Books by James Taylor

Book SynopsisBMW, that most performance-oriented of car companies, had no affordable sports roadster in its line-up before 1995. Stung into action by Mazda's revival of the classic two-seater roadster, the Germany company quickly staked its claim with the Z3, a classic long-nose, short-tail design that used existing BMW mechanical hardware to good effect. This new book tells the story of BMW’s Z3 and Z4 two-seater roadsters and coupés, which since 1995 have been at the forefront of the affordable sports car market. The history of the Z3 and both generations of Z4 are covered as well as full specifications of all models; the formidable M Power derivatives and a guide to buying and owning. The book is profusely illustrated with over 200 colour photographs and diagrams. Historical background to BMW’s arrival in the two-seater sports car market Complete history of the Z3 and both generations of Z4 Full specifications of all models The formidable M Power derivatives Guide to buying and owning Profusely illustrated with over 200 photographs and diagrams

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Book SynopsisHaving this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from James Taylor's years of Range Rover ownership and experience, learn how to spot a bad example quickly, and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right Range Rover at the right price! Packed with good advice - from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation, and the Range Rover community, to whether a Range Rover will suit you and your lifestyle - this is THE COMPLETE GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying the Range Rover of your dreams.Trade ReviewVeloce's pocket guides are essential reading when buying a classic and James Taylor's latest, covering first-generation Range Rovers, is no exception. From structure to mechanicals, there's advice to help you buy the best - there's even detail on decoding chassis numbers. - Classic & Sports Car. Author Taylor has owned four Range Rovers, so has real-world experience if what to look out for. As always, the meat of the book is the Serious Evaluation chapter. Using his knowledge of these models, Taylor focuses on aspects that might otherwise be overlooked. Armed with this [guide], a potential Range Rover owner could negotiate with confidence. – New Zealand Classic Car.Table of ContentsIntroduction & Foreword Contents Is a 1st generation Range Rover right for you? Cost considerations Living with a Range Rover Relative values Before you view Inspection equipment Fifteen minute evaluation Key points Serious evaluation Auctions Paperwork What's it worth? Do you really want to restore? Paint problems Lack of use problems The Range Rover community Vital statistics Index

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Book SynopsisThe Series II [1958-61] and Series IIA [1961-71] Land Rovers defined the iconic shape of the vehicle which is still instantly recognizable in today's utility models from Land Rover. Compiled over nearly thirty years, with the aid of reference material produced by Land Rover and many dedicated enthusiasts, this comprehensive guide to the specifications of the Series II and IIA vehicles looks not only at Land Rovers as they were when they left the assembly lines but also at dozens of options and 'approved' special conversions - and some which did not receive factory approval, too. As one of the most wide-ranging books ever written on the classic Land Rovers, it is certain to become the standard reference guide to authenticity on the Series II and IIA models.

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Book SynopsisThe wartime Jeep continues to fascinate enthusiasts around the world, nearly eight decades after the first prototypes were built. Yet while it is true that there was only ever one Jeep, it is emphatically not the case that there was only one variety of Jeep. Not only were Jeeps built by both Willys and Ford, but the supposedly standardised design continued to evolve during production. As a result, there are multiple differences of specification - some major, some tiny - among the models. Through the painstakingly researched text, and through detailed colour photography of outstanding examples of the cars, this book attempts to identify and illustrate those differences for the benefit of enthusiasts who would like to return their Jeeps to factory-original specification and equipment in every respect

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Book SynopsisThe Range Rover's designers intended it to be a more comfortable and road-friendly passenger-carrying Land Rover, but customers quickly saw something much more in it. During the 1970s, while its immense practicality and capability were appreciated and acknowledged, a Range Rover became a sought-after and prestigious possession. It went on to change the face of Land Rover for ever. Range Rover First Generation - The Complete Story delves into the real story of the Range Rover, examining what lay behind the multiple changes in its twenty-six years of production. The book covers the full development story; custom and utility conversions; Range Rovers for the US market; full technical specifications and Range Rovers assembled overseas. If ever a car deserved the over-used epithet 'iconic', the first-generation Range Rover is it.

