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As Britain emerged form the Second World War in 1945 her motor industry was still geared up to produce the quantities of vehicles, especially commercials, required in wartime. With the urgent need for post-war reconstruction at home and abroad, there was much for such vehicles to do. The liberation of Europe and the Far East meant that these export markets had been opened up again too.This book traces the path of the British lorry through 20 years via the manufacturers' own sales and publicity material, from the revolutionary - but now forgotten - Jensen to classics like the Bedford TK. During the period covered there were approximately 40 manufacturers of commercial vehicles in the United Kingdom. Several were small or specialized firms with limited production while others became absorbed into more successful companies. By 1965 only a few of the larger firms remained, and individuality was fast becoming just a memory.
This book examines the evolution of British lorries from the end of World War II through the period of post-war reconstruction and the subsequent decline of the independent British commercial vehicle industry. The author utilizes manufacturers' sales and publicity materials to trace the development of these vehicles over two decades, highlighting the transition from wartime production to the demands of domestic and international markets. It covers a range of manufacturers, from the obscure Jensen to the enduring Bedford TK, and chronicles the consolidation of the industry, where numerous firms were absorbed or disappeared by 1965, leaving only a few major players.
The book is a detailed historical account focusing on the British commercial vehicle industry during a pivotal 20-year period. It is likely to appeal to enthusiasts of automotive history and industrial heritage, offering insights into the manufacturing landscape and the vehicles that shaped post-war Britain. The reliance on primary sales and publicity materials suggests a resource rich in visual and marketing information from the era. The narrative arc follows the industry's trajectory from wartime production to consolidation and the eventual fading of individual marques.
Page Count:
192
Publication Date:
2006-07-15
Publisher:
Herridge & Sons Limited
ISBN-10:
095499812X
ISBN-13:
9780954998127
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