Dennis truck books - history and models

Dennis Fire Engines

In this comprehensive book, the author charts the development and production of one of the most famous fire engine manufacturers in the world. After an introduction that outlines Dennis's early days of manufacturing bicycles and cars in Guildford, the author describes the initial fire engine design in 1908 which was to establish Dennis as a fire engine maker and the principal supplier to the London Fire Brigade.

Technical developments were accompanied by export success to Commonwealth countries where the name Dennis became synonymous with fire engines. After supplying fire-fighting trailer pumps that were used in the Blitz, Dennis production continued to be innovative and varied in the post-war years, and the author explains the development of both the small town and country fire engines as well as larger engines, which were the mainstay of city fire brigades.

The author brings the story right up to date with the development of both the Dennis Rapier and Dennis Sabre. The Rapier was considered the ultimate fire engine and both models enjoyed export success until the company ceased independent production in 2007.

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120 Years of Dennis Buses

This book meticulously traces the evolution of Dennis Brothers, originating in the 1890s when John Dennis transitioned from crafting bicycles in Devon to building motor vehicles in Guildford by 1901.
The company's early repertoire included cars, vans, fire engines, and buses. Although car production ceased in 1913, the focus on larger vehicles flourished post-World War I, expanding the company's reach across the UK and various overseas territories.

In 1972, Dennis Brothers was acquired by the Hestair Group, and after several ownership changes, a consortium led by Alexander Dennis secured ownership in 2004. Noteworthy for its diverse range, Dennis has emerged as the largest UK manufacturer of passenger transport vehicles.
The book meticulously captures this developmental journey, accompanied by a selection of previously unpublished photographs, providing a comprehensive insight into the legacy of Dennis buses.

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Dennis Buses and Other Vehicles

The Dennis company has been building vehicles since 1895, making it the oldest continuously producing British manufacturer. From its origins in a small Guildford shop, the company has grown to become a major bus manufacturer with its products selling around the world.

This book discusses the company's highs and lows, through two world wars, challenging markets and ownership changes. It documents the vehicles produced and their innovative design features, from early cars and street-cleaning machines to vans, buses, trucks, fire engines and ambulances.
First-hand descriptions of how, and why, some of the company's most successful products such as the Dart, Trident and Enviro buses evolved. It explains why their once market-leading fire engines are no longer made.
It also analyses the reasons why some products were less successful and explores what happened to parts of the company that were sold over the years. Finally, the company's future opportunities and challenges are considered.

The author, Andy Goundry, has not only drawn on his own personal experience of almost twenty years of employment with the company but he has drawn on what is left of the company archives, private collections and first-hand accounts, to produce this book as a salutation of over 125 years of continuous manufacturing.

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