Table of contents

Introduction .......................................................................................................... 3 Chapter 1. Rolls-Royce ......................................................................................... 4 Rolls Royce Phantom .................................................................................... 6 Chapter 2. Bentley................................................................................................. 8 Bentley Continental ....................................................................................... 9 Chapter 3. Jaguar ................................................................................................ 11 Jaguar X-Type ..............................................................................................13 Chapter 4. Aston Martin...................................................................................... 15 Aston Martin DB5 ........................................................................................16 Chapter 5. Land Rover ........................................................................................ 18 Defender.......................................................................................................20 Chapter 6. Mini ................................................................................................... 21 Mini Cooper .................................................................................................23 Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 25

Introduction
It was one of the primordial wishes of man to get from one place to another as fast as possible. Inventing faster and faster means of transport was a continuous challenge. The invention of the automobile in the 18th century was one of the most important changes in transport industry. Since then, the cars evolved from being just a machine that could carry people and objects around to either a label that reflects ones social status, a mean of entertainment, a tool in logistics or a state-of-the-art design object. The English people, even though they are known for their conservatism, showed an opening to the new invention. English engineers proved innovative spirit and remarkable technical skills and they created car models that are known and desired all over the world. The British motor industry is known for exclusive brands such as Rolls-Royce, Land Rover, Aston Martin and Jaguar, the iconic Mini and consistent representation in auto racing. I will present six of the over 40 car companies that produce automobiles in the United Kingdom, as well as a representative model for each of them.

Chapter 1. Rolls-Royce

Owned by: BMW Based: Goodwood, England Current models: Phantom, Phantom Coupe, Phantom
Drophead Coupe

Famous for: Widely known as the most luxurious cars in the

world.

History
It doesnt get much more stately, opulent and luxurious than a Rolls-Royce. For decades, the marque has set a standard that other luxury carmakers have aspired to reach. A partnership between Charles Stewart Rolls and Frederick Henry Royce, British-based Rolls-Royce Ltd. was officially formed in 1904. The companys Silver Ghost was unveiled that same year. Right from the start, the companys dedication to excellence was clear; the Silver Ghost exhibited amazing attention to detail and remarkable quality, and promptly earned renown for being the best car in the world. Only one 1904 car is known to exist, the fate of the three Royce prototypes is unknown. During the 20s, the automaker acquired a second factory in Springfield, Massachusetts to help keep up with rising demand. The 20s also saw the launch of the Phantom I, a car that was powered by an all-new engine with detachable cylinder heads
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 cutting-edge technology for its time. Rolls-Royce added another, very similar brand to its family with the acquisition of Bentley in 1931. For decades following the takeover, Rolls and Bentley vehicles were almost identical mechanically. In 1930 Rolls-Royce badge was changed to black letters instead of red. The 1940s saw the opening of Rolls-Royces celebrated Crewe factory. The first Rolls to be produced postwar was the Silver Wraith. Rolls-Royce unveiled its Phantom IV in 1950. The majestic cruiser held the distinction of being the most exclusive Rolls ever. The 50s also saw the debut of the king-sized Silver Cloud I and Silver Cloud II. The 1960s saw the introduction of the Silver Cloud III, Silver Shadow and Phantom VI. The automaker hit a rough patch in the early 1970s. Problems with an engine contract led to severe financial difficulties, which in turn caused the manufacturer to file for bankruptcy. The company was eventually nationalized by the British government. In 1980, Rolls was purchased by Vickers PLC. The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit was launched in 1981; the car was the first of a new generation of Rolls vehicles. Aesthetically, the car was styled to appeal to a younger generation of buyers, with a clean new look that was very much in step with the times. Rolls changed hands yet again in the 90s. Vickers put the marque up for sale, and BMW seemed like a frontrunner to take the reins; however, in a surprise move, Volkswagen outbid BMW. The two German automakers arranged for VW to relinquish control of the Rolls-Royce name on January 1, 2003, with VW keeping Bentley and the Crewe plant. As a result, BMW has built a $100 million facility in Goodwood, England, to accommodate the distinguished British manufacturer. With BMW at the helm, Rolls-Royce has returned to what many would consider its rightful place at the front of the ultraluxury pack. Competition is increasingly fierce at this rarefied price point, but we wouldnt doubt the companys ability to keep rolling for the foreseeable future.

