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, Ltde.

A history, description and analysis of the 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 Litre Bentleys built by Rolls-Royce during the 1930s following their surprise takeover of Bentley Motors early in the decade. 
Promoted as "the silent sports car", these cars proved to be an extraordinary success due to their performance and manners, the excellence of their engineering and construction, the wonderfully attractive coachwork offered on the Bentley chassis, and the association of the Bentley with the illustrious reputation of Rolls-Royce. 
After outlining the story of Bentley Motors and the Rolls-Royce takeover, the author gives a thoroughgoing account of Rolls-Royces search for a car with which to relaunch Bentley before the earlier glories began to fade. Then he gives a highly detailed technical analysis of the 3 1/2 Litre, covering every aspect of the chassis, running gear, engine and transmission. This is followed by equivalent coverage of the succeeding 4 1/2 Litre and the short-lived Mark V. Each of these receives comprehensive treatment, including information on differences from previous models, revisions, the range of bodies available from coachbuilders, performance and behavior, and appearances in competitive events. 
There are also chapters on using the cars today and on the practicalities of ownership, with advice on parts availability, maintenance and preservation. The 70 color photographs, some of them specially commissioned, feature outstanding examples of the coachbuilders art, and are backed up by some 140 images from the archives.

Bentley 3 1/2 & 4 1/4 Litre 1933-40 In Detail

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

Before World War II Aston Martin had made some stunning sports cars but had undergone numerous financial crises. The company was bought by David Brown in 1947, and in 1950 he launched the all-new DB2 with a brilliant engine designed by W.O. Bentley. The car was a sleek, beautiful and fast two-seater closed coupe of the highest pedigree and led to the highly successful DB3 and DB3S racers, which were entered by the works at Le Mans, Sebring and elsewhere, driven by star drivers from Stirling Moss to Roy Salvadori. All these Aston Martins are examined and analyzed in detail here, with specially commissioned color photography of seven outstanding examples of this rare, expensive and exotic breed of sporting motor car. Models covered: DB1 1948-50, DB2 1950-53, DB2/4 1953-55, DB2/4 MkII 1955-57, DB2/4 MkIII 1957-59, plus Competition models DB3 1951-53 and DB3S 1953-56

Aston Martin DB2, DB2/4 & DB3 In Detail: 1950-59

When Donald Healey displayed a new sports two-seater on his firms stand at the 1952 motor show he could not possibly have envisioned the extraordinary success that it was to enjoy. There are many who would say that the looks of the early 100 were never matched by the later six-cylinder Healeys. Perhaps it is true that the first of the line is the purest expression of its designers intentions. Includes a detailed technical analysis of the 100, covering all aspects of the chassis, running gear, engine and transmission. This sets the scene for subsequent chapters on the BN2, the 100M and the 100S, each of which receives comprehensive treatment. The author also provides information on the cars participation in racing competition, draws comparisons with rival models and gives advice on the practicalities of owning a 100 today. This book opens with an exposition of the background to Donald Healeys creation of the 100 and with an account of his career to that time. This is followed by a description of the successive stages of design and development and of the eventual manufacturing agreement with Austin. Seven outstanding examples of the four-cylinder 100 - including an unrestored Le Mans car - have been specially photographed for this book and are featured in 90 color images. There are also more than 140 black-and-white illustrations drawn from archives and from sales and publicity material.

Austin-Healey 100 In Detail: BN1, BN2, 100M & 100S 1953-56

Piggott, Bill

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

This is the eighth title in the now well-established In Detail series. Its subject, the Jaguar XK120, has become one of the immortals of sports car history and remains one of the most beautiful cars ever built. It took the London Motor Show by storm in 1948, and was built until 1954. Combining extraordinary docility with a startling 120mph top speed, it was the car to be in, whether for cruising California boulevards or racing at Le Mans. The book is published in association with the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust and written by the Trust's Archivist. Drawing from company records and archives, he has been able to provide information on the XK120 that has never been available to enthusiasts before. This, and its focus on the XK120 alone rather than on the whole XK family, make this book uniquely informative.

Jaguar XK120 In Detail

Clausager, Anders Ditlev

All car enthusiasts know, or think they know, what a vintage Bentley should look like. It should have a four-seater tourer body, and should be painted British Racing Green. But Bentleys weren't always like that. When these cars were new, other types of body by many different coachbuilders - saloons, limousines, fixed-head coupes, landaulets, cabriolets, drophead coupes, sedancas de ville - outnumbered the tourers and sports models. Sadly, these were the bodies which were the first to be scrapped, even though their chassis were often saved. This book uses over 200 contemporary black-and-white illustrations and some 50 specially-shot color photographs to tell the story of Bentley coachwork during the 1920s, and up to 1931 when the company went into receivership. Each of the three classes of coachwork - saloons and limousines, drophead coupes, and tourers - is traced as it evolved through that exciting decade.

Coachwork on Vintage Bentleys: 3 Litre, 4 1/2 Litre, 6 1/2 Litre, Speed Six & 8 Litre 1921-31

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

Lancia’s V6-engined Aurelia series of the 1950s GT, Spyder and Saloon remain among the most beautiful cars ever made. Quintessentially Italian, they were technically advanced and fast, with taut handling. All variants are examined, with descriptions of design and engineering features, production changes, special-bodied examples and the story of the cars’ illustrious competition career.

Lancia Aurelia In Detail: GT, Spyder & Saloon

Jonassen, Niels

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