Originality guide including Cooper, Moke Hornet, Elf, van, pick up and estateNo car has had such a profound impact on the motoring scene as the original Mini. Designed in response to petrol shortages in the late 1950s, it was introduced in 1959 in both Austin and Morris guises, with either basic or De Luxe trim levels. Success came swiftly, and before long its makers at BMC were introducing van, pick-up and estate versions, high-performance Mini Coopers and higher equipment levels on the Mini Super. Right through the 1960s, the success story continued, and the original formula proved so right that the updated Mk II models of 1967 were instantly recognisable as versions of the original and much-loved car.These early Minis are as much admired and sought-after today as ever, offering their own unique blend of nimble driving pleasure with readily affordable running costs. They are also increasingly the subject of detailed, part-number-perfect restorations, and this book is designed to help all those who aim to restore one of these early British-built Minis to their correct specification. Within these pages, respected classic car historian James Taylor gives each major model of Mini its own section. These sections provide full details of specifications and examine individual areas of each model in depth. They are backed up by colour photography of outstanding examples that illustrate the way these cars looked when they were new. Body panels, external trim and badging, paint colours, interior trim, dashboard, instruments and controls, under-bonnet components, engine and transmission, lights - all this and more is comprehensively covered for both Mk I and Mk II Minis.For rapid reference to vital information, this formula has proved to be the most useful one for restorers. With more than 300 specially commissioned colour photographs, Factory-Original Mini will delight and enthral the restorer and the more casual Mini enthusiast alike.

This book about the Porsche 993 is the third of a series by the author, covering a range of Porsche models. Containing absolutely everything a 993 owner needs to know, Porsche 993: King of Porsche details every model and version. Engines, transmissions, suspension, and how to improve the performance are covered, as well as the fixes for common problems. This book really is the essential companion for the 993 owner or would-be owner. No need to ask questions online anymore, the answers are all here.

Ford and Mercury sold well over 2.5 million of their fantastic 'Fox-body' Mustang and Capri sports coupes, hatches and convertibles over a 15-year lifespan, but with the youngest among them currently approaching their 30th birthday, the years will have taken their toll. With Foxes now taking their place among their predecessors in the classic Mustang pantheon, and prices on the rise, this is the time to buy. They've passed through their 'cheap clunker' phase, and this book looks at the Fox Mustang/Capri for the 21st century. Whether you're searching for a daily driver or a cosseted investment; a 'survivor' or a highly-modified custom; a cruiser or a drag-strip warrior, this book looks at the common issues and rust spots, the most desirable years, specifications and options, and how to find, buy, maintain and enjoy the right Fox for you. Author Dave Smith is a motoring journalist and Fox owner, builder and enthusiast, and with help from other enthusiasts and experts, has put together a pocket guide that will be indispensable for the prospective Fox buyer!

An in-depth study of the Sauber-Mercedes racecars that dominated the Group C racing scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s. When Peter Sauber started using Mercedes V8 engines in his Group C sports cars in 1985 the result was World Championship wins in 1989 and 1990. Utterly dominant, the three-pointed star of Mercedes beat the TWR Jaguars and Nissans, and introduced a certain M. Schumacher into the factory team in 1990. This book features interviews with many of the personalities who raced with the Sauber-Mercedes team, including Jochen Mass, Mauro Baldi, Kenny Acheson, David Price, Bobby Bell and Leo Ress. A host of magnificent colour photographs backs up the history and development of the cars. Also included is a chassis-by-chassis history of each individual car.

Jaguar's series of XK sports cars used the remarkable twin overhead camshaft engine that was first exposed to the public in 1948 in the new XK120 two-seater, which took the motoring world by storm. For 1954 the XK120 was replaced by the mildly restyled XK140 model, with an increase in power, optional overdrive and a roomier cockpit. It was replaced in 1957 by the XK150. With disc brakes on all wheels, the option of engines up to 265bhp and a completely new body, the XK150 was an extremely competent performance car with more than a touch of glamour. This book opens with an exposition of the background to the introduction of the XK140, a key model because the XK120 was such a hard act to follow. Then comes a full technical analysis of the new car, covering all aspects of the chassis, running gear, engine and transmission. This sets the scene for the coverage of the XK150. Major production changes during the evolution of the two models are recorded, and production and sales worldwide are analyzed in depth. The author also provides information on prototypes and special-bodied cars.

Features hundreds of questions and answers about every aspect of car maintenance and repair. Coverage includes step-by-step repair procedures for the range of conditions afflicting cars; consumer information on purchasing accessories; how to increase the longevity of vehicles by following essential maintenance practices; how to get malfunctions repaired properly and keep your mechanic honest, and much more. A detailed table of contents enables readers to easily locate whatever information they need.

