Books
-
Sale!
The Cars of BMC
The complete history of BMC – British Motor Corporation – and a comprehensive directory of the marques and models that made up the whole. Following the historic amalgamation of Morris Motors Ltd and the Austin Motor Co Ltd in 1952, through to the merger with British Leyland in 1968, this book details the company’s origins, its achievements and its legacy, and provides a close look at the many car models that were produced during its heyday.
304 pages – Reprint 2022 first published 1987
By Graham Robson
-
THE MGA
This book is the definitive study, for the author has gone back to factory records and to the people who worked on the car in the ‘fifties, to find out how it was conceived, manufactured and marketed. Here is the real story of the MGA’s engineering, body styling and every aspect of the car’s development and production – including MG’s strategy to beat its competitors.In seven years of production, there were major successes and sad disappointments. The MGA was the car that was “right first time” and though the Twin Cam variant was a nightmare for the factory, it is now the most sought after model.This book tells how the sleepy Thames-side village of Abingdon became a mass-production centre for the MGA, how the MGA became one of America’s best-loved sports cars and how the MGA has become one of today’s classic cars, cherished by enthusiastic owners all over the world.
-
Original MGB with MGC and MGB GT V8 Restorers guide
- Hardcover: 152 pages
- Publisher: Herridge & Sons Ltd
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1906133182
- ISBN-13: 978-1906133184
- Product Dimensions: 23.5 x 1.9 x 30.5 cm
-
MG Midget Austin-Healey Sprite Buyers Guide
Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side.
Benefit from the author’s years of MG Midget & A-H Sprite ownership, learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right car at the right price! This book is the perfect companion for the first-time or even more experienced buyer. All the information is here to help make a clear and balanced decision, to counter the vendor’s claims, and even negotiate a better price. The author has bought and sold many MG Midgets & A-H Sprites over the years, and his knowledge and enthusiasm will prove a vital resource for potential buyers. Period covered: 1958-1979 Models covered: Austin-Healey Sprite MkI,II,III,IV and Austin Sprite 1958 to 1971 MG Midget MkI,II,III and Midget 1500 1961 to 1979 Features: * Like having a real marque expert at your side benefit from years of real ownership experience. * Full coverage of all MG Midget & A-H Sprite models * Where and how to buy a MG Midget & A-H Sprite * Advice on choosing the right model and condition * Key checks spot a bad car quickly * Comprehensive inspection guide * In-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses
-
Harry Lester his cars & The Monkey Stable
Garage owner and expert tuner of MG cars, Harry Lester was one of the more successful sports car competitors in the late 1940s and early 1950s. In 1949 he designed and built his own car, with a rigid tubular chassis, lightweight aluminium body and utilising the favoured engine of many club racers of the time, the XPAG unit from the MGTC. So successful was the car in his hands that a trio of wealthy young amateur racers decided to form a team and commissioned him to build them a car each, plus a spare. They called themselves “The Monkey Stable” and enjoyed much success in their first year, 1952, a highlight being winning the team prize at the first 9 hours race at Goodwood. In subsequent years their fortunes changed, as did their cars, going to Kieft MGs in 1953,then back to Lesters in 1955. In the interim, the Monkey Stable drivers twice drove for the Bristol team at Le Mans, and one of their number, Pat Griffith, briefly became a works driver for Aston Martin, partnering Peter Collins in a number of long-distance events. It all ended in tragedy, however, when team founder Jim Mayers was killed at Dundrod in the 1955 TT race, only weeks after another team member, Mike Keen, had crashed fatally at Goodwood. Never before published in its entirety, this is the story of Harry Lester and his cars, together with the exploits of The Monkey Stable during their brief but significant racing career.
The story is told by Stewart Penfound, MG enthusiast and owner of one of the last of the Lester MGs made. Containing much previously unseen material from both Harry Lester’s and The Monkey Stable’s archives it is a story as much about the characters as the cars and is a significant addition to the record of motor racing immediately after the end of the Second World War.
-
The Works MGs second editon
The Works MGs now in a redesigned and better illustrated second edition, this is the authoritative story of all the MGs prepared for international competition events with the support of the MG Car Company. The coverage ranges from the classic trials of the mid-1920s, pre-war racing and record-breaking, to the post-war achievements of the works cars entered in races and rallies by the BMC Competitions Department. Co-authored by well-known MG experts, this much-admired book was described by Classic & Sports Car magazine as ‘an excellent, entertaining read’.
