Those Were the Days...

By the start of the 1980s, the Brands Hatch motor racing circuit in Kent had become firmly established as one of the world's classic tracks. It had grown from humble beginnings as a motor cycle grass track to become an internationally renowned facility, hosting top-class motor sport. During the following decade, under the stewardship of its entrepreneurial managing director, John Webb, this enviable position was reinforced, with the circuit hosting five consecutive Grands Prix, two at very short notice, from 1982-86, along with a host of other major international meetings as well as smaller, club events. Chas Parker spent many years visiting the track, and amassed an impressive collection of thousands of colour transparencies, the majority of which are previously unpublished. This book picks up where his previous volume, Motor Racing at Brands Hatch in the Seventies, left off. It offers a very personal account of visits to the world's busiest motor racing circuit during a decade of excitement and change, both on and off track, in the form of a scrapbook using the author's own photographs, taken as an ordinary spectator from the public enclosures.

Thruxton has been described as "the UK's Speedbowl." The circuit is home to the prestigious British Automobile Racing Club, and during the period covered by this book the author was editor of the club's magazine. As a result, he was able to get behind the scenes at many of the events, including F2, British Touring Cars, Aurora AFX F1, and club races. In the 1970s Thruxton featured many famous drivers, including Ronnie Peterson, Graham Hill, Keke Rosberg, Alan Jones, and David Purley. The circuit was also popular with many club racing drivers, with the results almost always being extremely close - whatever the class. Featuring many previously unpublished photographs from the author's personal collection, this is an insightful account of racing at one of the fastest circuits in the UK.

The 1970s witnessed more changes to the trucking industry in Europe than any previous decade. Whilst European truck builders had been developing powerful vehicles capable of operating at between 35 to 38 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW), and equipped with comfortable sleeper cabs for long haul international journeys, in the UK the truck builders were playing catch up. The '70s witnessed a number of amalgamations, mergers and take-overs that would change the face of the pan-European trucking industry. It saw the birth of the infamous British Leyland empire, which was to have far-reaching and disastrous consequences for all the manufacturers it engulfed. In the face of booming sales of European heavyweights, both Ford and Bedford launched heavyweight models aimed at this key sector, but like most other British truck manufacturers, it was too little too late ... A unique account of a turbulent period in trucking history.

American 'Independent' Automakers 1945-1960 covers the attempts by major makes, such as Kaiser-Frazer, Willys, Packard, Studebaker, Tucker, Nash, and Hudson, to compete with the 'Big Three' in America. The 'Independents' were the first to introduce all-new models in an attempt to increase their market share and ensure the future. In addition, dozens of backyard enthusiasts such as Cunningham, Fitch, Darrin, Williams, etc, were trying to design the perfect American sports car. A similar number endeavoured to build small, economical cars, such as Davis, Allstate, Playboy, Crosley, and the diminutive King Midget, yet all were ultimately doomed to fail. There were steam cars, microcars, three-wheel cars, and flying cars, all competing to capture the consumer's fancy and become significant builders in the years following World War II. Detailed captions and supportive text combine with the use of contemporary brochures, period literature, factory photos, and over 90 new, previously unpublished colour photos of restored examples to relate the importance of these historic vehicles. This book looks at all the major makers, focusing on the innovations, unique styling and features, and why, ultimately, all failed.

This book is a brief but affectionate, mainly pictorial panorama of twenty-odd years of the British Touring Car Championship, from the anarchical 1960s and early 1970s of flared wheelarches, lifting wheels and smoking tyres, through the Group 1 years when the rule-makers tried to make the cars look standard and as a result, slow them down. This had the classic effect on racecar builders, who were not worth their salt unless they could get around the restrictions. The eventual results were faster cars than before, which evolved into the tarmac-melting, fire-breathing turbo powered front-runners of the late 1980s. The story stops at the point where the rule-makers tried another clampdown as the final decade of the 20th century dawned.