As Land Speed Record historian David Tremayne states in his foreword, 'This is a wonderful book that celebrates passion.' In a remarkable first book, Barry John has celebrated his life-long passion for the quest for speed by writing, illustrating and designing this fascinating history of record-breaking on land. Along with his informed and detailed text, his beautiful artwork shows all significant record-breakers in their immense variety, each illustrated in profile and accompanied by a cameo portrait of its driver. From the start of it all in the late 19th Century to today's challengers seeking to reach 'the last frontier', 1,000mph, the story that unfolds will enthral not only enthusiasts for the subject but anyone appreciative of innovative engineering and brave human endeavour.

The essential guide the Jaguar X-Type - the first 'baby' Jaguar ever produced. The X-Type catered for an entirely new market for Jaguar, and proved highly successful. Covering all the models from this period, this guide provides you with all the procedures necessary to ensure the car you are looking at is actually what it appears to be. Close study and careful inspection are vital with the X-Type, and this guide identifies some of the pitfalls to avoid, helps you decide on exactly how and where to buy, and shows how to get the best possible car you can for your money. This is the only title available on the X-Type models - the ultimate pocket guide to read, digest and keep with you at all times.

The story of Ford's original, home-grown small cars, the Mustang II and Pinto. Follow their progress through a difficult decade when Henry took on the imports, battled bureaucracy and gave America the economy and sports luxury subcompacts they wanted. This book details the successful design, building and sale of these small American Fords that faced domestic and foreign rivals. Mustang II and Pinto went through many permutations, appearance and performance packages - options that have helped the cars become collectible classics, and are prime examples of the decade the pony car survived. Going beyond stock standard were the customizers and racers that pushed the cars and their designs to the limit. Mustang II and Pinto graced enthusiast car magazine covers, and became stars in TV and films. They were small cars that made a big impact, and kept the Mustang galloping. Marc Cranswick draws on his lifelong passion for iconic American cars and this book delivers another unique insight into these models. His other books include Ford Midsize Muscle - Fairlane, Torino & Ranchero; MOPAR Muscle - Barracuda, Dart & Valiant; and Pontiac Firebird - The Auto-Biography.

So you want to own and drive a beautiful Rover P6. STOP! Take expert advice first. Having this book is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Martyn Marroco's years of Rover experience tell you how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the car of your dreams, not nightmares!

Volvo's P1800 was designed in Sweden and Italy, built in England, Scotland and Sweden, and sold throughout the world; thus, it has a fascinating history. David Styles takes a look back to the first Volvo and traces its design and development through to its launch in 1961. He covers the various variations of the 1800 coupe and the 1800ES sportwagon. He includes the complete history of all 1800 variations, full technical specs for each model, and advice on buying and maintaining an 1800.

Very few cars inspire as much affection as the original Mini. It's the small car everyone loves to eulogise because it oozes energetic fun, classless minimalism and evergreen style. But it's also of massive historical importance: the 1959 Mini, designed by Alec Issigonis, set the template from which all successful compact cars have been created ever since. It was the technological wonder of its age. The original Mini was on sale for 41 years, during which its 5.3m sales made it the best-selling British car of all time - an achievement unlikely ever to be beaten. And just when it looked like the little car would shrivel and die, BMW had the vision to reinvent it as the planet's most desirable small car range, and put it back on the serious motoring map as the MINI. Here, award-winning writer Giles Chapman tells the whole, amazing story.

With an original approach, this book chronicles every model and lists every chassis number ever produced by Alvis, one of the great British manufacturers. It details famous owners and drivers, notable number plates, and is illustrated with original period photographs, and depictions of Alvis cars in the humorous cartoons of the day. The Alvis car has always seemed to appeal to a type of buyer who has made their mark upon society in a variety of ways. This 'social history' aspect of the book looks at the many Alvis owners from the world of politics, stage and screen, sport, the armed forces, medicine, and the arts. These range from a King to a serial killer, and every variation in between. The book has been written with full cooperation and approval of the Alvis Company, and is the result of much research by the author and other enthusiasts, who have managed to allocate a very large number of registration marks to chassis, by trawling County Archive Record Offices up and down the country, thus creating a unique record that will be a valuable resource for owners and collectors.

Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from James Taylor's years of Range Rover ownership and experience, learn how to spot a bad example quickly, and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right Range Rover at the right price! This buyer's guide focuses on the second generation Range Rovers, produced between 1994 and 2001. Packed with good advice - from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation, and the Range Rover community, to whether a second generation Range Rover will suit you and your lifestyle - this is THE COMPLETE GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying the Range Rover of your dreams.