-
MG&Triumph100 Souvenir Programme
The Official Souvenir Programme for the MG&Triumph100 at Silverstone 2023. A festival of celebration.
There was a lot to see and to do this year. For the people who missed it, they can still read up what went on during this fantastic weekend. This 90 pages Programme also contains lots of interesting articles about the MG’s and Triumphs.
A Programme to keep!
-
MGA Buyer’s guide
Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from the author’s years of MGA ownership, learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right car at the right price! Judged by many to be the most attractive MG ever produced, the MGA is not only good-looking, but also fun to drive, coping very well with modern traffic demands. In this book you will find advice on choosing the right model, and discussion about potential ownership costs. Practicality and comfort are considered, allowing you to assess suitability for touring, and issues of legality, originality and roadworthiness are also raised. With information for a quick and easy condition evaluation, leading if required to a more serious one with a unique marking system, plus 100 colour photographs, this is a must-buy for anyone thinking of purchasing an MGA. Features: * See through the eyes of experienced MGA owners, and bring 40+years of expertise to your search for the perfect MGA * Full coverage of all 1500, 1600 and Twin Cam roadsters and coupés * Where and how to buy an MGA * Advice on choosing the right model and condition * Key checks how to spot a bad car quickly * Comprehensive inspection guide * In-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses * Discussion of desirable upgrades, as well as modifications to avoid * Market and value data predicts which models will become collectable * Details of club back-up and support organisations
-
MGB & MGB GT expert guide
This book represents the collected knowledge of many MGB experts and allows problems to be identified and assessed quickly, and then to be dealt with in the most appropriate way. Features: First book in the exciting new Auto-Doc series from Veloce Publishing. With Auto-Doc the doctor’s on call 24-7. Your very own expert on all the MGB’s common faults and foibles – and how to fix them. Establish quickly by , sound, vibration, appearance or smell what fault a symptom represents and how serious the problem is. The essential companion for all owners of MGBs & MGB GTs (except V8 models)
-
AutoArchitect
This second edition of Gerald Palmer’s autobiography is published five years after his death in 1999 and Christopher Balfour, who collaborated with Gerald on the first edition, has taken the opportunity to review the impact this talented car designer had on the motor industry and to include some photographs that were not used in the first book
-
MGB The illustrated History
The MGB was Britain’s most successful ever sports car, with sales of over half a million. And the truth is, that more than three decades after production ceased, the MGB’s classic lines, affordability, fun factor and certain ‘rightness’ mean that its enthusiastic following remains undiminished. In ‘MGB: The Illustrated History’ the authors, self-confessed ‘B’ enthusiasts both, recall the remarkable history of this remarkable car. Originated with full co-operation and contributions from key members of the original design team, including John Thornley, Syd Enever, Don Hayter and Roy Brocklehurst, this book takes the reader behind the scenes at the world-famous MG factory at Abingdon, which closed its doors in 1980 with the demise of the MGB after 18 years in production. The background to the MGB roadster’s development is first recalled in the context of its immediate predecessor, the MGA, the various famous EX experimental models, and the heritage of MG as a whole. Separate chapters then follow the development, introduction and production of the GT, MGC and V8. Further chapters on the MGB’s competition successes and the RV8 complete the story. Along with a feast of colour photographs and contemporary brochure material – enough to satisfy even the most ardent MGB lover – the book also features full-colour cutaway illustrations of the three main ‘B’ variants. Copiously illustrated with contemporary colour photographs and brochure material, and featuring colour cutaway illustrations of the MGB roadster, MGC, MGB GT V8 and MG RV8, this book not only charts the production life of Britain’s best-loved sports car, but also takes the reader behind the scenes at the world-famous Abingdon factory.
-
Original Sprite & Midget The Restorer’s Guide
The ideal guide for authentic restorations, covering Sprite and Midget models manufactured from 1958 to 1979. The best source for original specifications and equipment for every Austin-Healey model produced, from the first Sprites of 1958 and the Mk1 MG Midgets of 1961; to the 1971 Sprite MkV and the 1974 Midget MkIV.
