British Leyland Motor Corporation, formed in the wake of the post-war manufacturing boom, brought together almost all the British-owned car and commercial vehicle companies that then existed. At the head of the sixth largest car manufacturer in the world, its management confi dently expected to give the United Kingdom a leading place in the global motor industry. The eventual failure was one of the biggest and most disappointing disasters in British industrial history. Despite this, we can be proud of British Leyland's legacy: successful and much loved vehicles like the Mini and the Range Rover have endured, its working practices had a lasting effect on industrial relations policy, and brands that once formed part of the group continue to thrive in this ever-competitive market. From their unique insider perspective, three former employees of the brand reveal in unprecedented detail the ups and downs of this iconic British company.

A history of the British automotive manufacturer and an analysis of what went wrong. What really happened at British Leyland (BL)? Was it ‘just’ the cars, or were other factors vital to the story? Who really was to blame for BL and MG Rover’s death? The ‘truth’ about BL is deeper than its cars – were ultra- Left-wing plots to topple BL and British society real? Did secret deals and political intrigue really exist? Was it Labour or Conservative powers who ‘killed’ BL, or was it BL itself? How was it that BL’s design genius was hobbled? Author Lance Cole lifts the bonnet on BL and presents a forensic yet easy to read new analysis in a story of BL, its cars, and the era of their motoring as powers on the political Left and Right waged war, sometimes even with themselves. Here is a book about cars and more, a conversation on all things BL: this is a new account of a classic British story told across a trail of evidence in a British industrial and political drama. Many mistakes made BL, but some of the cars were superb, the designs of genius, the engineering excellent; it is just that we have either forgotten, or been brainwashed into believing the worst. In a BL book like no other, written by a classic car fanatic with a background in industrial design, automotive, and wider journalism, this story lifts the lid on BL's cars and more. The author also adds inside knowledge from time working in the motor industry. Lance Cole tells the deeper BL story across the era of its greatest successes and its biggest failures. “An important and overdue book, well researched which will find a welcome place on the shelves of transport academics and motoring aficionados alike.” —The Journal of the Road Transport History Association “Cole’s engaging and informal writing style makes things very readable and helps us untangle a lot of the more complex shenanigans that went on. With fifty colour and fifty monochrome pictures, it’s well-illustrated too. Thoroughly recommended for its astute insight whether you’re a BL fan or not.” —Car Mechanics

Imagine driving 16,000 miles in 25 days over some of the roughest terrain in the world, at altitudes up to 16,000 feet, where engines and lungs gasp for air. Imagine 500-mile speed trials over rocky mountain tracks, racing against the clock and 95 other cars. Imagine attempting this more than 50 years ago, without GPS or cell phones or modern safety equipment. In April 1970, 241 men and women from more than 20 nations did just that, setting out from London in cars ranging from a dune buggy to family sedans to Porsches, Rolls-Royces, camper vans and a Jeep Wagoneer, determined to get to Mexico City. Drawing on personal recollections of competitors, organizers, marshals and mechanics, this book recounts the ecstasies and agonies of perhaps the toughest endurance motorsports event ever--the London to Mexico World Cup Rally.

For centuries, Somerset depended on its harbours and rivers as its lifeblood. This is the story of the county's ports, pills and waterways – the unique vessels and the skilled men that used them, the cargoes they carried and the day-to-day practicalities of their lives. Over 2,000 years of history is explored in this illustrated volume, from the earliest waterborne activity right up to the present day and the enduring preservation, restoration and new-build legacy. Encompassing the whole of the Somerset coast, with detailed explorations of the ports, the vessels and their owners, skippers and crews, and the evolution of the inland distribution process, Any Muddy Bottom presents a comprehensive and vivid portrait of the county's remarkable shipping heritage.

This book uses a series of high-profile case studies to examine the processes by which auto companies fail or survive.

The early Triumph sports cars that set the standard for others to follow. Providing full details of all models in a readable and engaging style.

In May 1958, one of the world's largest motor manufacturers unveiled a diminutive two-seater that would take the world by storm. Small in stature yet able to punch well above its weight, the Austin-Healey Sprite rapidly gained an enthusiastic following among keen drivers, as well as an impressive record in competition. Being neither expensive nor exotic, for many motorists the Sprite opened the door to sports car ownership and, in so doing, its commercial success was almost guaranteed. With over 250 photographs, this book includes: the genesis of the Sprite, from the Austin Seven and pre-war MG Midget, via Donald Healey's Riley- and Nash-engined models, to the Austin A30, A90 Atlantic and Healey Hundred. The development, launch and market reception is covered along with details of the evolution from Mk I to Mk IV, including the Frogeye and restyled ADO 41. Rallies, racing and record breaking details are given as well as information on modifications, special-bodied variants, replicas and finally, buying and restoring a Sprite today.