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Book SynopsisThe E30 3 Series was the car that defined BMW more than any other during the 1980s, and it has gone on to become a much-loved modern classic. This book tells the full story of the cars from the time in 1976 when work first began on the successor to the original E21 3 Series. This new book features the story of how and why BMW designed their new compact E30 saloon for the 1980s; the styling, engineering and specification changes introduced over the lifetime of the model. There are full technical specifications, including paint and interior trim choices given along with a chapter on the special US variants. Details of the M3 and the cars produced by the leading German tuners and finally, there is a chapter on buying and owning a BMW E30.Trade ReviewIt's safe to say that this is a comprehensive publication. Naturally every model is covered off, including the E30 M3, together with details of the cars produced by the leading German tuners of the time, and there's also a chapter on buying and owning the E30. -- Simon Jackson * BMW Car magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe W114 and W115 models were enormously successful for Mercedes-Benz, and their sales in nine years of production between 1967 and 1976 almost equalled the total of all Mercedes passenger models built in the 23 years between 1945 and the time of their introduction in 1968. There were many reasons for this success, but perhaps the most important was that Mercedes expanded the range to include a simply vast amount of variants including four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines, four-cylinder diesels; saloons, coupes and long-wheelbase models. With around 200 photographs, this book features the story of the design and development of the W114 and W115 ranges. It gives full technical specifications, including paint and interior trim choices; includes a chapter on the special US variants; gives production tables and model type codes and explores the Experimental Safety Vehicles developed from these cars. Finally, there is a chapter on buying and owning a 114- or 115-series Mercedes.Trade ReviewThis book does a very good job of bring these cars back into the spotlight. Written by the ever dependable James Taylor, it delivers his usual recipe of thorough and clearly set out history plus lots of technical details. Illustrated with numerous photos from the Mercedes-Benz archive and other sources, this is a great source of information for anyone interested in these highly competent and subtly elegant cars. -- Chris Bass * Mercedes-Benz Club Gazette *The prolific James Taylor throws the spotlight on the often-overlooked W114/5s in a release that definitely lives up to its The complete story billing. The absorbing extras, such as the review of conversions from Binz and Crayford as well as many other less-well-known firms, including a rather aesthetically challenged turquoise double-cab pick-up from Argentina, that make this book seem very good value for money. * Classic & Sports Car *The Crowood Press has been on a roll with excellent books covering Mercedes-Benz model histories. Their latest issue covering the W114/W115 sedans and coupes from late 1960s through the mid-1970s continues their tradition of strong work. James Taylor has been writing about cars since the 1970s and it really shows in this work. Careful research and thorough coverage are evident throughout the book. * Star magazine, the Mercedes Benz Club of America *

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Book SynopsisThe aim of this book is to catalogue the Land Rover conversions, to provide both helpful background information and to help in their identification. Illustrated with pictures from the original manufacturers and with many others showing modern survivors, it is a colourful and enjoyable guide to this branch of Land Rover history.

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Book SynopsisDesigned by Mercedes's head of design Bruno Sacco, the W124 range immediately became the benchmark by which medium-sized car models were judged in the late 1980s due to its engineering excellence and high build quality. There was a model to suit every would-be-buyer, from the taxi driver through the family motorist and on to those who were willing and able to pay for luxury and performance. This book covers: design, development and manufacture of all models of W124 including estates, cabriolets and the stylish coupe range; engines and performance; special editions and AMG models and, finally, buying and owning a W124 today.

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Book SynopsisFrom the moment of its launch in 1998, the Rover 75 caught the public's imagination. Here, at last, was a car that felt like traditional Rovers and had been designed in Britain. Rover 75 and MG ZT charts the evolution of the models from the early 1990 onwards including full production histories and comprehensive specification details. Topics covered include: the development and production of the Rover 75 under BMW in the 1990s; becoming the MG Rover Group - from BMW to Phoenix Venture Holdings; the MG models of the new millennium - the ZT and ZT-T; the Monogram 75, the five-millionth Rover and finally, moving production to China and the end of the MG Rover Group.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive pictorial history of all Bentley cars produced between 1933 and 2020.A model-by-model guide to this classic marque, giving details of design history, model specs, colour variations and styling features. Comprehensively illustrated, the book includes original photographs of all models, together with interior detail. It is an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to identify or compare Bentley models.This book is a must-have for any automotive bookshelf, for the Bentley aficionado or those interested in British motoring heritage. James Taylor is an experienced automotive historian and author, who has written many titles for Veloce, this one being another addition to Veloce''s hugely successful A Pictorial History series.

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Book SynopsisThe Citroën 2CV was designed to bring affordable motoring to rural communities in France, but during a production run that spanned more than four decades it achieved far more than that. When already 25 years old, it presented an affordable solution to increasing fuel costs after the first Oil Crisis, and gained a legion of new devotees as a result.

