Morris car books - history and models

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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Morris Cars 1948-1984 - Pictorial History

This illustrated guide covers all Morris cars produced between 1948 and 1984. Morris was a major British car brand, with models exported and assembled worldwide. Despite the last car being produced in 1984, many Morris vehicles still have a dedicated following.

The book provides detailed information on color schemes, optional features, and technical specifications, making it a valuable resource for enthusiasts and collectors. Written by Ray Newell, an expert on the marque and long-time Secretary of the Morris Minor Owners Club, this guide is essential for anyone interested in these classic British cars.

Contents:
- Detailed photographs showing unique features of each model
- Detailed specifications for each Morris Model produced 1948-1984
- Colour options specified for each model
- Background information on the design of individual models
- Reference to the production numbers of individual models
- Selected comparative prices of vehicles when new
- Easy reference fact file for each Morris Car produced
- Reference to car derived commercial variants for certain models
- Listings for optional extras offered for each model
- Interior specifications listed for easy reference.

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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.

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Morris - The cars and the company

William Morris was Britain's leading industrialist between the world wars. His famous "Bullnose" Morris, produced in Cowley, Oxford, once captured 41% of the British car market, a record no other domestic manufacturer has matched.

The first Morris car was built in 1913, and production ended in 1984. The story of the company's rise and decline is fascinating, marked by two world wars, domestic success, and failures abroad. Over the years, Morris produced numerous models that became beloved by British motorists.

This book provides a detailed look at the life of William Morris and the history of all the cars bearing his name, exploring the achievements and challenges of his business.

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Auto - Architect - The Autobiography of Gerald Palmer (1911-1999)

This illustrated book explores the life and career of Gerald Palmer (1911-1999), a notable British car designer known for his significant contributions to the automotive industry. Born in England, Palmer spent his early years in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), where his father was the chief engineer for the state railways.

Returning to England in 1927, Palmer began an engineering apprenticeship with Scammell, a commercial vehicle manufacturer, while studying at the Regent Street Polytechnic. During this time, he designed and built the 'Deroy' sports car for racing driver Joan Richmond, demonstrating his innovative spirit and engineering skills.

In 1936, Palmer joined the Morris drawing office at Cowley, contributing to the development of the MG Y-type. In 1942, he moved to Jowett Cars in Bradford, where he led the design of the Jowett Javelin, a pioneering model with a flat-four engine and unitary body construction.

Palmer returned to Morris in 1949, designing models like the MG ZA Magnette and Wolseley 4/44. By 1952, he became chief engineer at the British Motor Corporation (BMC), overseeing the development of the Riley Pathfinder and Wolseley 6/90. After leaving BMC in 1955, Palmer joined Vauxhall Motors, contributing to the Victor and Viva ranges before retiring in 1972.

This second edition, published five years after Palmer's death in 1999, provides a thorough review of his impact on the motor industry. It includes previously unpublished photographs, offering readers a visual journey through Palmer's influential designs and lasting legacy.

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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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Making Cars at Cowley - From Morris to Mini

In 1913, William Morris, a young entrepreneur, transformed an abandoned military college near Oxford into a car assembly plant. This marked the beginning of one of Britain's most remarkable automotive success stories. Over time, Morris became Lord Nuffield and a multi-millionaire, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Car production at Cowley evolved from Morris Motors and Pressed Steel to the British Motor Corporation, British Leyland, and later BMW, where the modern Mini is now manufactured. Despite changes in the landscape, Cowley remains a key part of Oxford's history and economy.

This book features photographs from the extensive archives of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, housed at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon. This revised and updated edition includes new images and text, highlighting Morris's lasting influence on Cowley.

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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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