Malcolm Bobbitt

For over sixty years, the Pym’s Lane factory in Crewe produced the benchmark of British motoring elegance in its Rolls-Royces and Bentleys. It was the home of the company’s car production from World War II until 2002, when its takeover by the Volkswagen Group meant an end to Rolls-Royce production and an expansion of Bentley.In this updated edition of Rolls-Royce and Bentley, motoring expert Malcolm Bobbitt focuses on the evolution of the characteristic models – the Bentley Mk VI and the R-Types, and the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, Silver Dawn, Silver Cloud, Silver Shadow and Silver Spirit, together with the Silver Seraph and Bentley Arnage – while remembering the notable figures who played a vital role in the creation of these famous vehicles. Bobbitt illustrates the aftermath of the war on the company’s car production and its move from Derby to Crewe, recounting its success in the 1950s and 1960s, the near bankruptcy of the company in the 1970s, its subsequent recovery and final takeover that removed Rolls-Royce from its production line.Within these pages, Bobbitt has cultivated a varied collection of photographs to create a visual account of the history of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars and to appreciate the company’s organisation and its meticulous methods of design, testing and construction that led it to produce these legendary vehicles.

Fiat's 500 and 600 models are amongst the smallest cars in the world, yet for all their diminutive proportions they are chic, fun to drive, and capable of travelling marathon distances. Both cars follow in the tradition of the 1936 Topolino, the original miniature Fiat that helped put Italy on wheels, and have allowed millions of families worldwide to experience the enjoyment and independence the motorcar affords. The water-cooled 600, along with its smaller sibling the air-cooled Nuova 500, were engineered and built to withstand the hard wear and tear they were subjected to by Italian drivers. Happily, many examples of the Fiat 500 and 600 have survived to provide exemplary use. The Essential Buyer's Guide to the Fiat 500 & 600 is like having expert advice, pocket size! Intended for marque owners and novice enthusiasts alike, Malcolm Bobbitt's practical and easy to follow book will allow the potential purchaser of one of these highly practical cars to confidently and quickly assess a vehicle's true condition. The guide enables the buyer to take a professional approach when viewing a car, and to decide within fifteen minutes whether it is worth taking a longer and more detailed examination. This book provides all the information and advice necessary to embark upon an hour-long appraisal of the car, and to judge whether it is the right vehicle at the right price. It features specially selected illustrations to help properly evaluate a potential purchase. Information on the Fiat community, such as marque specialists and clubs, is given, along with all the cars' vital statistics. This book covers all models in the Fiat 500 & 600 range, from 1955 to 1992, including the unique Multipla and the 500's latter-day successor, the 126. Not only will it guide buyers in making the right choice of car, the information imparted will ensure enjoyable motoring and satisfying Fiat ownership. Packed with 100 new detail pictures and with a unique points system to score a possible purchase, this book is a must for any potential small Fiat owner.

In this readable and informative book, motoring expert Malcolm Bobbitt tells the story of one of the most iconic cars in motoring history. Designed as affordable and practical transport for French farmers travelling on either bad roads or ploughed fields, it also found its way into the fashionable quarters of Paris. This book shows how designers successfully achieved the specification for rugged and utilitarian design suitable for times of austerity while at the same time producing a truly classless car. The author explains the history of the car, conceived when Citroën was owned by the Michelin tyre company, and how the idea evolved. He covers the ingenious design aspects of the car, including the corrugated metal bonnet, hammock seats, push-pull gear lever and twin-cylinder air-cooled engine. Such was the success of the 2CV that it spawned variants such as the Dyane, Ami 6 and Ami 8 and the British-built Bijou, all of which are covered here. Illustrated with an evocative collection of high quality photographs and written by an authority on Citroën cars, this concise book tells you all you need to know about the famous 2CV.

Reprinted after a long absence, this Veloce Classic is the definitive history of the dignified Rover P4 from 1949 until 1964, which includes Marauder and jet-powered, experimental cars. Nowadays affectionately known as the 'Aunty' Rover, the dignified P4 series of cars was launched in 1949 to carry Britain's Rover company into the postwar era. Rover's well-deserved reputation for building high-quality cars, and the marque's upmarket image, ensured that the P4 series appealed to the company's traditional clientele – doctors, solicitors, bank managers and others of similar social rank._x000B_ Despite the rather staid image of the P4 series, over the years the cars had many interesting features, like the original 'Cyclops' central headlight, disc brakes, a freewheel device and overdrive. The larger-engined versions were also rather nifty and could whoosh their occupants along at a very unauntie-like pace! _x000B_Production continued through several model variations – but always with four or six-cylinder engines – until 1964. In the meantime, Rover experimented with gas turbine power units in P4 bodies, and created the famous JET 1. The Marauder sports car was also P4-based. _x000B_An amazing number of the sturdy P4s have survived to the present day and most are now enjoyed and cherished by enthusiasts.