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Book SynopsisThe Sunbeam Alpine was the Rootes Group's contender for sports car sales, especially in the USA where comparable models from other British makers were selling to what appeared an inexhaustible market.

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Book SynopsisThe W201 was a compact saloon designed to address both concerns about fuel economy generated by the first oil crisis in the 1970s and competition for sales from the BMW 3 Series. Many doubted that Mercedes could deliver a compact car whilst retaining their traditional qualities. But the W201 soon won them over. For here was a car that was a real Mercedes in the tradition of the time - it was just smaller. With around 200 photographs, the book features the reasons behind the need to build a new compact saloon in the 1980s. It covers the styling, engineering and specification changes introduced over the lifetime of the model; gives full technical specifications, including paint and interior trim choices and production tables and vehicle number sequences. The story of Mercedes' long and exciting struggle to win the German Touring Car Championship with the 190 is covered. There is a chapter on the special US variants and, finally, a chapter on buying and owing a 201-series Mercedes.

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Book SynopsisThe British Motor Corporation's 1100 and 1300 model range was amongst the most successful in the Corporation's history, selling more than 2.1 million of all types between its introduction in 1962 and its demise in 1974. World-wide, it was sold under eight different marque names and in two-door saloon, four-door saloon, two-door estate, and five-door hatchback forms - and very nearly as a van as well. In Britain, it was the country's best-selling car between 1962 and 1971, being beaten just once (in 1967) by the Ford Cortina. BMC 1100 and 1300 looks at the design and development of a model range that at the time confirmed BMC as a pioneer of new automotive ideas and had a profound impact on other manufacturers. It covers not only the full standard model range, but special conversions, cars built abroad, and owning and running the cars today.

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Book SynopsisBMW's M5 was a simple concept: a production 5 Series saloon re-developed for high performance by the Motorsport division. The M5 was the car that really initiated the legend of the M-cars from BMW. The letter M has been applied to a high-performance BMW as early as 1978, but that year's M1 was an exotic supercar. It had the right image, but the M1 was never going to bring in major profits. The M5 was much simpler in concept. It was and remains a production 5 Series saloon, redeveloped for ultra-high performance. Manufacturing costs were minimized, allowing BMW to price the car more attractively and still bring in healthy profits. This new book charts the development of the M5 across five generations. For all fans of the BMW M5, this book provides essential background. It is packed with the facts and details that make the M5 legend come alive.

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Book SynopsisThe 1970s was a critical decade for the British motor industry. A downward spiral in industrial relations led to crippling strikes, two major oil crises made thirsty older designs virtually unsaleable, and foreign manufacturers moved in with products that were affordable, reliable and available on demand. Britain''s roads became more cosmopolitan than ever, and manufacturers both British and foreign contributed to an array of models that has become symbolic of the era. The Morris Marina, the Ford Cortina, the Vauxhall Chevette; the VW Golf, the Renault 12, the Peugeot 504 all are fondly remembered to this day, to a degree that might have seemed unlikely at the time of their manufacture. This is a fully illustrated history of the cars trimmed with chrome and upholstered in leg-scorching vinyl that were on offer to the British family of the 1970s.Table of ContentsPreface / Introduction / The Market Leaders: Ford and Vauxhall / Built in Britain: British Leyland and Chrysler / French and Italian Flair / The Sensible Choices: German and Swedish / Eastern Promise: the Soviet Bloc and Japan / Appendix / Places to Visit / Further Reading / Index