In the 1920s, 30s and 40s, wooden-bodied shooting brakes, estate cars and station wagons were commercial vehicles made in Britain, mostly for utilitarian roles. They were built in relatively small numbers, often by small, lesser-known commercial bodybuilding firms, and required high levels of maintenance to ensure anything resembling a long life. Every chassis from Alvis, Austin and Bentley to Standard, Vauxhall and Wolseley was built as a Woodie at some stage, and they reached the peak of their popularity in the immediate postwar years when steel was in short supply and the majority of new cars were being built for export. Some vehicle manufacturers sold wooden-bodied utilities under their own name, but most were built in small workshops under contract to vehicle dealerships or selling direct to the general public. However, labour intensive constriction, high maintenance requirements and the introduction of the unitary chassis by Britain's car makers all contributed to the eventual demise of the British Woodie. Today, there's a resurgent interest in British Woodies across the world, with an increasing number of cars being restored and cherished. The work of hundreds of small coachbuilder firms is highlighted here, and illustrated with 100 rare and previously unpublished photos. The British Woodie is undoubtedly a thing of beauty, and this book is a tribute to the skills of the coachbuilders that built these amazing wooden wonders.

This is the inside story of the workings of the MG Design and Development Office from 1956 until MG's closure in 1980. It explains how the various models were conceived, drawn, planned and developed by a small team of engineers. It also shows how the constant evolution of BMC, including the Triumph-Austin merger, frequently changed input to, and control of, the department. Safety legislation, mainly imposed by the United States, could have killed MG, but detailed here are the design changes that allowed the MGB, and other models, to survive. Trying to remain as individual as possible, MG developed record-breakers and a unique Competition Department during the period covered by this book. Special cars were built and tested, and prototypes for the MGB replacement, using engines from any part of the group, were drawn up. The continuing support of the American market was essential and much valued, but holding company, British Leyland, prioritised the TR7 - a decision that, ultimately, led to the closure of a successful, happy MG company.

Brighton and the automobile go hand in hand. The ever-popular seaside town is perhaps best known today for the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, but it also hosts countless other motoring events and charity runs. All types of vehicles, ranging from commercials to vintage motorcycles and gatherings of single marques from MGs and Minis to classic Volkswagens, flock to the seafront every year. Celebrating its centenary in 2005, the Brighton National Speed Trial is one of Britain's oldest motor sport events and despite a few gaps throughout the years, they are the most consistent motoring event in the town's history. The book focuses on the events that took place during the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties. It covers the history, development and wide range of cars that have competed in the trials. The book also includes a complete list of fastest times recorded at the event, from the 1905 record time of 23 seconds for the flying start kilometre, to the time of 10.25 seconds for the standing quarter mile in 2003. Written by the professional illustrator, Tony Gardiner, it is the only book so far to cover the popular annual event, so is essential reading for anyone with an interest in this unique part of Britain's sporting heritage. With over 140 colour photographs to thumb through, it's an atmospheric account of the golden age of speed trials and an excellent book to have on your coffee table.

Changes to regulations for sports car racing in the late 1970s paved the way for a golden era of endurance racing in the 80s, with the likes of Porsche, Lancia, Jaguar and Mercedes all vying for the World Sportscar Championship. The Silverstone 6-Hour and 1000km races became a cornerstone of this Championship and the event was often used by the teams as a warm-up to the all-important Le Mans 24-Hour race, which followed it. This book charts the progress of the races, year-by-year from 1976, through the era of the Group C cars, up to the end of the eighties, with previously unpublished accounts and photographs of each event. It includes maps of the circuit, showing changes over the years and detailed results from each of the races. As an ordinary spectator, Chas Parker visited each of the events (except one) over the years, and amassed an impressive collection of colour transparencies taken from the spectator enclosures, the paddock, and during pits walkabouts.

The Superprix was a motor racing meeting held over August Bank Holiday on a street circuit in the centre of Birmingham, from 1986 to 1990. The principal event was the Formula 3000 Championship race, but support races included touring cars and sports cars. The idea of a motor race in the heart of England's nlotor city (to emulate the Monaco circuit) had been mooted as early as 1966. In the end, the city's arterial roads round the Bull Ring and the city centre provided one of the most exciting racing events ever staged in the UK.