-
MGF and TF by Tim Morris
Launched in 1995, the MGF marked the rebirth of the classic British MG two-seater sports car. In this book, MGF enthusiast Tim Morris tells the full inside story of the development of the MGF and TF against the background of the seismic changes that were taking place in the British car industry. After the demise of the bestselling MGB and the closure of the Abingdon factory in 1980, it seemed as if the classic MG sports car had come to an end. An upgraded version of the MGB, the RV8, was introduced in the 1990s, but meanwhile designers and engineers were busy with an all-new car, which was unveiled in 1995. Developed under British Aerospace and launched under BMW ownership of the Rover Group, the MGF came under MG-Rover ownership after BMW divided the company in 2000. At this time the TF was developed and produced until the company went into administration in 2005. Here design features such as the mid-engine format and Hydragas suspension system are described, as well as the various model changes and re-designs and how the car fared against strong competition from cars such as the Mazda MX5.
-
MG Midget – Not in that Car
Not in that Car is the story of an Englishman who drove a 32-year old MG Midget car around the world, alone.
Roy Locock travels across Europe and down to Southern India before circumnavigating Australia and following the Pan-American Highway from Argentina to Canada. Dismissing a Taliban attack as “not being personal”, he explains the intricacies of fording through Australia’s worst floods for 30 years and is badly shaken by an earthquake in Panama City.
A highly recommended, readable account of an epic journey that will appeal to travellers and petrol heads alike.
-
MGCC Looking Back
In mid-1954 Peter applied to Morris Motor for an apprenticeship at the Cowley works. He was told he would have to wait until the new intake in September. He would then be given an interview to judge if he was suitable. Meanwhile he received a telegram to say that the MG Plant at Abingdon were looking for suitable candidates to apply for role as the Design Office Apprentice. He applied and was accepted.
Building on his Knowledge, much based on first hand experiences and talking to those involved in racing and production, he was able to do a series of thirteen articles for Safety Fast on the history of MG at Oxford and Abingdon, now pieced together into this bookazine.
A must read for any MG enthusiast.
-
Farina MG and Riley Saloons
Based on the BMC Morris Oxford body, the Farina and Riley MG saloons were successors to the successful MG Magnette ZA and ZB. Introduced in November 1958, the MKIII was a combination of different parts, including engine, gearbox and rear axle borrowed from the ZB model and based on an A55 floor pan. The standard cars were produced as four separate models: the Austin A55 MkII, Morris Oxford Series 5, Wolseley 15/60 and Riley 4. The cars were updated in January 1961. The MG Magnette Mk3 and Mk4, and the Riley 4/68 and 4/72 were the up-market versions.
In this fascinating book, MG expert Neil Cairns tells the full story of these rare cars that caused controversy when they were launched due to accusations of badge engineering. However, they proved in many ways to be ahead of their time, as badge-engineered cars became the norm. Although the Riley and Farina MG saloons were criticised for not having the performance and taut handling of the previous MG Magnette model, they form an important part of the history of MG as well as that of Morris, Austin and Riley.
-
MGB & MGB GT Buyer’s Guide
A small investment in this book could save you a fortune … With the aid of this book’s step-by-step expert guidance, you’ll discover all you need to know about the car you want to buy. Unique point system will help you to place the cars value in relation to condition. This is an important investment – don’t buy a car without this book’s help.
By Roger Williams
-
Toby Toad Dog on the road
33 Pages of a lovely paperback book for children Toby, Toad, ‘n’ Dog on the Road has been made especially appealing for young children by using, full-colour, double-page illustrations, by R M Price-Mohr, that depict the countryside and local Worcestershire wildlife.
Take a journey with Toby, a car who loves to speed and share his cake with friends he meets along the way, Dog who likes to read maps, and a family of toads. They even journey through the night and see the sun rise in the morning. Dog has brought a map with him so they shouldn’t get lost… Discover what happens when Toby drives too fast, Dog misreads his map, and Toad almost gets squished! Find out how Toad’s family come to the rescue and Toby learns his lesson – not to drive too fast.
Author Sean Hinton
-
MG ZT Workshop Manual
Essential workshop manual covering the MG ZT from 2001 to 2005. Please note this manual does not cover the V8 ZT 260.
