The Alvis Speed Models of the 1930s were and still are among the most desirable high-performance cars of their decade. This is the first book ever on the Speed Models. Its in-depth examination of these wonderful cars provides an unrivalled store of knowledge for the many owners and enthusiasts who care passionately about them, and serves as a tribute to the men who made them.

Alvis Speed Models 1932-1940

Engineering & Transportation

Walker, Nick

Automotive

Herridge & Sons

From its launch in 1950 to its demise in 1967, the Alvis Three Litre enjoyed a deserved reputation for effortless performance, exceptional surefootedness and stability, a high degree of driver friendliness, and irreproachable quality of construction. It was considered a rather exclusive car, coming as it did from a maker whose products always had a certain individuality. In addition, there remained through successive models something reassuringly traditional about its styling in both saloon and drophead forms; while never outdated, it displayed a timeless, discreet dignity unmoved by the more frivolous vagaries of fashion. All the while, in the background but ready to serve when called upon, was the Alvis works, whose concern for its cars and their owners was exemplary. 
Throughout production, the Three Litre was based on the same chassis and was powered by the same engine. This was a handsome and efficient short-stroke six-cylinder, conceived in order to provide the driver with ample power over a very wide rev range. Starting with an output of 83bhp in the early TA21, this robust unit was progressively developed to supply 150bhp in its final TF21 form while retaining the turbine smoothness, reliability and lack of temperament that it had become celebrated for. It was perfectly matched to its chassis and running gear, and those who have driven a Three Litre at speed will find the dynamic qualities of the contemporary rivals from Bentley or Jaguar rather less likeable. 
This book opens with an exposition of the background that led to the companys introduction of the Three Litre in 1950. Then comes a detailed technical analysis of the TA21, covering all aspects of the chassis, running gear, engine and transmission. This sets the scene for the chapters which follow, on the short-lived TB21 sports tourer, the TC21 and the uprated TC21/100, the Graber-inspired TC108G, the outstandingly handsome TD21 Series I and II, the TE21 and the TF21. 
Each of these receives comprehensive treatment, including differences from previous models, production changes and full chassis number number listings, along with notes on famous owners and screen appearances. The author provides extensive information on the coachbuilders who supplied Three Litre bodies, including Mulliners, Tickford, Graber, Willowbrook and Park Ward, and there are chapters devoted to the Alvis-powered Healey G Series sports car, the aborted Issigonis-designed Alvis TA350, and the ownership and use of Alvis Three Litre models today. 
Five outstanding examples of the cars have been specially photographed for this book and are featured in some 70 colour shots. There are also more than 140 black-and-white illustrations drawn from archives as well as from Alvis sales and publicity material. Devoted exclusively to the Three Litre, this book offers an in-depth examination of these excellent cars to provide a store of information for the many owners who care passionately about them, and serve as a tribute to the men who made them.

Alvis Three Litre In Detail: TA21 to TF21 1950-67

Culshaw, David

The T Series MGs, starting with the TA introduced in 1936, represents the absolute archetype of the British sports car. These cars provide the authentic experience of sports car driving: the snug two-seater cockpit, quick steering, firm suspension, flat cornering, snappy gearchange and lively engine. Then there are the looks: the long bonnet, swept wings, cutaway doors, slab tank and rear-mounted spare wheel established a unique style. In addition, the T Series MGs opened the door for the British sports car's conquest of the U.S. market.

MG T Series In Detail: TA-TF 1935-55 (In Detail)

Willmer, Paddy

Harry Ferguson was a remarkable inventor and a man of vision. Aside from his innovations in mechanized agriculture he designed a four-wheel drive system for road cars and created inspired design solutions to a wealth of engineering problems. Yet he is best remembered for the small, unobtrusive gray tractor that bears his name. Launched in the late 1940s, it rendered its competitors obsolete and provided farmers with a tool that could meet almost all their requirements. The book starts with Harry FergusonÂ¿s early work on tractors and his development of the system, and his collaboration with Ford in the USA on the development of the Ford 9N tractor. Then comes an in-depth study of the TE20. Later chapters cover the TVO- and diesel-powered versions, American- and French-built Fergusons, industrial models, special-purpose variants, and conversions including four-wheel-drive and high-clearance models. There is an extensive study of the extraordinary range of implements available, with information also on tractor options and accessories.

Ferguson TE20 In Detail

Thorne, Michael

The Triumph TR sports cars were best-sellers in North America. They were simple, inexpensive, fast and fun to drive, if sometimes wayward on the limit. Here the 1950s first-generation models - TR2, 3 and 3A – are described in depth, including development, production, specification changes, competition history and the practical aspects of owning one today.

