Building Cars In Australia - Morris, Austin, BMC and Leyland 1950 - 1975

2nd hand book in excellent condition

By: BMC-Leyland Australia Heritage Group .

In the heyday of Australian cars, one of the "Big Four" local manufacturers defied the national craze for large family sedans, wagons, vans and utes. Instead, BMC turned out an amazing array of small and medium cars and work vehicles from its Sydney factory.

In the 60s and 70s, the distinctive shapes of BMC cars were seen in every Australian street and driveway. Old favourites included Wolseleys, Morrises, Austins and MGs. Everybody loved Minis, and recognised Mokes instantaneously.

During the peak period of European immigration the Victoria Park factory was one of the biggest employers of migrant workers, with 31 nationalities in its workforce. It could turn out a finished vehicle every 4 minutes, the only plant in Australia that built whole cars from scratch on one site—engines, fittings, bodies, assembly and finish, all together.

In some ways the BMC story is more like a drama than a history: the bold beginnings, the commitment of its people, delicate relations with British ownership, the Leyland takeover, the courageous but ill-fated P76, and the tragic finale.

In Building Cars in Australia people who lived through the middle of it all tell a story that touched us all. This book provides a timely study of the possible outcomes as Australia moves away from motor vehicle manufacturing.

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