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Book SynopsisAn historic and nostalgic look at the role of the Land Rover in the emergency services over the last 70 years. Land Rover products have been used by the emergency services almost from the moment the first model left the factory in 1948. The agility and size of these vehicles made them an immediate hit with fire services, where they initially became popular as factory fire tenders. Police forces were also attracted by the cross-country ability and versatility of Land Rovers, especially outside Britain, and, when long-wheelbase models provided extra space, they also became favourites for ambulance conversions. Some emergency-service conversions required very little adaptation, and were carried out in the workshops of the end-users. Others - such as six-wheel Range Rover fire tenders - required major alterations from the factory-standard vehicle. Meanwhile, specialist companies developed dedicated ambulance and fire tender bodywork, creating a fascinating variety of body types. The vehicles featured in this book illustrate the versatility and adaptability of Land Rovers and their more modern SUV siblings. This book will interest Land Rover enthusiasts and emergency-vehicle enthusiasts alike, with evocative photographs that illustrate both historic vehicles and more recent vehicles in action.Trade ReviewIt's Land Rover's 70th anniversary this year, so it follows that there are some new publications. This one covers Solihull's links with the fire, ambulance and police services, and includes almost every possible permutation - from '48 Series One to contemporary Range Rover Sport. Despite the impressive picture count, it's not short on detail - and the info s of the quality expected from a marque specialist. It's also nice to see plenty of photos that have not previously appeared. - Classic & Sports Car. It contains a goldmine of rare Land Rover images and it's authored by James Taylor, who is perhaps the pre-eminent historian of the marque. The format is simple: a chronological picture gallery, with extended captions, of the numerous conversions carried out on Land Rovers through the decades, tight up to the L322 Range Rover and Discovery 4. It's the period images of Series vehicles that captivate. Naturally, fire, police and ambulance vehicles dominate, but there's a huge variety of more specialist applications pictured here too. - Octane. In his latest book, Land Rover historian, James Taylor, offers a nostalgic look at the role of the Land Rover in the emergency services over the last 70 years. Land Rover products have been used by the emergency derives almost from the moment the first model left the factory in 1948. The vehicles featured in this book illustrate the versatility and adaptability of Land Rovers and their more modern SUV siblings. This book will interest Land Rover enthusiasts and emergency-vehicles enthusiasts alike, with evocative photographs that illustrate both historic vehicles and more recent vehicles in action. – Driversinsight.com. A nostalgic look back at the role of LandRover in the various emergency services and the numerous conversions and adaptations they adopted to make the vehicle most fit their purposes. Major examples from the firs, police and ambulance services are featured in detail – this really is an authoritative study and a fantastic guide to anyone considering an ex-emergency services restoration. It's a lovely coffee table edition, beautifully illustrated with lots of fantastic photos. – Classic Land Rover.Table of Contents1. Series II & IIA Fire, Police and Ambulance vehicles, including Forward Controls and conversions 2. Series I Fire, Police and Ambulance vehicles 3. Series III Fire, Police and Ambulance vehicles, including Stage 1 V8 types 4. One Ten family Fire, Police and Ambulance vehicles (One Ten, Ninety and One Two Seven) 5. Defender family Fire, Police and Ambulance vehicles (Defender 90, 110 and 130) 6. Range Rover Fire, Police and Ambulance vehicles (all generations of full-size Range Rover) 7. Discovery Fire, Police and Ambulance vehicles (all generations of Discovery) 8. Freelander Fire, Police and Ambulance vehicles (both generations) 9. "Modern" Fire, Police and Ambulance vehicles (mainly Range Rover Sport; there are far fewer of these)

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Book SynopsisThe Land Rover has undergone a number of facelifts in its sixty-year life. This book tells the story of Land Rover, encompassing different models and dividing them according to their use. It also tells the distinguished histories of Land Rover on expedition, in agriculture, warfare, and in many other fields.

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Book SynopsisInspired by the success of the Ford Mustang "pony car" in the USA, Ford UK launched the Capri - "The Car You Always Promised Yourself" in 1969 and it was an instant hit, with its long bonnet, sleek 2+2 coupe body, and low stance. For 1974 Ford launched the Capri II, with a new smooth body style, engines ranging from 1300 to 3000cc, and a plush Ghia version of the 3-litre model. In 1978 came the Capri Mk3 with yet more refinement and a four-headlamp nose. These classic Fords now have an almost fanatical following, supported by some very active owner's clubs. Good examples are eagerly sought, and with prices rising restoration has become a very viable proposition. An astonishing number of variants of the Capri Mk2 and Mk3 were offered, so they really need to be identified. This book, companion to our 2017 title Factory-Original Ford Capri Mk I, does the job, taking the reader right through the production period and pinning down the correct factory specifications, equipment and finishes across the range. This information is backed up by nearly 300 specially commissioned colour photographs of outstanding examples of the cars.

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Book SynopsisWonderfully illustrated look at the Rover 200 and 400 models and their variants written by an acknowledged authority on Rover cars.