Triumph TR2, 3 & 3A In Detail

Piggott, Bill

Coachbuilding on motor car chassis evolved from carriage building, and the development of the coachbuilt body closely followed that of the motor car. From the beginning of the 20th century until the arrival in the late 1930s of unitary construction for motor cars, in which the separate chassis and body gave way to a combined body/chassis structure, coachbuilding flourished in Britain, with hundreds of firms exhibiting their latest designs at motor shows year after year. But by the outbreak of World War 2, the industry was already in terminal decline. Many coachbuilders, like Barker or Hooper built one-off bodies for the `carriage trade', the noble and wealthy who sought the distinction of choosing a style of body and interior to suit their personal tastes and requirements, and such bodies were naturally to be found on the most expensive makes of motor car, like the Rolls-Royce, Bentley and exotic marques from the Continent. Other coachbuilders aimed to produce inexpensive bodies in series for volume manufacturers who wanted, for example, to be able to offer a convertible version of a certain model but did not wish to have to make the bodies themselves. Yet others established a special relationship with a single manufacturer, like Charlesworth with Alvis, in order to procure a steady flow of work. This book is a comprehensive study of coachbuilding, and coachbuilders, in Britain. The author sets the scene by describing advances in fashions and techniques of coachbuilding in separate chapters on the 1920s, 1930s and the postwar period. He then gives a unique A-Z coverage of more than 300 British coachbuilders. In addition, there is a chapter offering useful advice on assessing the condition, and likely repair needs, of a coachbuilt body today. A glossary of coachbuilding terms and what they mean completes the picture. More than 400 photographs, 50 of them in color, have been painstakingly hunted down to illustrate coachbuilding fashions and methods as well as the work of the coachbuilders described in the A-Z section. This new enlarged and revised edition features brand new entries.

A-Z British Coachbuilders: 1919-1960

The British firm of Lagonda, founded in 1899 by an American, Wilbur Gunn, became famous in the 1920s and 1930s for its range of exceptionally handsome and effective sporting cars. The 2 Litre model, first shown in 1925, founded this reputation, using an innovative hemi-head engine with twin high camshafts. This is the first ever book devoted exclusively to these Lagondas. In it the author opens with an exposition of the background to the announcement of the first 2 Litre, the 14/60, in 1925. He goes on to give highly detailed descriptions of all models and variants, covering every aspect of the chassis, running gear, engines and transmissions, and discusses the changes made to specifications and equipment during production. The history of the cars in competition, is studied, as well as the ups and downs of the company’s fortunes during the period. The author also advises on the practicalities of owning any of these models today. Seven outstanding cars have been photographed specially for this book and are featured in some 100 color shots. There are also more than 150 black-and-white photographs from archive sources.

Lagonda 2, 3 & 3 1/2 Litre: Including 16/80, 1925-1935 (In Detail)

Davey, Arnold

Hundreds of entrants, in cars of all shapes and sizes, battled through mid-winter snow, fog, ice and darkness from far-flung starting points towards the magical principality of Monaco. Mishaps, breakdowns and smashes abounded, and competitors had tales to tell of cars teetering on the edge of precipices or rammed into snowbanks, frantically improvised repairs, close encounters and feats of crazy bravado. The first rally was run in 1911, with just 20 starters. In 1930 there were 100, in 1949 205, and in the peak year, 1953, there were no less than 404.In this book every Monte Carlo Rally held between 1911 and 1980 is covered individually, with results listings and route maps. As the years unfold we see the successes of Hotchkiss in the late 1940s, Sunbeam-Talbot in the early 1950s, Mini-Cooper in the 1960s, Porsche 911 in the late ‘60s, and the dominance of Alpine Renault and Lancia Stratos in the 1970s.The author also provides essential information on regulations, routes, on what competitors were required to do, on the tests held after arrival in Monaco, on classes of entries, and on the various Concours, including for instance the Concours de Confort, that were there to be won. Thus a complete picture of the aims and nature of the rally as it evolved is formed. Written by the world’s leading rally historian, and featuring more than 300 archive photographs, this book provides both the definitive history of the greatest motor rally of all time and an evocative view of a golden age of motoring history.

Monte Carlo Rally: The Golden Age, 1911-1980

ROBSON, Graham

Original Morris Minor is the essential companion to these delightful cars. Its aim is to reveal, in words and color photographs, how the many versions of the Minor – from early ‘low-headlamp’ 918cc saloon to late 1098cc traveler – altered in detail through the course of production. An amazing number of specification changes, large and small, occurred over the years. The completely authentic specification which the most discerning enthusiasts now demand can be elusive because so many Minors have been altered over the years, often by impecunious owners trying simply to keep aging cars on the road for minimum cost. But help is at hand in Original Morris Minor for all owners, restorers and enthusiasts who want a bible on originality. Drawing from factory production records, parts lists and catalogs, as well as the accumulated knowledge of respected restorers and dedicated enthusiasts, this book provides the most exhaustive production survey of the Morris Minor ever published. Accompanying the authoritative text are over 250 specially commissioned color photographs showing every permutation of Morris Minor specification in remarkable detail.

Original Morris Minor: The Restorer's Guide to all Saloon, Tourer/Convertible, Traveller and Light Commercial Models (Original Series)

Newell, Ray

The Austin Seven, one of the most endearing cars of all time, has such a strong following that it remains to this day our most popular pre-war car.  Followers of the Austin Seven know what a complex family tree of models evolved over the years. The information needed to determine how a restored car should look is difficult to find, but help is at hand in Original Austin Seven.  This painstakingly researched book, compiled from factory information, aims to reveal how these charming cars altered in detail over the years. Specification descriptions, chassis and body evolution, production changes, body colors, optional extras, special coachwork, overseas variations – the minutiae are covered for all Austin Seven models.  Accompanying the text are over 270 photographs showing all the model variations.

Original Austin Seven: The Restorer's Guide to all passenger car and sports models 1922-39 (Original Series)

Mills, Rinsey

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Herridge & Sons publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Herridge & Sons