This handy guide will help you find, evaluate and purchase a Triumph TR4/4A or TR5/250. With detailed information from running costs to the pitfalls of problem areas, this book will help you make to make an informed decision. Featuring a comprehensive inspection process, advice on cost considerations, and information on the Triumph sports car community, this book will help you get the car of your dreams at the best possible price.

Sir William Lyons enjoyed a seemingly unstoppable rise to fame and fortune in the motor industry, and the Jaguar brand which he introduced became world-famous. Yet it did not happen overnight. In the 1920s he was in Blackpool, styling motorcycle sidecars, in the 1930s he was in Coventry developing the SS motor car, and the stand-alone Jaguar company did not appear until 1945. Until 1972, when he retired from business, Sir William was the mainstream, the chairman, the chief stylist, and the inspiration of all things Jaguar.
Helped along by the amazing new XK engine of 1948, by motor racing success at Le Mans, and by the stunning style of cars like the XK120, the Mk 2 saloons and the extraordinary E-Type, Jaguar soon became world-famous. Along the way the company absorbed Daimler and Coventry-Climax, then merged voluntarily with BMC in 1966, and returned to Le Mans racing with great success in the 1980s.
Although the company was later commercially buffeted by its involvement with British Leyland, with Ford and latterly with Land Rover, and finally the Indian conglomerate Tata which now controls the business, the company's products have always been stunning. Sports coupes which reach well beyond 150mph, sleek executive saloons with unbeatable styling, and the promise of much innovation in the next few years make this a story whose climax is yet to come.

This latest title in the highly successful 'my cool' vehicle series covers the world of open top motoring. Cruising in a convertible car with the top down started out as an American summer tradition and for many drivers around the world there is nothing better than driving down a country lane with the roof down, the wind sweeping your hair and the sun beating on your neck. The book includes a broad mix of 'cool' convertibles, and their owners, from vintage to classic and modern, with eye-catching photography and locations, captured by specialist car photographer Lyndon McNeil. Convertible cars come in all shapes and sizes from compact city cabriolets such as the Talbot Samba to roadsters such as the Lotus Elan Sprint and grand tourers such as the Aston Martin DB6. Every one of them enjoys a sense of open-air freedom and greater involvement in the driving experience. Think sun, wind and speed. In many ways, the convertible car is the ultimate expression of automotive indulgence. A car with a roof is sensible but a car without a roof is sexy, scintillating and, given the chance, most of us would pay through the nose to own one. From the timeless designs of early models (Lagonda, Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental, Frazer Nash BMW and the MG) to the mid century cars (Nash Metropolitan, Land Rover, Bristol and Renault Caravelle) and the retro/modern (Saab 900, Honda S800, Peugeot 304, VW Golf, Mercedes 380SL and Porsche 914), convertibles are among the most popular and desirable of cars. The convertible has gone through extreme highs and lows during more than a century of automotive history, from near ubiquity at the dawn of the car industry to nearly disappearing in the 1970s; and now once again being a highly popular type of car. The cars featured illustrate the highs and the lows of convertible design and show how convertible technology advanced from simple cloth tops (the 1931 Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental is an early example) to the advanced self-folding roofs of today and many other design features. Some of the most stylish marques are included: the most expensive in the book is the Frazer Nash BMW and the rarest the Fiat 1100 Barchetta. Word Count 25,000

When the Range Rover was launched in 1970 it immediately drew attention. Its elegant but practical design mixed with exceptional off-road handling, as well as comfort on metalled roads, seemed to introduce a whole new way of driving. The Louvre museum in Paris exhibited it as a model of industrial design. Fifty years later, the Range Rover continues to be in demand. In this comprehensive book, Rover expert James Taylor covers all of the Range Rover models from the 1970s 'classic' to the fifth generation Range Rover of today. The book covers the remarkable engineering achievements of Land Rover in developing a vehicle just as at home on rugged hillsides as it was on the streets of Chelsea. He follows the developments that made the Range Rover ever more in demand as a luxury status symbol. This book will appeal to all Range Rover enthusiasts, offering concise but comprehensive coverage of one of the most admired British cars.

Rootes' Sunbeam Alpine sportscar was the flagship of its car range. Here, all the various models and production changes are described and illustrated in detail, along with what it's like to own, drive and live with an Alpine - one of the best engineered, stylish and practical cars of its time, and still satisfying to drive today.If you're thinking of buying an Alpine, this book will help you decide which model you really want, and learn exactly what to look for when you go to view a car. By using a thorough points-based assessment, you can decide with your head - not your heart - so you can better make the right decision, and pay the right price.Benefit from the author's forty years' of Alpine ownership experience and engineering expertise, all in one book!