1.1

Rolls Royce Phantom

The Phantom was Rolls-Royces replacement for the original Silver Ghost. Like the famed Ghost, the Phantom was constructed both in the United Kingdom and United States. The Phantom II replaced the New Phantom in Rolls-Royces offerings in 1929. The Rolls-Royce Phantom III was the final large pre-war Rolls-Royce. Introduced in 1936, it replaced the Phantom II. There were 727 Phantom III chassis constructed from 1936 to 1939, with an impressive survival rate for these cars. The Phantom IV is the most exclusive Rolls-Royce model ever built. Just 18 were made between 1949 and 1956, exclusively for royalty and heads of state The first Phantom IV was purchased in 1950 by Princess Elizabeth, The Duchess of Edinburgh, on her marriage in 1947 to Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, herself later to become Queen Elizabeth II. The purchase reflected a shift

from the traditional royal preference of King George VI for Daimler motor cars, with the Rolls-Royce preference to continue until the delivery of two customized Bentleys in 2002. This first Phantom IV, which became an official state car upon The Queens accession to the British throne in 1952 still remains in the Royal Mews to this day and is occasionally used to ferry Royal aides and friends to Royal Ascot. This was only the first of two Phantom IVs that The Queen ordered, in 1954. Other owners included The Princess Margaret, The Countess of Snowdon, the late sister of The Queen and the Spanish Head of State, General Francisco Franco, whose three customized Phantom IVs (two laundalettes and a cabriolet) are still in ceremonial service with King Juan Carlos I of Spain. The Phantom V was an ultra-exclusive Rolls-Royce model from the 1960s. A total of 516 were made. John Lennons Phantom V came from the factory with a regular white paint finish but he commissioned a psychedelic paintjob for it. Other famous owners included Queen Elizabeth II, and her mother, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Those owned by Elizabeth II were official state cars, adapted for that purposed with a flag staff and illuminated heraldic shield above the windscreen. The Governor of Hong Kong used a Rolls-Royce Phantom V for ceremonial occasions. It was removed from Hong Kong by the Royal Navy immediately following the handover to China on 1 July 1997. After selling 805 units in 2006, Rolls-Royce first met its annual sales target of 1,000 vehicles in 2007.

Chapter 2. Bentley.
Owned
group

by:

Volkswagen

Based: Crewe, England Current models: Arnage,

Azure, Brooklands, Continental GT, Continental GTC, Continental Flying Spur

Famous for: Being the most expensive and luxurious sports cars.

History
Founded by Walter Owen Bentley, Bentley Motors was born in England in 1919. Two years later, the first model debuted, the rapid 3-litre Bentley. Larger cars followed, and racing success at Le Mans earned the Bentley motorcars status among British sports car enthusiasts. Financial woes (brought on in part by the Wall Street Crash of 1929) triggered the brands sale to Rolls-Royce in 1931. The first new Bentley after this event was the 3 1/2-litre, introduced in 1933 and based on a Rolls chassis that never saw production. In subsequent decades, Bentley slowly slid into anonymity with vehicles that, at times, were little more than re-badged Rolls-Royces. The companys fortunes finally took an upturn in 1980s. A new company policy dictated a more distinctive brand image, and it produced the Mulsanne Turbo sedan, named after the famous corner on the Le Mans circuit. Bentley sales increased, and in 1998 BMW began supplying engines to both the Bentley and Rolls-Royce brands. This relationship created a conflict when Volkswagen made a surprise bid later that year and acquired both

marques, but the two German automakers reached an agreement that saw VW handing over control of Rolls to BMW in 2003, while keeping Bentley and the Crewe factory. VWs ownership has given Bentley the opportunity to expand its model range and improve quality. The traditional Bentley qualities remain, however. Leather and wood trim have become popular in less prestigious nameplates, but Bentley vaults the concept to new heights of opulence, gracing almost every square inch of its interiors with premium hide and timber. Bentley owners seeking a one-of-a-kind vehicle are able to get just that thanks to the extraordinary degree of customization that the brand offers. Fabrics and colours may be handpicked by the customer from an existing selection, or Bentley can completely customize the interior colours to the customers liking.

