New book launched on Making Cars at Longbridge

Filed under: Classic News,Product News |
New book launched on Making Cars at Longbridge

'Making Cars At Longbridge' front cover

Gillian Bardsley, Archivist at the British Motor Museum has launched a new book looking at the past, present and future of Longbridge. “Making Cars at Longbridge, 1905 to the present day” honours the 110th anniversary of the production of the first ‘Austin’ car at Longbridge as well as the 150th birthday of its designer, Herbert Austin. The book is written in partnership with Revd Colin Corke, the former Chaplain to the factory, lifelong car enthusiast and now Vicar of Longbridge. It is illustrated with unique images from the official company archive. Depicting both the car design and manufacturing process, it is also an amazing social record of those who worked at Longbridge over the years. A section of colour photographs brings to life the various stages in the life of a car, from sketchbook design, through to clay modelling, manufacture and finally its release into the showroom. The story concludes with the many changes that have taken place since the Austin Plant’s closure in 2005. The area now looks to the future with much of the old site redeveloped for housing, retail and leisure. There is also 69 acres leased to the Chinese company, MG Motor UK, where initial design development and some final assembly still takes place. Gillian Bardsley said “Whilst my book is about Longbrige and Austin, it is not all dry facts about cars! It is packed full of fascinating photos that capture the social history of the time, and take you back to the fashion, technology and advertising of the day”. The book, published by the History Press, is available at £17.99 either online from the Museum’s website, in the Museum gift shop or from good local bookshops.Tags: