Description
An entertaining collection of true stories that feature just a few of the products manufactured by the Austin Motor Company from 1906 until the outbreak of the Second World War, including the people who helped to make them, those who drove them, and even those who flew them. Although the history of the Austin Seven and Taxicabs have been covered before in much greater detail elsewhere, you will find within these pages the stories of many other Austin creations: the Austin 12/6 which could be won by smoking Kensitas cigarettes; the Austin 20 which competed in the 1914 Austrian Alpine Trial; the remarkable racing car named `Pobble' which went on to serve as an ambulance during the First World War, and the Australian couple who, in 1926, decided to drive their Austin Twelve right around Australia. The Music Hall artist, George Clarke, who performed on stage with his Austin Seven, and the `Austin Unity Song,' a recording of which was presented to guests at the Company's Annual dinner, are just two more fascinating stories which go to make up this Austin Anthology.
About the Author
Born in 1943, James spent his early years in the West London suburb of Acton and, on leaving school, took an apprenticeship with London Transport. When he was old enough to drive, he looked around for a suitable motorcar which was affordable on apprentice's wages. For GBP35 he purchased a 1929 Austin 16/6 saloon car, and thus his love affair with all things `Austin' began. Joining the Vintage Austin Register in 1962 he soon became involved in its organisation, and for 17 years edited and produced the Vintage Austin Magazine, undertaking research into many aspects of the products manufactured by the Austin Motor Company. James is now the Register's Vice President.
Reviews
Lovers of motoring history, especially when imparted in such a charming manner, will adore this little hardback book. In a mere 112pp, it tells an Austin fan's most engaging shirt stories about products emerging from the lines at Longbridge, Birmingham, the sometime home to the British car brand once owned by Herbert Austin. In a timeline that covers the origins of the company in 1905, up to the end of the Greta War and a little bit beyond, the tales of local murder, the bi plane compact enough to park in a domestic garage, the Austin Twelve that lapped Australia in 1926 and just what did happen to pensioned off taxi cabs are covered in cheery details, complete with humorous recollections and intriguing conclusions. It exceptionally well written and accompanied by a wealth of monochrome plates and period illustrations. It is not intended to be a history book, although much of its content is historically relevant. There is as much local detail, as international intrigue and it is not a model by model encyclopaedia of Austin but it does provide a valuable insight to the British firm's enterprise at an early stage of its existence. It is one of those books that is as easy to put aside, as it is to pick up and read, but you will come back to it, because of its sheer readability. - Iain P W Robertson. As a reader I have an interest in Pre War cars and owning an Austin Seven, Austin is of particular interest. James; new book is a well written selection of some of the less known history surrounding Austin, some of the history I was aware of, but the book cleared up some of the detail for me. The book not only covers the automotive side of Austin but also covers some of the side history around the people and other forms of their production such as planes. The book features a number of photos which have not been seen for some time and help to bring the history alive, along with the authors notes which as a reader I found informative and in some cases amusing. Well worth reading for anyone interested in Austin or Pre War Cars. - Dorset Austin 7 Club Magazine. James Stringer's little book is packed with tales documenting those early days if Austin history and is bound to provide enjoyable reading for those with a penchant for an altogether more leisurely era of motoring. - Speedscene.
Book Information
ISBN 9781787111912
Author James 'Jim' Stringer
Format Hardback
Page Count 112
Imprint Veloce
Publisher David & Charles
About the Author
Born in 1943, James spent his early years in the West London suburb of Acton and, on leaving school, took an apprenticeship with London Transport. When he was old enough to drive, he looked around for a suitable motorcar which was affordable on apprentice's wages. For GBP35 he purchased a 1929 Austin 16/6 saloon car, and thus his love affair with all things `Austin' began. Joining the Vintage Austin Register in 1962 he soon became involved in its organisation, and for 17 years edited and produced the Vintage Austin Magazine, undertaking research into many aspects of the products manufactured by the Austin Motor Company. James is now the Register's Vice President.
Reviews
Lovers of motoring history, especially when imparted in such a charming manner, will adore this little hardback book. In a mere 112pp, it tells an Austin fan's most engaging shirt stories about products emerging from the lines at Longbridge, Birmingham, the sometime home to the British car brand once owned by Herbert Austin. In a timeline that covers the origins of the company in 1905, up to the end of the Greta War and a little bit beyond, the tales of local murder, the bi plane compact enough to park in a domestic garage, the Austin Twelve that lapped Australia in 1926 and just what did happen to pensioned off taxi cabs are covered in cheery details, complete with humorous recollections and intriguing conclusions. It exceptionally well written and accompanied by a wealth of monochrome plates and period illustrations. It is not intended to be a history book, although much of its content is historically relevant. There is as much local detail, as international intrigue and it is not a model by model encyclopaedia of Austin but it does provide a valuable insight to the British firm's enterprise at an early stage of its existence. It is one of those books that is as easy to put aside, as it is to pick up and read, but you will come back to it, because of its sheer readability. - Iain P W Robertson. As a reader I have an interest in Pre War cars and owning an Austin Seven, Austin is of particular interest. James; new book is a well written selection of some of the less known history surrounding Austin, some of the history I was aware of, but the book cleared up some of the detail for me. The book not only covers the automotive side of Austin but also covers some of the side history around the people and other forms of their production such as planes. The book features a number of photos which have not been seen for some time and help to bring the history alive, along with the authors notes which as a reader I found informative and in some cases amusing. Well worth reading for anyone interested in Austin or Pre War Cars. - Dorset Austin 7 Club Magazine. James Stringer's little book is packed with tales documenting those early days if Austin history and is bound to provide enjoyable reading for those with a penchant for an altogether more leisurely era of motoring. - Speedscene.
Book Information
ISBN 9781787111912
Author James 'Jim' Stringer
Format Hardback
Page Count 112
Imprint Veloce
Publisher David & Charles
