This compact Pictorial History is the only full-colour comprehensive guide to Hillman, Humber, Sumbeam, Singer and Talbot cars and vans, from 1950 until the end of production in the 1970s. With model-by-model descriptions, detailed technical information, and original photos, it's an invaluable Rootes resource.
A marque with history
The Rootes Group, or Rootes Motors Limited, was formed by brothers William and Reginald Rootes, operators of a highly successful distribution and servicing business. From 1928, and wanting greater control over the products they were selling, they decided to enter into manufacturing, acquiring the brands Hillman, Humber, Singer, Sunbeam, Talbot, Commer and Karrier over the next decade.
Despite a modest market share of 10-12%, Rootes were the sixth largest British car manufacturer; more importantly, during the 1950s, over half of the cars they produced were exported, meaning that examples can be found all over the world.
Lavishly illustrated with real-world examples
Every Pictorial History provides a unique and detailed insight into the many models produced by some of the world's most famous auto manufacturers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Rootes Cars features over 1080 colour photographs, covering every model produced from 1950 onwards, each specially taken for the book, at events, meetings, and club meets all over the UK. You'll also find examples of cars built by other manufacturers that used Rootes components.
Detailed and informative
Along with the extensive photos, Rootes Cars includes detailed information on every model, including colour schemes, optional extras, and technical specifications. You'll also find illustrations and photos of dashboard layouts, and gear shift-gate patters, making this the ultimate reference book for all Hillman, Singer and Sumbeam enthusiasts.
Cars produced by Chrysler/Talbot and Peugeot, after acquisition of the Rootes Group, are also included, making this a truly comprehensive visual history.
A catalogue of Rootes cars
A complete and detailed catalogue of the many cars the Rootes Group manufactured during a three decade period, Rootes Cars is packed with details, photos and illustrations; this is the perfect guide to authenticity and identification, no matter what your level of interest, or expertise. From armchair enthusiasts, to restoration gurus, this isn't just the only comprehensive history of all the post-1950 Rootes models, it's an essential Rootes resource.
An expert guide by an expert guide
David Rowe has an unrivalled knowledge of, and enthusiasm for vintage British cars, and has four A Pictorial History Series books to his name, with Austin Cars, Ford Cars and Wolseley Cars joining this Rootes guide. A regular attendee at car shows and rallies across the UK, David is Treasurer of the Humber and Hillman Owners' Clubs, and a member of both the Post Vintage Humber Car Club and the Rootes Archive Centre Trust.
The cars
Rootes Cars covers all cars built post-1950, including the following models:
Hillman
Minx Phase 4; Minx Mk 5; Minx Mk 6; Minx Mk 7; Minx Mk 8; Minx Mk 8a; Minx Series 1; Minx Series 2; Minx Series 3; Minx Series 3a; Minx Series 3b; Minx Series 3c; Minx Series 5; Minx Series 6; Minx (Arrow); Husky; Husky Series 1; Husky Series 2; Husky Series 3; Super Minx Mk 1; Super Minx Mk 2; Super Minx Mk 3; Super Minx Mk 4 Saloon and Estate; Hunter, Imp and Avenger.
Humber
Hawk Mk 4; Hawk Mk 5; Hawk Mk 6; Hawk Mk 6a; Hawk Series 1; Hawk Series 1a; Hawk Series 2; Hawk Series 3; Hawk Series 4; Hawk Series 4a; Super Snipe Mk 4; Super Snipe Mk 4a; Super Snipe Mk 4b; Super Snipe Series 1; Super Snipe Series 2; Super Snipe Series 3; Super Snipe Series 4; Super Snipe Series 5; Super Snipe Series 5a; Sceptre Mk 1; Sceptre Mk 2 and Sceptre (Arrow).
Singer
Hunter; Gazelle Series 1 ; Gazelle Series 2 ; Gazelle Series 2a ; Gazelle Series 3 ; Gazelle Series 3a; Gazelle Series 3b; Gazelle Series 3c; Gazelle Series 5; Gazelle Series 6; Gazelle (Arrow); Vogue Mk 1 ; Vogue Mk 2; Vogue Mk 3; Vogue Mk 4; Vogue (Arrow) and Chamois.
Sunbeam Talbot
80; 90 Mk 1; 90 Mk 2 and 90 Mk 2a.
Sunbeam
Mark 3; Rapier Series 1; Rapier Series 2; Rapier Series 3; Rapier Series 3a; Rapier Series 4; Rapier Series 5; Rapier (Arrow); Alpine; Alpine Series 1; Alpine Series 2; Alpine Harrington; Alpine Series 3; Alpine Series 4; Alpine Series 5; Alpine (Arrow); Tiger 1; Tiger 2; Imp Sport & Stiletto; Clan ; Ginetta and Venezia.
Note that this book does not cover Hillman Minx Phase 3 and the Humber Hawk Mk 3.
