Best of British Leyland

Please note: This photo is printed from the original archive image and therefore may
contain the occasional imperfection and blemish.

Best of British Leyland

BMIHT Reference Number:

Code: A153469

Maxi Marathon (1968) - 11 minutes
This film introduced the world to the wonderful Austin Maxi (ADO 14). We are shown the exhaustive three-year testing schedule to which the prototypes were subjected, from the Arctic Circle in winter to Southern Portugal in summer.

Marina (1971) - 14 minutes
The gripping story of the three-year race to produce the marvellous Morris Marina (ADO 28). Boardroom reconstructions allow Chairman, Lord Stokes to guide us through its conception, design and technical development culminating in an exhaustive testing programme. After glimpsing the extensive upgrade factory facilities we are finally treated to the filming of the all-important advertising campaign for the car which epitomised 'beauty with brains behind it'.

Allegro - A New Driving Force From Austin (1973) - 14 minutes
An in-depth look at the attributes of the amazing Allegro (ADO 67). The British Leyland team that worked on the car tell us enthusiastically about its virtues - the ‘Hydragas’ suspension, the styling, and of course, the famous square ‘Quartic’ steering wheel. Who could resist?

Princess - The Car That Has Got It All Together (1975) - 21 minutes
A Seventies Film for a Seventies Car - meet the Princess (ADO 71), codenamed Diablo. We are introduced in graphic detail to each car in the range - the Wolseley, head of the family, and its less well-endowed cousins, three Austins and three Morrises.

Metro - A British Car to Beat the World (1980) - 27 minutes
The momentous Metro - a make or break vehicle for British Leyland. No expense was spared on this exhaustive documentary covering every aspect of Metro’s design from ADO 88 to LC8. Encompassing development, testing and the remodelling of factory facilities to accommodate modern production methods such as robots, we gain a fascinating insight into Longbridge of the period and British Leyland thinking.

Total running time 1 hour 27 minutes approximately