2.1.

Bentley Continental

Bentley has used the Continental name on a number of automobiles since 1952.

The Continental R Type was the second series of post-war Bentley automobiles, replacing the Mark VI. A two-door Continental model manufactured for the European marketplace was the most expensive automobile of its day. Bentley S2 Continental was a luxury car produced by Bentley from 1959 until 1962. The Bentley Continental R is a large, expensive, luxury coup made by Bentley from 1991 to 2002. It was the first Bentley to feature a body not shared with a RollsRoyce model since the S3 of 1965, and the quickest, most expensive, and most powerful Bentley of its day. A convertible derivative, the Bentley Azure, was launched in 1995.
The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a four-door variant of the Bentley Continental GT coupe and the Bentley Continental GTC convertible. The Bentley Continental Flying Spur was introduced in 2005, and is presently Bentleys fastest four-door sedan.

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Chapter 3. Jaguar

Owned by: Tata Motors Based: Coventry and Halewood, England Current models: X-Type, S-Type, XF

sports saloon, XJ luxury saloon, XK coupe, XK Convertible

Famous for: Being a by-word for style and

performance.

History
On September 4, 1922, in Blackpool, England, two young motorcycle enthusiasts, William Lyons and William Walmsley, set up the Swallow Sidecar Company to produce sidecars for motorcycles. The company continued to make sidecars until the advent of WWII. In 1926 the company built the small Austin Seven, a peoples car . At this point the company changed its name to the Swallow Sidecar and Coachbuilding Co. and moved to a larger manufacturing space. There it made custom bodies for such cars as Morris, Fiat, Wolseley, Swift, and Standard. The companys first car, the SS1, was based on a Standard engine and a modified Standard chassis. It was introduced to the public at a London exhibition in 1931. In appearance the larger SS1 was a long, low vehicle with a short passenger compartment, wire wheels, and a luggage boot with a spare tire at the rear. Its expensive looks belied its excellent monetary value. In 1933 the name of the company was changed to SS Cars Ltd. with Lyons becoming managing director. He bought his partner out in 1936.

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In 1934, Harry Weslake, regarded as one of the industrys top engine experts, joined the company. The name Jaguar was used for the first time in 1935. Also in 1935, William Heynes joined the company as chief engineer. The firms production included limousines, convertibles, and sports cars. The most notable vehicle of the period was the SS 100 model. This was the fastest and most famous pre-war Jaguar. During World War II, production shifted to the war effort, of course. After the war, the companys name was changed to Jaguar Cars Ltd. and production resumed. Jaguar needed to cement a stronger position by producing a car that could be sold at home and to a larger market. Thus, the Jaguar MK I was introduced at the 1955 Motor Show. The vehicle was designed to fill their product gap and to appeal to the home market. This Jaguar was of monococoque construction which in itself was new for the company. The Jaguar MK II evolved as an instant success with a much larger glass area and a redesigned dash. Another Jaguar classic, its fog/spot lights, also became optional at this time. In 1966 Sir William Lyons stepped down as Managing Director of the Jaguar Group, but he remained Chairman and Chief Executive. In 1972 Sir William Lyons retired, 50 years after forming Swallow Sidecar Company on his 21st birthday. His retirement was followed by a period of confusion and confusing changes at Jaguar. Morale among workers dropped to a low point in April of 1980 when a strike over grading and pay provoked Sir Michael Edwardes ultimatum return to work or lose your jobs. Jaguar needed a boost as never before. It also needed a full-time chairman. Enter Jaguars new full-time chief executive John Egan in April of 1980. He was 40 years

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old, the new blood Jaguar so desperately needed. Egans first quote was, One cannot have better ground to build on. He definitely brought an air of optimism and new life to Jaguar that was soon reflected in production and morale. By 1985 it was clear that Jaguar was stable once more and that Jaguar people do not give up.

