Wooden-bodied shooting brakes, station wagons and estate cars, collectively known as Woodies, were the original SUVs (sports utility vehicles). While they were initially created for a specific purpose, their versatility, adaptability and load-carrying abilities meant that they quickly found favour with British buyers from all walks of life. In their heyday, they were built on virtually every make of car and light commercial chassis, and could be seen on every road in Britain. Sadly, today they are a rarity due mostly to the fact that their wooden bodies were not built to last – and most didn’t! Thousands were built by hundreds of coachbuilders, both large and small, and with the passage of time it may never be possible to record all of their details with any accuracy. The work of hundreds of small coachbuilder firms is highlighted and illustrated with 99 rare and previously unpublished photos of these wooden wonders.

In the 1920s, 30s and 40s, wooden-bodied shooting brakes, estate cars and station wagons were commercial vehicles built in Britain mostly for utilitarian roles. They were built in relative small numbers, often by small lesser-known commercial bodybuilding firms and required high levels of maintenance to ensure anything resembling a long life. Every chassis from Alvis, Austin and Bentley to Standard, Vauxhall and Wolseley, were built as Woodies at some stage and reached their peak of popularity in the immediate post-war years when steel was in short supply and the majority of new cars were being built for export. Some vehicle manufacturers sold wooden-bodied utilities under their own name, but most were built in small workshops under contract to vehicle dealerships or selling direct to the general public. However, labor intensive constriction, high maintenance requirements and the introduction of the unitary chassis by Britain’s car makers all contributed to the eventual demise of the British Woodie. Today, there’s resurgence in the interest in British Woodies across the world with an increasing number of cars being restored and cherished. The work of hundreds of small coachbuilder firms is highlighted and illustrated with 100 rare and previously unpublished photos. The British Woodie is undoubtedly a thing of beauty and this book is a tribute to the skills of the coachbuilder who built these amazing wooden wonders.

This book takes a highly visual look at British lorries produced during the 1960s. It contains 120 colour and black and white images, many contemporary. The content includes publicity material as well as that depicting the heritage scene. Both the familiar and less familiar names connected with the road haulage industry are evident, and in addition the comprehensive text reveals much about those vehicles that were everyday names.

Looks at the American Woodies built from the 1920s to the early 1950s, which came in a variety of models including station wagons, convertibles and sedans. Whereas the station wagons were built for functionality, the Woody sedans and convertibles were constructed purely for style.

A serious in depth study of the growth of SS Cars Limited during the world's worst economic depression; the relationship with the Standard Motor Company upon which success was based, together with a detailed technical survey covering the progression of design from 1928 to 1950. Many hithertoo unknown facts disclosed and copiously illustrated with contemporary photographs.

During the 1970s, Brands Hatch was the busiest motor racing circuit in the world. Using previously unpublished photographs and accounts of events, this book provides a personal view of activities and changes at the track during its heyday and paints an affectionate picture of motor racing at its very best.

Brighton and the automobile go hand in hand. The ever-popular seaside town is perhaps best known today for the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, but it also hosts countless other motoring events and charity runs. All types of vehicles, ranging from commercials to vintage motorcycles and gatherings of single marques from MGs and Minis to classic Volkswagens, flock to the seafront every year. Celebrating its centenary in 2005, the Brighton National Speed Trial is one of Britain’s oldest motor sport events and despite a few gaps throughout the years, they are the most consistent motoring event in the town’s history. The book focuses on the events that took place during the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties. It covers the history, development and wide range of cars that have competed in the trials. The book also includes a complete list of fastest times recorded at the event, from the 1905 record time of 23 seconds for the flying start kilometre, to the time of 10.25 seconds for the standing quarter mile in 2003. Written by the professional illustrator, Tony Gardiner, it is the only book so far to cover the popular annual event, so is essential reading for anyone with an interest in this unique part of Britain’s sporting heritage. With over 140 colour photographs to thumb through, it’s an atmospheric account of the golden age of speed trials and an excellent book to have on your coffee table.