Rolls-Royces and Bentleys are among the most prestigious cars in the world and, as such, attract a highly discerning clientele. The Silver Shadow, along with its rarer sibling the Bentley T, were the first Rolls-Royce designed models to feature modern construction methods, albeit the cars were built to the highest of standards by craftsmen in accordance with the firms' long standing traditions. It is no wonder these cars are revered internationally by marque enthusiasts for their initial build quality, comfort and effortless performance. The Essential Buyer's Guide to the Silver Shadow and Bentley T is, in effect, having expert advice pocket size! Intended for marque owners and novice enthusiasts alike, Malcolm Bobbitt's practical and easy to follow book will allow the potential purchaser of one of these prestige cars to confidently and quickly assess a vehicle as to its true condition. The guide equips the buyer to take a professional approach when viewing a car, and to decide within fifteen minutes whether it is worth taking a longer and more detailed examination. This guide provides all the information and advice necessary to embark upon an hour-long appraisal of the car, and to judge whether it is the right vehicle at the right price. Featured in this guide are specially selected illustrations to help properly evaluate a potential purchase. Information on the Rolls-Royce and Bentley community, such as marque specialists and clubs, is given, along with all the cars' vital statistics. This book covers all models in the Silver Shadow and Bentley T range to include the highly sought after coachbuilt types. Not only will it guide buyers in making the right choice of car, the information imparted will ensure enjoyable motoring and satisfying Rolls-Royce and Bentley ownership. The book identifies all the common problem areas with 100 clear colour photographs and jargon free text.

The story of the wonderfully stylish Karmann Ghia, built on the ultra-dependable VW Beetle chassis and running gear. The cars were available from Volkswagen dealers between 1955 and 1974, and these timeless models are now quite rightly considered classics. This is THE essential guide to these curvy and collectible Karmann Ghia Volkswagens.

Reprinted after a long absence! Introduced in 1980, the Silver Spirit and Bentley Mulsanne are the most successful post-war Rolls-Royces, and their longevity means ownership of these fine cars is both an enjoyable and practical proposition. This book, fully illustrated with contemporary photographs, tells the complete history of these cars, and examines their design and development, as well as a full technical appraisal and helpful ownership information.

Back in print after a long absence! 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.

Back in print after a long absence! 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.

New Updated Fourth Edition, now in paperback. The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow & Bentley T-Series were a revolutionary step forward when launched in 1965. This book tells the full story, and gives details of models, history, and design of these classic British cars, including related coach-built cars, the Silver Wraith ll, Corniche & Camargue. Malcolm Bobbitt also uses his extensive motoring experience to provide valuable advice for buyers, owners and restorers. This new Fourth Edition has been fully revised, and contains much new and updated information as well as several new pictures.

Available again after a long absence, this book tells the story of the most radical of Citroën’s idiosyncratic offerings, the DS. The car was sensational when it was introduced in 1955; twenty years and 1.45 million cars later it was still technically advanced in relation to most other cars. Revolutionary in driving characteristics and comfort, it remains one of the most innovative cars of all time. In this book Malcolm Bobbitt, a well-known motoring author and DS owner, gives an in-depth guide to the Citroën DS – its history, design and specifications, as well as valuable advice for buyers and owners. This long overdue revised edition contains much new and updated information.

Available again after a long absence, The Volkswagen Bus Book is the story of VW's timeless classic, the Type 2 Transporter, universally known as the ”Bus”. It is sixty years since the idea of VW‘s Transporter was conceived by Dutchman Ben Pon after seeing motorized trollies conveying components around the British-managed Wolfsburg factory in the mid-1940s. With blueprints complete by November 1948, the “Bulli” as it was known in Germany went into production a year later. The 100,000th Transporter was built in October 1954, the millionth in 1961 and the 3 millionth in 1971, the total number of vehicles exceeding 6.5 million. The Transporter changed little in concept throughout decades of production, and remained in production in Brazil until very recently, nearly six decades after its postwar German debut. Researched in incredible detail, this book explores the story of the VW bus, from early origins through to the present day. This entirely new edition includes details of many of the different camper conversions, and examines the social history and the T2's evolution. Including full specifications, production figures and buying advice, this totally reworked classic is an interesting, highly informative read and a must for any VW enthusiast.

