details

Ford Fiesta

NEW

The Ford Fiesta has been one of Britain's best-selling small cars since its launch in 1976. Designed as a front-wheel-drive "world car, " it was Ford's response to rivals like the Renault 5 and Fiat 127. This book traces the Fiesta's rise as a popular second car, student vehicle, and choice for new drivers.

Motoring expert Mark Bradbury examines the car's design and development, Ford's goals for the urban market, and public and press reactions to its launch. The book covers early classic models and follows the story through to the final vehicles built before production ended.
It also looks at the sportier versions, including the RS and turbo models, and explores related variants like the Fiesta vans, Ka, and Puma. The final chapters consider the car's legacy after more than four decades on the market.

With informative text and a wide selection of illustrations, this book offers a clear and complete guide to one of Britain's most familiar and successful small cars.

Product details