3.1.

Jaguar X-Type

The X-Type is a compact executive car produced by Jaguar since 2001. It is the smallest of the current range of Jaguar saloons and, alongside the 1998 S-Type, was intended to spearhead the companys efforts in emulating the sales of German rivals Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz

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Codenamed X400, the X-Type was Jaguars attempt to compete in the compact executive car segment. In 2004, a further body style was added with the introduction of an estate version, making it the second-ever Jaguar estate car. In the United States, the estate was officially known as the Sportwagon. In 2007, the X-Type was facelifted to give the car a more dynamic and contemporary look. The current facelifted model is expected to continue through to the 2010 model year in its remaining markets and will not be directly replaced.

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Chapter 4. Aston Martin

Status: Active Owned by: Consortium headed
by David Richards

Based: Gaydon, England Current models: DB9, DBS,

Vantage

Famous History

for:

Being

James

Bonds choice of car.

Born in England, Aston Martin makes cars that place equal emphasis on highthrill performance and discreet British elegance. Still, the brand has made an incredible name for itself, and is known worldwide as a supplier of sleek, top-of-the-line, roadhugging machinery. Founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford started Aston Martin in 1914. The two had seen some success selling Singer racing cars, but wanted to craft their own vehicles, with an emphasis on sophistication and refinement. The brand took its name from co-founder Martin and the Aston Clinton Hill Climb, where the duos Singer cars had competed. Originally, Aston Martin was known chiefly in racing circles. The marque saw its share of financial difficulties during the 20s and 30s, undergoing numerous changes in ownership. The postwar years saw the brand change hands once again. Aston Martin was sold to David Brown, an industrialist with a successful tractor company. After purchasing the company in 1947, he set his sights on developing new models. The first was the DB1 (named after his own initials), introduced in 1948. It was soon followed by the DB2 and DB3. As the decade drew to a close, the brand had launched yet another model -- the DB4.

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In 1963, Aston Martin began production on the DB5. By the time the 60s came to a close, the Aston Martin family had grown to include the DB6 (which stands as the first four-seater produced by the marque) and DBS V8. The 1970s were a rough decade for Aston Martin. The brand was sold by David Brown in 1972, and once again, it went through another phase in which it was passed from owner to owner. Help came for the financially troubled brand in the 1980s. Aston Martin was taken over by Ford Motor Company in 1987. The automaker was determined to restore the brand to its former glory, and invested millions in research and development. By the 1990s, Fords considerable efforts had begun to pay off. A new model, the DB7, was unveiled at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show. The car was a hit with both critics and buyers alike. Though recent financial trouble at Ford has led to the sale of Aston Martin to a group of investors, its fully expected that the brand will continue to produce highly desirable sports and grand touring cars that exude luxury and exclusivity.

4.1 Aston Martin DB5

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The Aston Martin DB5, released in 1963, was a slight upgrade from the DB4 which preceded it. It is most famous for being the first and most recognised James Bond car, seen in Goldfinger, Thunderball, GoldenEye, and Tomorrow Never Dies. The Aston Martin DB5 became the most famous Aston Martin car due to its use by James Bond in Goldfinger (1963). Although Ian Fleming had placed Bond in a DB Mark III in the novel, the DB5 was the companys newest model when the film was being made. Within the universe of James Bond, the same car was used again in the following film, Thunderball. A different Aston Martin DB5 was used in the 1995 Bond film, GoldenEye. The DB5 also returned in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), and was set to make a cameo at Castle Thane in The World Is Not Enough (1999), but the scene was cut. For Goldfinger, the car featured a number of optional extras, as Q reveals to Bond: Front firing Browning machine guns behind the front indicators Retractable blades in the tire spinners Rising bullet-proof rear screen Radio telephone Radar scanner and tracking screen Passenger ejector seat Oil slick spray from rear light cluster Caltrops from rear light cluster Smoke screen from exhaust pipes Revolving number plates: BMT 216A UK, 4711-EA-62 France, and LU 6789 Switzerland Front and rear extending rams Gun cabinet under drivers seat Bullet-proof windshield and rear windscreen.

