John Nikas – författare

The Jaguar XK120 caused a sensation at the 1948 London Motor Show with its stunning appearance and the startling performance on tap from the innovative XK engine. Although the captivating roadster had been intended as a limited volume showcase for the technically advanced powerplant, unprecedented consumer demand forced the company to build it in greater numbers, becoming the most affordable supercar of the time. In this highly readable and informative book, award-winning historian John Nikas reveals the inside story of the development of the entire XK series, including the Le Mans winning sports racers and the iconic XK SS. Always striving to burnish its burgeoning reputation, Jaguar improved the basic formula to create the XK140 in 1954. With more space, better handling and improved performance, the model cemented the company’s reputation as one of the finest sports car manufacturers in the world. Despite the devastating fire at Brown’s Lane in 1957, Jaguar introduced a new model later that year with revolutionary all-round disc brakes from Dunlop – the perfect complement for a vehicle offering faster acceleration and a higher top speed than ever before. This is the story of all the models from that fascinating era with rare period images and beautiful colour photographs from famed automotive photographer Marc Vorgers.

Although not the first sports cars produced by Morris Garages (MG), the MG T-Series set themselves apart, with an impressive radiator flanked by sweeping fenders and sparkling performance. The cars featured an ash-wood body covered in steel, bolted to the chassis and had leaf-spring suspension. In this readable and informative book, the author follows the development of the various MG T-Series models, including the prewar Midgets and the MG TC, TD and TF.The book covers the technical developments such as the introduction of synchromesh gearing and hydraulic brakes as well as new engines. Due to the post-war popularity of the cars in the United States after American GIs shipped examples back from Britain, modifications were made for US editions. Soon celebrities such as Clark Gable were driving them.The author also describes the competing interests within the BMC group as other sports cars such as the Triumph TR2 and Austin Healey 100 were also developed. As this book shows, however, whatever the competition, the MG T-Series were always a class apart.

With their sleek and powerful looks, the big Austin-Healeys have always made an impression. In this revealing book, the author explores the development of the ʻBigʼ Healeys, as distinct from the smaller Austin-Healey Sprite, to produce a comprehensive and compelling account of one of the iconic British sports cars.After Donald Healeyʼs sports car design impressed the managing director of Austin, Leonard Lord, at the 1952 London Motor Show, Healey was given the engineering back-up that he needed to produce the car in quantity. Teaming up with Jensen Motors to produce the bodywork, Austin provided the mechanical components at their Longbridge factory. The new car was known as the Austin-Healey 100, because it could achieve 100 mph.This book also follows the development of the Austin-Healey 100-Six and the Austin-Healey 3000, describing both the technical developments and the achievements of the cars in competitions and as record-breakers.Every enthusiast of the marque should have this comprehensive review of the design and manufacture of the Big Healeys on their bookshelf, which reveals previously untold stories to tell you the real story of these magnificent vehicles and the men that made them possible.Gerry Coker, Austin-Healey Designer

Considered among the most desirable sports cars ever built, Triumph’s TR series were renowned for their strong performance, rugged construction and iconic styling. Among the ranks of affordable sports cars, these legendary British automobiles introduced a host of innovations, including front disc brakes, independent rear suspensions and petrol injection, making them perennial sales and competition champions.From the stillborn 20TS prototype, Triumph developed the revolutionary TR2, which debuted as the fastest model in its class and spawned the bestselling TR3 and TR3A. With Italianate styling from Giovanni Michelotti, the TR4 and TR4A represented a whole new direction for the range, while the TR5 became a performance standout with its Lucas petrol injection. The evergreen TR6 represented the final chapter for the traditional ‘hairychested’ British roadster, closing the book on one of the most successful families in motoring history.Award-winning historian John Nikas examines the design and development of the various TR models, while also detailing the competition record that made Triumph such a formidable opponent on the track and international rally circuit. With readable and engaging prose set against beautiful colour portraits by Marc Vorgers and rare period photographs, this book provides all the information you need about TR sports cars.