Following the Armistice the motor industry was rebuilt providing cars for export. New vehicles were largely unavailable for the home market, and fortunate were those people having pre-war cars. Motorists were determined to continue driving despite petrol rationing and raw material shortages, thus leading them to adopt some unique innovations.

Three wheelers have played an intrinsic part in the history of the motor vehicle, from Aero Morgans to Coventry Victor, BSA and Reliant. They had their place in motorsport, as well as providing essential transport for thousands of families. A nostalgic look in the rearview mirror at the fascinating and often weird world of the three wheeled car.

After their initial advent in the 60s dune Buggies continued to grow in popularity and many diverse models evolved, in the 1970s they were a worldwide phenomenon. This book, a follow up to the hugely successful first volume, documents - in words and stunning archive photos - the development of the Buggy into the 1980s. Also featuring unique reproductions of product advertising using Buggies, promotional material and Buggy ephemera. This ebook is a must have for enthusiasts.

This highly illustrated study examines the rise in popularity of the Woody station wagon in North America, from the introduction of the Ford Model A in 1928, up to the last Woody built by Buick in 1953. As well as Woody wagons, sedans and convertibles are also featured - fashionable cars that were favoured among celebrities and high society. Woodies were also used extensively as service vehicles during World War II, and while Ford led the industry, many other American car manufacturers competed in this specialised yet lucrative market, from the major to the more obscure. With 100 images - which include contemporary brochure illustrations, period literature, factory photos and over fifty new, unpublished colour photos of restored examples - detailed captions, and supportive text, this book conveys the importance of these historic vehicles so prized by collectors today.

Thruxton has been described as "the UK's Speedbowl." The circuit is home to the prestigious British Automobile Racing Club, and during the period covered by this book the author was editor of the club's magazine. As a result, he was able to get behind the scenes at many of the events, including F2, British Touring Cars, Aurora AFX F1, and club races. In the 1980s Thruxton featured in the early careers of many Formula One drivers, and the book records the early performances of such luminaries as Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Derek Warwick, Alan McNish, Mike Thackwell, Mika Hakkinen, and many more. Featuring many previously unpublished photographs from the author's personal collection, this is an insightful account of racing at one of the fastest motor racing circuits in the UK.

The predecessor of today's international rally sport, the alpine trials and rallies of 1910 onwards were an incredible test of endurance for early pioneers and their cars. Becoming ever more international, the event would continue in various forms until 1973. This book, written by a seven time Alpine Rally competitor, is an in-depth history of this incredibly demanding event. Illustrated with unique photographs and images of rally medals and trophies, this is an excellent book for the rallying enthusiast.

Mergers, amalgamations and joint ventures have meant that the number of existing pan-European truck manufacturers can now almost be counted on the fingers of one hand. Modern legislation governing gross weights, emissions and operations, also mean that many of today's trucks are almost uniform. However, there was a decade when more than 50 truck manufacturers built a diverse range of sizes and configurations, the like of which will not be seen again. Increasing gross weights, the exploration of ultra-long haul routes, and the virtual doubling of engine power over the previous decade meant the '80s were a period of dramatic change. This book takes a look behind the scenes of some of the major players of the era, their successes and failures. Yet, it also covers smaller, often obscure manufacturers - such as those from the former Eastern Bloc, many of which were never seen outside their native countries.

Motor Racing at Nassau focuses on the vision of one man, Captain Sherman 'Red' Crise, and his quest to bring motor racing to the Bahamas. From its stuttering start in 1954, his event rapidly developed in stature to become the most important and prestigious sports car event on the race calendar other than World Championship events. The races started in the mid-1950s and continued for thirteen years, and are described by many commentators as the 'Golden Age' of motor racing, where internationally acclaimed drivers attended Nassau to mix with the many amateur racers from America and enjoy the sun, parties and racing. For many drivers, the social scene was as important as the racing, and in later years prize money was an extra incentive to turn up - in 1960, it was claimed to be the highest paying event on the race calendar. Words alone cannot begin to describe the atmosphere generated at the races, so the wealth of previously unpublished photographs together with a complete collection of programme covers, and other material accumulated during six years of research, bring real vibrancy to these fascinating race accounts.