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Book SynopsisWhen the Range Rover Sport was launched in 2005, it was aimed at a new group of customers who in many cases would never have considered a Land Rover product before. These customers wanted and could afford a luxurious vehicle that was expensive to run; but they also wanted a very personalized vehicle that did not have the rather grand and conservative connotations of the full-size Range Rover. Brasher and more glamorous than its older sibling, the Sport was soon adopted by celebrities and others who expected to be noticed. Range Rover Sport - The Complete Story is the first book devoted specifically to the first-generation Range Rover Sport. It tells the story behind the development and launch of the vehicle; it explains the market reaction, including contemporary press reviews; provides details of each model with technical specification tables and colour and trip options; lists production figures and VIN identification and dating; details prices and sales figures for the UK, USA and Canada and finally, includes a useful chapter on buying and owning.

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Book SynopsisA history of all four generations of compact Jaguar, and their Daimler equivalents, tracing the gradual development of Sir William Lyons' original idea over a period between 1955 and 1969. From the powerful, luxury MK 1 and 2 cars to the 4.2-litre 420, this book covers design, development and styling; special-bodied variants; racing performance; buying and owning a compact Jaguar saloon model and, finally, specifications and production figures.

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Book SynopsisLike other British motor manufacturers, the Rover Company spent World War II helping the war effort rather than building cars. Bombed out of its original home in Coventry during the Blitz in 1940, it was fortunate in 1945 to be able to move into the new factory at Solihull that it had been managing on behalf of the Air Ministry. The Solihull factory was not only new: it was huge. Its size presented Rover with a welcome opportunity for expansion, but first the company had to get back into the game. With no new car designs ready, Rover's only option was to re-start production with mildly improved versions of their pre-war models. New models were a long time coming. Early ideas focused on a small economy car, but it soon became clear that this was not what the public wanted. Meanwhile, ambitious plans for a new and ultra-modern car, using mechanical elements that had been under development before the war, had to be put back when there were delays in designing a satisfactory modern body st

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Book SynopsisThis book is designed to give guidance on the original, ex-factory, specifications of the coil-sprung utility Land Rovers built between 1983 and 1990. Known to Land Rover as stage 2 models, they were sold as the Land Rover One Ten, Ninety and (later) One Two Seven. James Taylor has taken the first step in undertaking detailed research into the Stage 2 models, and putting together all the known facts in one place. Topics covered include vehicle identification; specification changes in detail; options, accessories and special equipment; conversions and, finally, promotional material.

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Book SynopsisThe coach – distinguished from the bus by its use for longer-haul and more comfortable trips – has a long and august history. Its origins lie in the charabanc, a long open-topped vehicle used to transport passengers on works outings and pleasure excursions. Over time, coaches came to be enclosed and fitted with more comfortable seating and higher-quality bodywork than the charabancs and the buses used on shorter routes. By the 1960s and 1970s on-board toilets began to be fitted, and despite a decline due to private car ownership, coach travel remains popular, with Wi-Fi, electric sockets and even video screens now built in. This colourful introduction explains the development of motor coach design and the main coach manufacturers, models and operators, offering a fascinating insight into the history of the nation’s most popular vehicles.Trade ReviewAn excellent, well-illustrated and very comprehensive yet compact book that enlightened me to many aspects of coaches and coach travel through the years. I enjoyed reading every page. -- Kim Henson * Wheels-Alive *Table of ContentsFrom Charabanc to Express Coach Luxury Travel: the 1930s Wartime and Austerity: The 1940s and 1950s Winds of Change: The 1960s and 1970s Modern Times Further Reading Places to Visit Index

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Book SynopsisOffers an account of the development of corporate governance in Britain and Ireland during its earliest stages highlights the role of political factors in shaping the evolution of corporate governance as well as the important debates that arose about the division of authority and responsibility.

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Book SynopsisBOMBER CREW tells the vivid stories of the young men sent on perilous raids during World War II through the voices of those who survived.Trade ReviewThis is a remarkable book . . . a vivid history of a vital era, replacing popular notions with something more plausible and even more impressive. * Daily Express on SPITFIRE ACE *These young men went out to fly knowing that they only had a slim chance of completing a tour of operations and they went on doing it. My admiration for them is undimmed. * Max Hastings, Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe opening chapter is a fascinating summary of everything to do with Ford of Britain in these two pivotal decades, while the chapters on everything from the 105E Anglia to the first Fiesta are a perfect mix of detail and readability. It all wraps up with a chapter on the various Ford engines built in this period. -- Simon Goldsworthy, Classics Monthly * Classics Monthly *It's a great way of getting up to speed on these Blue Ovals in one book. -- Charlie Calderwood, Classic and Sports Car Magazine * Classic and Sports Car Magazine *

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