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Mini Cars: Illustrated History Books & Guides (1/2)

Explore the best illustrated books on the Mini (Austin Seven, Morris Mini-Minor, Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet). Discover the history, models and evolution of Mini cars (1/2). Perfect for enthousiasts, collectors, and anyone passionate about Mini..

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 (1)

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
Book cover: British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986 | Crowood

British Leyland - The Cars, 1968-1986

Language: English

Factory-Original Mini Mk 1 & Mk 2 - Originality guide including Cooper, Moke, Hornet, Elf, Van, Pick-Up & Estate

The original Mini had a lasting impact on the automotive world. Designed in response to late 1950s fuel shortages, it was introduced in 1959 under the Austin and Morris brands, available in basic or De Luxe versions. Its success led to the introduction of van, pick-up, and estate models, as well as high-performance Mini Coopers and the upgraded Mini Super.

By the late 1960s, the Mini remained popular, with the 1967 Mk II models retaining the distinctive style of the original. Today, early Minis are still highly valued for their agile driving experience and affordable upkeep.
Many undergo meticulous restorations to their original specifications, and this book serves as a guide for those restoring a British-built Mk I or Mk II Mini.

Pages of the book Factory-Original Mini Mk I & Mk II (1)

Pages of the book "Factory-Original Mini Mk 1 & Mk 2 - Originality guide including Cooper, Moke, Hornet, Elf, Van, Pick-Up & Estate"

Respected classic car historian James Taylor provides a detailed overview of each major Mini model. The book examines body panels, trim, paint colors, dashboard, instruments, engine, transmission, and more.
Supported by over 300 specially commissioned color photographs, this reference captures the original details of these iconic cars, making it an essential resource for restorers and enthusiasts alike.

Product details

Author:James Taylor
Details:156 pages, 10 x 10 in (25.5 x 25.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:300+ color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2015)
Series:Factory-Original
ISBN:9781906133665
Book cover: Factory-Original Mini Mk 1 & Mk 2 - Originality guide including Cooper, Moke, Hornet, Elf, Van, Pick-Up & Estate | Factory-Original | Herridge & Sons

Factory-Original Mini Mk 1 & Mk 2 - Originality guide including Cooper, Moke, Hornet, Elf, Van, Pick-Up & Estate

Language: English

The Mini Story

The original Mini, introduced in 1959 and designed by Alec Issigonis, is a car that has inspired immense affection for its fun character, minimalist design, and timeless style. It also holds significant historical value, as it set the standard for all successful compact cars that followed. The Mini was a technological marvel of its time.

Produced for 41 years, the original Mini became the best-selling British car, with 5.3 million units sold - an achievement unlikely to be surpassed. Just when it seemed the Mini would fade into obscurity, BMW revitalized it, creating the MINI brand and turning it into the world's most desirable small car.
In this book, award-winning author Giles Chapman tells the full story of the Mini's incredible journey.

Product details

Author:Giles Chapman
Details:128 pages, 5.9 x 7.9 x 0.51 in (15 x 20 x 1.3 cm), paperback
Illustrations:extensively illustrated
Language:English
Publisher:The History Press Ltd (GB, 2011)
ISBN:9780752462820
Book cover: The Mini Story | The History Press

The Mini Story

Language: English

Mini - Toute l'histoire (Top Model)

This book traces the history of the company that produced the Mini, from the successes of the British Motor Corporation to the acquisition by BMW, including the struggles of British Leyland.

The first comprehensive book in French on the Mini, it covers all aspects of its history: its creators, its genesis, the different models produced (including those built outside the United Kingdom), the abandoned prototypes, the derivatives, and the competition. It is rich in anecdotes, abundantly illustrated, and includes production figures and identification numbers in the appendix.

Product details

Author:Enguerrand Lecesne
Details:192 pages, 11.4 x 9 in (29 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:400 b&w and color photos
Language:French
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2017)
Series:Top Model
ISBN:9791028302238
Book cover: Mini - Toute l'histoire | Top Model | ETAI

Mini - Toute l'histoire

Language: French

100% Mini

This book presents all Mini models sold by Rover in France and Europe. Over 140 Minis, from the oldest to the newest, are described with data and anecdotes from internal archives and rare documents.

This book meets the demand of Mini enthusiasts by analyzing each model, including little-known versions like Mini Lapagayo, Silverbullet, Beaubourg, Printemps. It is an ideal tool to learn everything about the Mini and understand the many limited series produced by the English brand.

Product details

Author:Olivier Mescolini
Details:176 pages, 11.8 x 9.7 x 0.79 in (30 x 24.5 x 2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:400 b&w and color photos
Language:French
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2009)
ISBN:9782726888704

Mini - 60 ans

The Mini has been on the market for over sixty years, a unique achievement in automotive history. It revolutionized the design and engineering of small cars. Launched in 1959, the first version surprised everyone with its simplicity, interior, performance, and handling.

"Mini - 60 ans" details the history of this phenomenon, from its creation by Alec Issigonis to the latest versions of the Mini. This book pays tribute to the brand, symbolizing the unique charm of the English car for all generations.

Product details

Author:Giles Chapman
Details:176 pages, 10 x 8.5 in (25.5 x 21.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:365 b&w and color photos
Language:French
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2019)
ISBN:9791028303808
Book cover: Mini - 60 ans | ETAI

Mini - 60 ans

Language: French

La Mini (1959-2000) de mon père

More than just a car, the Mini is a true icon. With 5.3 million units produced over 40 years, it has left a lasting impression on generations of drivers.
This book traces its history, covering its numerous models, racing career, and technical variants. It also examines production outside the UK, highlighting why the Mini remains Britain's most beloved car.

Key Features:
- A detailed history of the Mini from 1959 to 2000, richly illustrated.
- Part of the "La voiture de mon père" series, informative for owners and enthusiasts.
- Technical specifications, variants, modifications, and special editions.
- A section on international production.
- 250 historical photos, many previously unpublished.

Product details

Author:Enguerrand Lecesne
Details:120 pages, 8.5 x 9 in (21.5 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:300 b&w and color photos
Language:French
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2021)
Series:De mon père
ISBN:9791028304614
Book cover: La Mini (1959-2000) de mon père | De mon père | ETAI

La Mini (1959-2000) de mon père

Language: French

< Mini >

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Book cover: Classic Mini Specials and Moke

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Making Cars at Cowley - From Morris to Mini

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Book cover: La légende Mini | Collection Prestige

La légende Mini

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Book cover: Austin Mini 1959-2000 | Schrader Typen Chronik

Austin Mini 1959-2000

Alexander Franc Storz | German | hardback | 96 p. | 2013

Book cover: Mini: Alle Modelle (1959-1999) | Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf

Mini: Alle Modelle (1959-1999)

Mark Paxton | German | paperback | 64 p. | 2017