The Rootes Story Vol 2- The Chrysler Years

The Rootes Story – The Chrysler Years focuses on the Rootes Group during the 1960s and 70s, the vehicles they produced, the people who created them, and the events that led to Rootes selling out to Chrysler Corporation of America and eventual acquisition by the French Peugeot company. It chronicles the Group's efforts to survive as a major car and truck manufacturer in Britain's turbulent 1960s and 1970s, and highlights the competition pedigree of the Sunbeam Rapier, Alpine, Imp, and Ford V8-engined Tiger. Famous names such as Paddy Hopkirk, Rosemary Smith, and Peter Procter all give their stories as works drivers for Rootes, while engineers at 'comps tell the background stories of how races and rallies were won and lost.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2023
Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd

The Rootes Story – The Chrysler Years delves into the Rootes Group's journey during the 1960s and 1970s, encompassing the vehicles they produced, the individuals behind their creation, and the events that ultimately resulted in Rootes' sale to Chrysler Corporation of America and subsequent acquisition by the French Peugeot company. Throughout the book, former Rootes employees and management provide valuable insights into the backdrop of these events. This chronicle explores the Rootes Group's efforts to thrive as a significant car and truck manufacturer amidst the turbulent 1960s and 1970s in Britain. Once a respected global name in manufacturing, the Rootes Group found itself grappling with the challenges of competing in a new buyer market, where foreign competition was rapidly surpassing British manufacturers. Despite these obstacles, Rootes achieved remarkable success by designing and building some of the most popular cars of the era. These include the Hillman Minx and Super Minx, Singer Vogue, Humber Sceptre, and the iconic but unfortunate Hillman Imp, as well as rugged and well-designed vans and trucks produced by Commer, Karrier, and Dodge. The book showcases the competition pedigree of the Sunbeam Rapier, Alpine, Imp, and Ford V8-engined Tiger. Renowned figures such as Paddy Hopkirk, Rosemary Smith, and Peter Procter share their experiences as works drivers for Rootes, while engineers at "comps" provide background stories of races and rallies won and lost. Andrew Cowan, a Rootes works rally driver and the victor of the 1968 London–Sydney Marathon in a Hillman Hunter, recounts his remarkable and unexpected triumph for Rootes. This intricate story is presented through the perspectives of ex-Rootes and Chrysler personnel, offering firsthand accounts of the company and its achievements. Geoff Carverhill takes readers into the boardroom, providing an inside look at the decision-making processes and strategic maneuvers that shaped Rootes' journey.

Weight: 936g
Dimension: 280 x 215 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780719841781