The Lea Francis Story

Founded in 1895 under the aegis of R.H. Lea, the company originally built cycles and motorcycles but, by the 1920s, was established as a manufacturer of high quality sporting cars. From the 1930s to the 1960s, Lea-Francis specialized in medium-sized cars built with care and the best quality components. Successful in motorsports, "Leaf" was an innovative company, but a lack of regard for good business principles led to fluctuating fortunes throughout the company's long life. This text tells the story of the firm.

This book, originally published in 1985, examines the development of the car industry in Coventry within both its local context and the wider economic environment. It is a study of expansion and adjustment which reflects the broader pattern of Britain's industrial history. The book analyses the emergence and early dominance of Coventry's motor manufacturers, the appearance of the volume producers in the 1920s and the instability of the post-war era. The relationship between cars and other sectors of the local economy, particularly cycles, machine tools and aircraft, is discussed, while the significance of the two world wars receive special attention. Extensive use is made of original sources material, much of which, prior to publication, had received little or no attention from business historians.

In 2021 Coventry celebrates being the national City of Culture. Modern Coventry is a product of successive rounds of industrial, economic and social developments driven by regional, national and global forces. This book presents a timely opportunity to reflect on this rich, and often misunderstood, history. The book examines the development of industry, services, infrastructure and social transformation, and the role which globalising forces have played in influencing these, particularly since the 1950s. It looks at the experiences of the city of Coventry in responding to the challenges of socioeconomic change, technological advances, reconstruction and renewal. Issues of investment, economic decline, reconstruction, employment change and local and national governance are all considered in assessing the story of modern Coventry, a city influenced by new industries and development opportunities while still being shaped by its historical economic challenges. By focusing on the case of Coventry this book contributes to debates surrounding urban structural change, economic diversification and resilience from the perspective of a medium-sized city.

This title was first published in 2000: Coventry is synonymous with both the creation and relative decline of the British motor car industry. This volume utilises the extensive range of primary sources on the subject to explore the relationship between the car industry in its local context and the wider economic, social and political environment. It analyses the emergence and early dominance of Coventry’s motor manufacturers, the rise of volume production in the 1930s and the instabilities and renaissance of the post-war era. Specific chapters deal with the industry’s response to the demands created by the two world wars. A number of themes run throughout the book including the structure of the industry and the relationship between its various sectors, resource provision, management and labour relations, and the nature and response to market demand. The book also provides fascinating insights into the history of some of the most evocative marques in the car industry, including Daimler, Jaguar, Alvis, Siddeley, Standard and Rover.

There is something special about Alfa Romeo cars which can’t be defined precisely but is, perhaps, best described as a vitality that creates a symbiosis between driver and machine: a oneness that no other marque seems to replicate. Alfa’s Berlinas have always tended to be overshadowed by their spotlight-grabbing Coupé and Spider siblings, but enthusiasts with family car needs have always known that any saloon/sedan with the famous Alfa Romeo badge would deliver pure driving pleasure in equal measure. Here is the full story of Alfa’s quirky but characterful Berlinas, from their beginnings in the early 1900s through to the start of a new millennium. Not only does the book describe and picture every model, it also contains useful information on restoring classic Alfa Romeos and details of marque specialists.

A detailed account of how the British caravan industry developed in its first 30 years, and of the caravans - from Alcock to Winchester - it produced. The designs in this period ran the full gamut from weird to wonderful, but all contributed to the caravan’s evolution. This book provides a nostalgic trip back to the past for caravan enthusiasts; it also serves as a record of the industry’s fledgling years and as a useful work of reference.

Stop! Don't buy a Mercedes Benz "Pagoda" 230SL, 250SL or 280SL roadster or coupe without buying this book first! Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from Chris Bass's years of Mercedes ownership: learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right car at the right price! Packed with good advice from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation and the Mercedes community, to will it fit in your garage and with your lifestyle? This is the complete guide to choosing, assessing and buying your dream car.