British commercial vehicle manufacturers played a key role in bolstering Britain's economy throughout the 1950s, especially during the period of postwar austerity, a time when they contributed to the all-important export drive. British lorries were, therefore, seen as the workhorses of the world and performed a wide range of tasks from goods delivery to heavy haulage. This highly visual study of British lorries of the 1950s captures, in 120 illustrations, the vital but often understated duties that were reliably conducted 365 days a year. The images, contemporary black and white as well as colour, include evocative publicity material in addition to pictures from the preservation and heritage scene. The comprehensive text reveals much about the marques that were household names, along with information about Britain's road haulage and commercial motor industries. Malcolm Bobbitt, member of the Society of Automotive Historians and the Guild of Motoring Writers, is the author of some thirty books. In this instance he has combined a collection of fascinating images with informative text to provide a nostalgic and unique insight into British lorries of the 1950s.

In American 1/2-ton Pickup Trucks of the 1960s, Norm Mort picks up the story of the continuing popularity of the pickup truck in America. Although the 1/2-ton American pickup truck was still purchased as a basic utility vehicle during the '60s, more and more, consumers were looking for stylish, comfortable, good handling, and high performing trucks. The important role played in American life by the lightweight, high-production pickup truck is often overshadowed by their innate ruggedness, reliability and utilitarian nature. Yet, as the quickly-changing decade evolved, so did the pickup truck, and the manufacturers' interpretation of them. Continuing its trend from the 1950s, a trend towards greater style, comfort and optional equipment, the pickup truck would less and less assume the lines and styling of its flashy, sibling car versions, and instead evolve an identity all of its own. With vintage photographs and advertising material from the author's collection as well as new original photographs by his son, Andrew Mort, this book is a visual treat for the pickup truck enthusiast.

The MG, from being a Morris car modified in the corner of a backstreet workshop, evolved into a sports car in its own right. The demand for this fiery little car caused the production to move to four different and progressively larger sites in and around Oxford, finally moving out of the city ten miles away to Abingdon and a factory that might have been custom built for it . This factory was on the site of a tannery that had inflated to over twice its size catering for the 1914-18 wartime demand for its leather products. The coming of peace caused it to deflate back to its previous level of production, leaving empty the rows of large hangars that had housed the wartime production effort. It was to this factory that Cecil Kimber, who had resigned his position as Managing Director of Morris Garages, brought his brain-child that he called the MG. Twin rows of eighteen inch (45cm) high raised tracks were built. The chassis was brought from the workshop where it been made and, after the assembling of its suspension, it was mounted on to the track to start its journey from one stage to the next, finally emerging as a complete motor car. The car would then be tested on the factory s own test track before being deemed fit for its eagerly awaiting new owner. The men who took part in the assembling of the car were but a part of the organisation that went toward the finished article. Managers, Office staff, Storemen, Inspectors, Painters, Test drivers, Labourers and cleaners were all members of the great team, all had their part to play. As they worked together so did they play together, ground was obtained for a football pitch, room was found in the town for a snooker club and a place where the men could join for a well earned drink This later developed into a modern Sports Club with football, hockey and cricket pitches. The risk of fire in the factory was always present and to cope with this the factory had its own fire engine and a full time fireman augmented when needed by a volunteer crew of factory workers, who trained in their spare time. MG Abingdon's famous racing reputation gained in the 1930s made it the obvious place to site BMCs Competition department with its maiden venture the 1955 Le Mans 24 hour race. The 160, many never seen before, pictures in this book chronicle every aspect of the factory from its opening amidst great euphoria in 1930 to its closing amidst great recriminations in 1980.

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. This book chronicles each model and focuses on how and where it was used and received, and is illustrated with rare archive material and stunning new colour photography which will be appreciated by enthusiasts and restorers alike.