Available again after a long absence! Always big on character and charm, Fiat’s little cars played an important international roll in providing affordable and practical private transport for millions who had previously thought their dream impossible. With particular emphasis on the now classic 600 and Nuova 500 cars, this book tells the full story of these ‘baby’ Fiats. Built, and exported to, many countries outside of the marque’s native Italy, over 6.5 million Topolinos, 600s and Nuova 500s were sold, and an amazing number survive to this today. Also covered are the wonderful models built on these cars’ tiny chassis by Italy’s leading coachbuilders, and the motorsport success achieved by the Abarth versions of the little cars that everybody loves.

Written by Malcolm Bobbitt – whose companion Volkswagen titles cover the Karmann Ghia coupé and convertible, and possibly the greatest classic of all time, the VW Bus – this new edition of Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet chronicles the history of this practical and sought after convertible Beetles from the classic era. The author traces the Beetle Cabrio’s ancestry from its pre-war origins, following its development through to 1980, by which time more than 330,000 examples had been built, and up to the present day, when the New Beetle cabriolet continues to be in strong demand worldwide. As VW’s engineering quality has ensured a very high survival rate, this book is also a guide to Beetle Cabrio ownership, providing buying advice, specifications, and information on customising. Includes a chapter devoted to the New Beetle.

Having constructed a factory at Pym's Lane in Crewe in 1938 in which to build its aero engines, Rolls-Royce immediately became synonymous with the Cheshire town. It was there that Merlin and Griffon engines, destined for aeroplanes as famous as the Hurricane, Spitfire and Lancaster were assembled in their thousands. After WW2, Crewe became the home of Rolls-Royce Motors, which included Bentley as the production of these fine vehicles had been transferred from Derby. Superb quality and attention to detail are the hallmarks of these globally celebrated cars. This book not only details the five generations of Rolls-Royces and Bentleys built at Crewe, including the Silver Cloud and Silver Shadow, but also chronicles the company history, and the affair which led to the two marques being separated in 2003 when Rolls-Royce was acquired by BMW and moved to Goodwood, and Bentley, remaining at Crewe, was sold to Volkswagen.

Fiat's 500 and 600 models are amongst the smallest cars in the world, yet for all their diminutive proportions they are chic, fun to drive and capable of travelling marathon distances. Both cars follow in the tradition of the 1936 Topolino, the original miniature Fiat that helped put Italy on wheels, and have allowed millions of families world-wide to experience the enjoyment and independence the motorcar affords. The water-cooled 600, along with its smaller sibling the air-cooled Nuova 500, were engineered and built to withstand the hard wear and tear subjected on them by Italian drivers. Happily many examples of the Fiat 500 and 600 have survived to provide exemplary use."The Essential Buyer's Guide to the Fiat 500 and 600" is, in effect, having expert advice, pocket size! Intended for marque owners and novice enthusiasts alike, Malcolm Bobbitt's practical and easy to follow book will allow the potential purchaser of one of these highly practical cars to confidently and quickly assess a vehicle as to its true condition. The guide equips the buyer to take a professional approach when viewing a car, and to decide within fifteen minutes whether it is worth taking a longer and more detailed examination. This guide provides all the information and advice necessary to embark upon an hour-long appraisal of the car, and to judge whether it is the right vehicle at the right price. Featured in this guide are specially selected illustrations to help properly evaluate a potential purchase. Information on the Fiat community, such as marque specialists and clubs, is given, along with all the cars' vital statistics.This book covers all models in the Fiat 500 & 600 range to include the unique Multipla and the 500's latter-day successor the 126. Not only will it guide buyers in making the right choice of car, the information imparted will ensure enjoyable motoring and satisfying Fiat ownership. Packed with 100 new detail pictures and with a unique points system to score a potential purchase, this book is a must for any potential small Fiat owner.

Illustrations and authoritative text describe the evolution of police cars from the earliest days, when they were privileged personal transport for the chief constables, to the present when they are specialised vehicles fighting crime.