The stylist of the Austin Allegro, Harris Mann, said of the car that 'It took a lot of stick, but it wasn't that bad a car ... The trouble was that every one off the line was different in some way, thanks to quality control.' As a result, few have bothered to explore the little Austin's background; what it was designed to achieve, how it became the way it was, and what happened to make it so infamous. Austin Allegro - An Enthusiast's Guide redresses the balance, telling the Allegro's tale of grand designs, high hopes, management compromises, failed dreams, industrial unrest, national ridicule and finally, redemption. From the quietly competent series 2 models through to the sportily-styled and now very rare Equipe, the book re-evaluates the place of the Allegro in the classic car world and concludes that it is both a simple, economical classic choice, and an important part of British motoring history. Now experiencing something of a comeback as a cheap and cheerful classic, the book provides ownership advice and buying information for all models.

Features and reviews in Quartic magazine of the Allegro Club International. Reviews in Autocar, Practical Classics, Classic Cars, Classic Car Weekly and Car magazines.

About the Author
Ben Wanklyn is a motoring writer, with a passion for unusual and under-appreciated classic cars. A freelance writer for Practical Classics, Classic Cars and Classic Car Weekly motoring magazines, Ben has road-tested a diverse range of classics, dating as far back as the 1920s. Based in Dorset, he has owned, driven, repaired, and had adventures in, a number of Allegros. He currently drives a 1963 Humber Sceptre.


Book Information
ISBN 9781847976765
Author Ben Wanklyn
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint The Crowood Press Ltd
Publisher The Crowood Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 450g
Dimensions(mm) 246mm * 189mm * 12mm