Short oval racing (Hot Rod and Stock Car Racing) was, and remains, one of the best supported forms of motor racing in the country, in terms of both competitors and spectators. Hot Rod and Stock Car Racing had seen packed terraces throughout the sixties and seventies, as the public went to local circuits each week to cheer on local heroes (and, of course, see the crash and bash). The sport much developed through these two decades, and arrived in the eighties as a slick, professional-looking sport which now boasted national rather than local heroes. Whilst the top level of the sport became more costly, the promoters began to introduce new classes to cater for the drivers who had become left behind in the race for purpose-built equipment. These new classes were to be the training ground for the star drivers of the future. This is the first work on the sport in the 1980s, and shows how the existing formulae developed throughout the decade, and how UK promoters continued to work together to keep the sport at a truly national (and in some classes international) level. Complete with 100 nostalgic, mainly colour pictures of racing throughout the decade, and a comprehensive listing of major championship dates, venues and winners.

Oulton Park in the late 1960s was one of the last circuits to play host to non-championship Formula 1 races. Set in beautiful Cheshire park land, it has always been a favourite with drivers who relish its challenging curves and with spectators who could watch their heroes compete on a true road circuit. Drivers such as Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Graham Hill, Surtees, Rindt and Brabham came to Oulton for the Gold Cup and spectators could see and even meet them in the open paddock atmosphere of the time.Major sports & GT races such as the RAC TT were also on the Oulton Park calendar with Lola T70s, GT40s, Ferrari, Lotus and, of course, Chevron in the hands of Hulme, Redman, Bonnier and other top drivers. Club race meetings provided variety and plenty of action with the VSCC s Seaman Trophies meeting for vintage and historic racers being the highlight of the season for many racegoers.

The Cafe Racer captures the very essence of motorcycling, with its stripped-to-the-bone styling and a timeless blend of cat-quick chassis, matched to a barn-storming engine. From its roots in the '59 Club, home-brewed specials and the creation of the Triton by Dave Degens, the Cafe Racer became the must-have Rockers' motorbike. It then became the template for a new generation of fast road riders in the 1970s, with the rise of Dunstall, Rickman, Seeley and many more bespoke bike builders. The factories jumped on the bandwagon. Machines like the Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk I, Ducati 900SS and the MV Agusta 750S all captured the spirit of the Cafe Racer. Then the slick, super fast, Japanese sport bikes of the 80s came along, and looked set to consign the Cafe Racer special to the history books. But a revival had to happen. The Ace Cafe London re-opened, bike builders as diverse as Wakan, Fred Krugger, Nick Gale and Roland Sands all began to create lean, back-to-basics motorcycles, but with their own unique twist on Cafe Racer heritage. From the Buell 1125 CR to the Guzzi V7 Sport, mainstream modern bikes have also re-discovered their street racing soul. Packed with previously unseen photos, machine profiles, interviews, and personal anecdotes from the glory days of Cafe Racer culture, this book takes a look at the enduring cult of the Cafe Racer, in all its ton-up glory.

Goodwood in the sixties epitomised all that was good about the British motor racing scene. It was a circuit where anybody could have a go, and yet the established greats like Stirling Moss would be there too. It was a circuit where Minis rubbed shoulders with Ferraris and Ford Galaxies, MGBs diced with Triumph TRs and Morgans, and clubman's races were as keenly fought as RAC Tourist Trophy events. Most of all Goodwood was accessible and informal: spectators with no special privileges could get really close to the action, examine the cars in the paddock, and meet the great drivers of the day. Tony Gardiner was a regular spectator at Goodwood before the popular Sussex track was forced to close in 1966. His fascinating photos remind us of an era of motor racing very different from today's, and illustrate an amazing variety of machinery, from Lotus Cortinas to Aston Martin Zagatos.

During the 1970s, Brands Hatch was the busiest motor racing circuit in the world. Using previously unpublished photographs and accounts of events, this book provides a personal view of activities and changes at the track during its heyday and paints an affectionate picture of motor racing at its very best.

