Synopses & Reviews
Tells the inside story of BMC's/BL's Competition Department from 1955-1979 under the management of Marcus Chambers, Stuart Turner, Peter Browning, Basil Wales, Richard Seth-Smith, Bill Price and John Davenport. - Brian Moylan spent 22 years with the Competition Department preparing cars for international rallies and travelling the world to provide service support during the rallies. During this period, Big Healeys, Minis and TR7s were amongst the front runners in the world rally scene, though many other BMC/BL models also saw use as rally cars. - Tells from a mechanic's point of view how BMC/BL rally cars evolved during this important period. - A story of adventure, hilarious events, hardship, winning, losing, real danger and BMC's/BL's corporate politics.
Review
Review by Mark J. McCourt for Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car, October 2007 - US magazine
Mercedes-Benz's 107-chassis SL cars, and to a lesser extent, their SL-based SLC coupé siblings, were considered modern classics even before production ended in 1989. With a production run that spanned 18 of Mercedes' most highly engineered, build quality-focused years, these SLs were carefully crafted automobiles that continue to look regal and drive smartly at any age.
Veloce Publishing Ltd of Great Britain has added another title to their exhaustive 'The Essential Buyer's Guide' series, this one covering the aforementioned 107 chassis roadsters and coupés. As with the other titles, 'Mercedes-Benz 280-560 SL & SLC' is written by an expert on the marque, here Chris Bass, the long-standing editor of the Mercedes-Benz (MB) Club Gazette, with assistance from renowned SL authority Roger Edwards. Filled with written and color photographic inspection pointers ranging from corrosion spots, mechanical issues and trim to historical information, evaluation guides and even auction purchasing advice, this compact 64-page book is a valuable resource for buyers hoping to pick up the best SL/SLC that their money can buy.
Because this book is written with the UK market in mind, some of the trim shown differs from that on US-spec models (like headlamps, bumpers, emergency brake handles), and a few European models and engine choices didn't make it to our shores, although these issues don't hurt the book's overall helpfulness. Anyone considering an SL or SLC would be smart to pick up this book and take it along on all pre-purchase inspections.
Synopsis
New paperback edition! Tells - from a mechanic's point of view - how BMC/BL rally cars evolved during this important period. A story of adventure, hilarious events, hardship, winning, losing, real danger and corporate politics.
About the Author
Brian Moylan started working for MG in 1950 as a mechanic in the service/repair shop. In 1955 he was drafted in to the Racing Department, which was the center for all BMC competition work. During his time there he was fortunate enough to work on several rally winning Minis including the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally winner. Just before the factory closed in 1980 Moylan was offered the position of manager of a small satellite Morris Garages outlet. He has always been involved in the MG Car Club, serving on the committee of the local Centre in various capacities. Since his retirement he has started giving slide shows on MG history and writing articles for the leading Classic Car magazines, plus three books on MG and rally connected subjects. Moylan also works closely with the Abingdon Museum setting up MG Exhibitions.