Those Were the Days ...
5 total works
Austerity Motoring from Armistice Until the Mid-fifties
by Malcolm Bobbitt
Published 28 February 2014
Three wheelers have played an intrinsic part in the history of the motor vehicle, from Aero Morgans to Coventry Victor, BSA and Reliant. They had their place in motorsport, as well as providing essential transport for thousands of families. A nostalgic look in the rearview mirror at the fascinating and often weird world of the three wheeled car.
British commercial vehicle manufacturers played a key role in bolstering Britain's economy throughout the 1950s, especially during the period of postwar austerity, a time when they contributed to the all-important export drive. British lorries were, therefore, seen as the workhorses of the world and performed a wide range of tasks from goods delivery to heavy haulage. This highly visual study of British lorries of the 1950s captures, in 120 illustrations, the vital but often understated duties that were reliably conducted 365 days a year. The images, contemporary black and white as well as colour, include evocative publicity material in addition to pictures from the preservation and heritage scene. The comprehensive text reveals much about the marques that were household names, along with information about Britain's road haulage and commercial motor industries. Malcolm Bobbitt, member of the Society of Automotive Historians and the Guild of Motoring Writers, is the author of some thirty books. In this instance he has combined a collection of fascinating images with informative text to provide a nostalgic and unique insight into British lorries of the 1950s.
British commercial manufacturers played a prime role in boosting Britain's economy during the 1960s, especially as many vehicles were exported worldwide. British lorries were, therefore, considered as being the workhorses of the world, performing a wide range of duties from heavy haulage to general goods delivery.This highly visual study of British lorries of the 1960s captures in 120 illustrations this often understated but very necessary work, which was undertaken day and night, 365 days a year. The images, many contemporary colour and black and white, include some delightful publicity items in addition to covering the heritage and preservation scenes. The comprehensive text reveals much about the marques that were everyday names, along with information about Britain's road haulage and commercial vehicle industries.Malcolm Bobbitt is the author of some thirty automotive books and is a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers and the Society of Automotive Historians. This book will rekindle many memories and serve as a reminder of the important role British commercial vehicles played during the 1960s.
After the Armistice at the end of World War One, the motor industry built cars for export and new vehicles were largely unavailable for the home market. Motorists were determined to continue driving despite petrol rationing and raw material shortages, leading them to adopt some unique innovations.