Re-issued for 2015, Ford Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac tells the complete story of a vitally important range of Ford family cars. From 1950, when the first of these entirely new cars was introduced, and for more than twenty years after that, the range set engineering, styling and marketing standards that Ford's rivals always struggled to match. This detailed narrative covers the complete history of these versatile machines, and of the first Granadas which took over in 1971. Not only is this the technical story of these cars, but also that of the people and the world events that effected their careers. Topics covered include: Full history of all Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac models; Details of the cars' motorsport careers; Rarely seen details of engineering innovations; Special feature panels on key personalities; Ford facilities and technical innovations; Full specifications for each model
A full colour guide to British Fords built from 1945 to 1995. With an informative history, detailed model comparisons and technical information, it provides a comprehensive guide.
The 1960s and 1970s were a pivotal period for Ford in Europe and, seen from a British perspective, were a time of experimentation and exploration. At the start of the 1960s Ford had models aimed at just two market sectors – small family saloons and large family saloons – but by the end of the 1970s they were represented in no fewer than five areas of the market with small hatchbacks, small saloons, medium saloons, sporty coupés and large saloons. And they had overtaken all rivals in Britain to be the best-selling manufacturer with (since 1967) the Cortina as the best-selling car. With over 270 photographs, this book details: the Ford company structure, businesses and key locations throughout the two decades; the factors influencing model design, engineering, styling and interior; specification and performance tables; market reception and sales; special editions, models produced overseas and conversions and finally, helpful buying advice for each model.
JOHN is brought up on an isolated farm near York, spends his spare time birdwatching, lives with an unsympathetic stepfather and loving mother, and attends Hull University as the government pays his expenses. He worries about serious relationships with girls and has no idea of what career to follow. His experience so far is as a farm hand and a hospital porter. A letter he finds at home confirms his biological father is alive but has no intention of helping him. On Bonfire Night 1965 (Guy Fawkes Night), during his final undergraduate year, he meets a fellow student, JEAN-LOUISE, and a romantic relationship develops. In many ways she is different from John; she is a town girl, brought up by loving parents, is an only child, has opposing politics and knows what she wants to be – a fashion buyer for Marks & Spencer. The obstacle is her mother is ill with muscular dystrophy and she must help take care of her parents. She surprises John by encouraging his birdwatching. John joins Ford of Britain as a graduate trainee and after an uncertain start, is placed in industrial relations and decides to study for a graduate degree with the Institute of Personnel Management. He also discovers more about his real father. What happens to the couple during the subsequent 10 years as they navigate their careers, have to deal with events that take place in Britain during the period and manage personal issues at home, are the subjects of this book. There is panic buying during the 1974, 3-day working week, the affects on home life of Britain's entry into the Common Market, annual inflation driven above 25 percent in part because of trade union militancy, and many other national incidents. A unique feature of the novel is the use of bird species to illustrate human behavior and character. At the end of each chapter there is an illustration of the featured bird from that chapter to provide a summary of the bird's appearance and habitat in case the reader is interested. The novel blends British history, ornithology, success at work, discrimination against women and the challenges of home life into a single story.
A commemorative history of fifty years of the iconic Ford Transit van, from the launch of the first-generation Transit in 1965, right up to the present day. Covering the full range of Transit models and with over three hundred photographs (including previously unpublished pictures from Ford's picture archive), Ford Transit - Fifty Years is an ideal resource for anyone with an interest in this world-beating commercial vehicle. Written by acknowledged Ford Transit expert Peter Lee, the book covers the development era, light commercial vehicles in the 1950s, the 'Project Redcap' prototypes and the first Transit. It goes on to describe the production and development of all eight generations and variants of Transits, including custom vans, camper vans, minibuses and special vehicle options. Specification guides, awards, and sales figures are all included as well as marketing worldwide. Finally, there are interviews with designers, engineers and Ford employees, along with owners' experiences. The Transit has and continues to receive numerous awards, voted 'International Van of the Year' in 2001 and 2013, and with the 2014 launch of the all-new two-tonne Transit and its pioneering technology, this looks to be only the first fifty years of the Ford Transit story. Fully illustrated with 200 colour and 100 black & white photographs, many previously unseen from Ford's archives.
Great British Cars celebrates the cars commonly seen on the nation’s roads during a golden age of motoring from the 1950s to the 1970s. Featuring 40 classic models such as the Ford Zephyr, Hillman Imp, Triumph Herald, Ford Capri, Vauxhall Viva and the Morris Minor 1000, this is a beautifully illustrated and nostalgic road trip back in time.
The Mercedes 126 S-Class of 1979-1991 remains the most successful premium saloon in the company's history and is considered by many to be one of the best cars in the world. "You don't simply decide to buy an S-Class: it comes to you when fate has ordained that your life should take that course. The door closes with a reassuring clunk - and you have arrived," said the sales brochure of the first real Sonderklasse, the W116. With over 300 colour photos and production histories and specifications for both Generation One and Two models, this is an essential resource for anyone with an interest in this timeless car. The book covers an overview of the key personalities who drove the development of this model; the initial 116 Sonderklasse and its subsequent evolution; the history and personality of each model and finally detailed analysis of the different engines - both petrol and diesel. This essential resource explores both the technical and social sides of how this legend was born and is superbly illustrated with 314 colour photographs.
Rover's big hatchback saloon of the 1970s and 1980s had all the elements of a superb motor car. It was the work of long-standing Rover engineers, with substantial input from their colleagues at Triumph. The SD1's top models even shared their V8 engines with earlier and much-loved classics from Rover. It was stunningly attractive, cleverly derived from Italian supercar styling and still extraordinarily practical thanks to its large hatchback configuration. In this new book, Rover historian James Taylor tells the full story of the SD1, warts and all, from initial concept to final production model. The oft-criticized early models and the more successful later variants are discussed as well as the exclusive Vitesse and Vanden Plas models and overseas and police variants. Finally, for those inspired enough to seek one out today, there is guidance on purchase and ownership. Includes full production histories and comprehensive specification details and is fully illustrated with 200 colour and 70 black & white photographs.