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Chapter 5. Land Rover

Owned by: Tata Motors Base: Solihull and Halewood,

England

Current models: Freelander,

Discovery, Range Rover, Defender

Famous for: Iconic 60-year-old

Defender 4x4.

History
Formed 60 years ago as part of the Rover group, the Land Rover name originally referred to the iconic Defender model that survives today. Land Rovers 4x4 models were ideal for use in the country and were used around the world by the British military. The first Land Rover was designed in 1948 in the United Kingdom by Maurice Wilks, chief designer at the British car company Rover. It is said that he was inspired by an American World War II Jeep that he used one summer at his holiday home in Wales. He worked with the British automaker Rover to create the first Land Rover in 1948. Called the Series I, this truck was equipped with permanent four-wheel drive, a canvas roof and optional doors. A distinctive feature is their bodies, constructed of a lightweight rustproof proprietary alloy of aluminum and magnesium called Birmabright. This metals resistance to corrosion was one of the factors that allowed the vehicle to build up a reputation for longevity in the toughest conditions. It is

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reckoned that 75% of all those ever built are still in use. The early choice of colour was dictated by military surplus supplies of aircraft cockpit paint, so early vehicles only came in various shades of light green. The 1950s saw Land Rovers moving toward increased power and refinement. Launched in 1958, the Series II offered added horsepower and a somewhat less rudimentary exterior. The Series IIA came next, in a production run that lasted from 1961-71. Land Rovers storied Range Rover made its debut in 1970. The automaker officially entered the U.S. automotive market in 1987 when the Range Rover made its debut on American shores. It was followed in 1989 by the Discovery, which was initially offered only in two-door form. In the 1990s, the sudden popularity of the burgeoning SUV segment placed the brand in an enviable position. In response, Land Rovers vehicles, while still retaining their go-anywhere attitude became more luxurious, particularly after BMW bought the company in 1995. The Land Rover family of vehicles has continued to grow. The late 90s saw the introduction of the Freelander. Within a decade, the company changed hands twice more. It was sold to Ford in 2000 and Indian automaker Tata in 2008.

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5.1

Defender

Originally designed for farm and light industrial use, the first prototype was built in the summer of 1947. The Land Rover was launched in April 1948 at the Amsterdam motor show. Many thousands of the Series Is can still be seen on the roads today. Some are still in original condition, many have undergone restoration, and others can be seen heavily modified at off - road events. The biggest change to the Land Rover came in late 1990, when it became the Land Rover Defender, instead of the Land Rover Ninety or One Ten. Land Rover Defender vehicles have been used extensively by many of the worlds military forces, including the US. The British Army has used Land Rovers since the 1950s, as have many countries in the Commonwealth of Nations. The British
police have used Land Rovers (including the Defender) in their service for many years; they are supplied with the entire range from Land Rover itself.

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Chapter 6. Mini
Owned by: BMW Base: Oxford, England . Current models:
One, Cooper,

Clubman estate

Famous for: Being driven through

Turin in The Italian Job.

History
Designed by Alec Issigonis in response to demand for cheap family cars and shortage of fuel due to the Suez Crisis, the Mini became an icon of British ingenuity and swinging 60s style, due to its striking design and numerous media appearances, not least in The Italian Job. The Mini is a small car that was produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors from 1959 until 2000. The original is considered an icon of the 1960s, and its space-saving layout (that allowed 80% of the area of the cars floor pan to be used for passengers and luggage) influenced a generation of car-makers. This distinctive two-door car was manufactured at the Longbridge and Cowley plants in England, the Victoria Park factory in Sydney, Australia, and later also in Spain (Authi), Belgium, Chile, Italy (Innocenti), Portugal, South Africa, Uruguay, Venezuela and Yugoslavia. The Mini Mark I had three major UK updates: the Mark II, the Clubman and the Mark III. Within these was a series of variations including an estate car, a pickup truck, a van and the Mini Moke a jeep-like buggy. The Mini Cooper and Cooper S were sportier versions that were successful as rally cars.