A story of ultimate raw power on two wheels. Drag bike racing developed from a strong history of sprinting in the UK, with riders battling awesome machinery to become the quickest over the standing start 1/4 mile. The variety of bikes constructed to assault the track was incredible during the sport's formative years. From V8 power and triple-engined behemoths to an unbelievably quick 500 Vincent - all are featured here. But biggest was not always best, as this book highlights. The author is well qualified to chart the progress of the sport's outstanding riders, having witnessed first-hand their amazing progress. He has been a spectator, racer, Santa Pod commentator and leading photojournalist, and in this entertaining and gripping volume, his photographs capture the essence of this highly visual sport.

Using pictures sourced from policemen and police forces all over the country, this book illustrates the way in which policing gradually became more and more motorised over the years, and illustrates the many and extremely varied vehicles - mainly British, but not always so - which were used from earliest days through to the Seventies.

Crystal Palace, London's own circuit, has recently been found to be one of the oldest Motor Racing venues in the world - this is its story. Focusing on the development of the venue over the years and its untimely demise. Many rare and even unseen photos are included.

British commercial manufacturers played a prime role in boosting Britain's economy during the 1960s, especially as many vehicles were exported worldwide. British lorries were, therefore, considered as being the workhorses of the world, performing a wide range of duties from heavy haulage to general goods delivery. This highly visual study of British lorries of the 1960s captures in 120 illustrations this often understated but very necessary work, which was undertaken day and night, 365 days a year. The images, many contemporary colour and black and white, include some delightful publicity items in addition to covering the heritage and preservation scenes. The comprehensive text reveals much about the marques that were everyday names, along with information about Britain's road haulage and commercial vehicle industries. Malcolm Bobbitt is the author of some thirty automotive books and is a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers and the Society of Automotive Historians. This book will rekindle many memories and serve as a reminder of the important role British commercial vehicles played during the 1960s.

In the 1970s, Formula 5000 was more than filling the gap left by contemporary F1 cars, and the major races at the popular Cheshire circuit of Oulton Park - the Gold Cup and the traditional Good Friday meetings - were as spectacular and exciting as ever. New events such as the Avon Tour of Britain brought occasional visits from established stars such as James Hunt and Graham Hill competing alongside Roger Clark, Billy Coleman and other great names from the world of rallying. Meanwhile, in Formula Ford and F3 the stars of the future were to be seen. World champions to be, Alan Jones, Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet raced regularly at Oulton, as did future F1 team owners Eddie Jordan and Tom Walkinshaw. Stir into the mix saloons, single seaters and sports cars vying for glory in a growing number of national championships and one-off club races, and you have the recipe that kept Oulton Park at the forefront of British motor racing. The new, shorter Foster's circuit, introduced in 1975, meant more laps per race and more action for the spectators. The pictures in this book capture the era perfectly and bring it back to life. With 100 colour and B+W photos, many previously unpublished.

American 1/2-ton Pickup Trucks of the 1950s reveals the important role played by the lightweight, high-production, and basic ½-ton pickup truck in American post-war society, a role often overshadowed by its innate ruggedness, reliability and utilitarian nature. As the 1950s progressed, so did the evolution of the pickup truck, which added more and more style, greater comfort, and ever increasing equipment options to its burgeoning model range. After the few drab colours first offered at the start of the decade, the pickup truck would assume similar styling and tri-coloured pastel paint finishes to its flashy sibling car versions. Focussing on truck specifications, optional equipment, and industry facts and figures, this book also highlights some of the rarer makes and models, includes never before published images, and a dedicated profile chapter detailing five different design approaches from the decade. With original advertising material, vintage images, and new photographs taken by Norm's son Andrew Mort, this book is also a visual treat for fans of the 1950s pickup truck.

The Dune Buggy has been an international phenomenon during the decades since the 1960s. Here, in words and stunning photographs, is the full story of the Dune Buggy. This superb volume contains many rare and archive pictures, and will be recognised as a bible for enthusiasts of these fun cars.