British Lorries: 1945-1965

As Britain emerged form the Second World War in 1945 her motor industry was still geared up to produce the quantities of vehicles, especially commercials, required in wartime. With the urgent need for post-war reconstruction at home and abroad, there was much for such vehicles to do. The liberation of Europe and the Far East meant that these export markets had been opened up again too.This book traces the path of the British lorry through 20 years via the manufacturers' own sales and publicity material, from the revolutionary - but now forgotten - Jensen to classics like the Bedford TK. During the period covered there were approximately 40 manufacturers of commercial vehicles in the United Kingdom. Several were small or specialized firms with limited production while others became absorbed into more successful companies. By 1965 only a few of the larger firms remained, and individuality was fast becoming just a memory.