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When production of the classic Mini ceased in 2000, BMW (the new owner of the brand) announced the successor to the Mini which is variously called the BMW MINI or the New MINI. The brand name for the new car is MINI (written in capital letters). MINI has produced the successor of the original Mini in Oxford, England since April 2001. Most Mini enthusiasts reject the claim that the MINI is the natural successor of the original car - many simply dislike it - yet a few were amongst the first to buy the new MINI when it was launched. The new MINI is larger than the classic Mini. It is around 55 centimeters longer, 30 centimeters wider, weighing 1,050 kg rather than 650 kg . That, together with the departure from the spartan minimalism of the original, has proven objectionable to some enthusiasts. Others resent the manner in which BMW took the Mini brand name from the Rover group. However, many Mini owners take the opposite view and embrace the new car as a logical succession of the original. Some Mini clubs go so far as to ban MINIs from their club meetings - others actively seek car enthusiasts from both camps.

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6.1. Mini Cooper

John Cooper, owner of the Cooper Car Company and designer and builder of Formula 1 and rally cars, saw the potential of the Mini for competition. Issigonis was initially reluctant to see the Mini in the role of a performance car, but after John Cooper appealed to BMC management, the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper, a nimble, economical and inexpensive car. The Austin Mini Cooper and Morris Mini Cooper debuted in 1961. A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the S, was developed in tandem and released in 1963. Cooper S cars were produced and sold until the model was updated in August 1964. The Mini Cooper S earned acclaim with Monte Carlo Rally victories in 1964, 1965 and 1967. Minis were initially placed first, second and third in the 1966 rally as well, but were disqualified after a controversial decision by the French judges. BMC probably received more publicity from the disqualification than they would have
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gained from a victory - but had the Mini not been disqualified, it would have been the only car in history to be placed in the top three on the Monte Carlo for six consecutive years. In 1971, the Mini Cooper design was licensed in Italy by Innocenti and in 1973 to Spain by Authi (Automoviles de Turismo Hispano-Ingleses), which began to produce the Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 and the Authi Mini Cooper 1300, respectively. A new Mini Cooper named the RSP (Rover Special Products) was briefly relaunched in 1990-1991, with slightly lower performance than the 1960s Cooper. It proved so popular that the new Cooper-marked Mini went into full production in late 1991. The styling of the car, like that of the Volkswagen New Beetle, is a retro design that is deliberately reminiscent of the original Mini with contrasting roof colours, optional bonnet stripes, optional rally lights and with black trim around the wheel arches and rocker panels that mimic the wide wheel flares found on many classic Minis.

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Conclusion
I have chosen this subject thinking of the influence that British culture always had upon the rest of the world. Their innovative spirit influenced the evolution of the motor industry in the rest of the European countries. The varied offer of automobiles in United Kingdom meets the requirements of different categories of costumers. Therefore, there is a british car for everyone, and that lies behind the longevity and success of the British motor industry.

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Bibliography
Coulter, Jeremy, The Worlds Great Cars, London, Marshall Cavendish, 1989. Church, Roy, The rise and decline of the British motor industry. Cambridge University, 1995. Timothy R. Whisler, The British Motor Industry 1945-1994. Oxford University Press, 1999. Georgano, Nick, The Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile. Chicago, Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers, 2000. British cars site available online at http://www.british-cars.co.uk/ Car Directory site available online at http://www.cars-directory.net Rolls Royce Phantom site available online at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RollsRoyce_Phantom Rolls Royce history site available online at http://www.autoevolution.com/rollsroyce/history/ Bentley Continental site available online at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bentley_Continental Bentley history site available online at http://www.bentleyboys.com/bentley_history.htm Jaguar X-type site available online at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_X-Type Mini site available online at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini Land Rover Defender Main Page site available online at http://www.landroverclub.net/Club/HTML/Main_Defender.htm Aston Martin Overview site available online at http://www.edmunds.com/astonmartin/history.html

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