Flying the Flag

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Flying the Flag – My Career with Nuffield, Leyland and Marshall Tractors

Tony Thomas was an enthusiastic and respected member of the sales and marketing departments of the Nuffield, Leyland and Marshall tractor companies for almost 30 years. In his absorbing new autobiography, Flying the Flag – My Career with Nuffield, Leyland and Marshall Tractors, he recalls not only his own close, personal involvement with these three famous British brands from 1962 to 1991, but also the continuous development of the tractor range that took place during that period.

Key events covered in this fascinating story include the 1962 transfer of tractor production from Birmingham to Bathgate, the development of the Mini tractor, the problematic launch of the Nuffield 3/45 and 4/65 models; the formation of British Leyland and introduction of the popular 154, 344 and 384 tractors in 1969, plus the launch of the Leyland Q cab, four-wheel drive models, and the award-winning Synchro gearbox during the 1970s.

Leyland’s tractor division was sold to Marshall of Gainsborough in 1981. After beginning so promisingly with the successful transfer of tractor productions from West Lothian to Lincolnshire in 1982 and the development within two years of the new 100 Series and 904 models, this period in the history of the tractor range ended in uncertainty when Marshall went into receivership in 1985.

The subsequent formation of Marshall Tractors in 1986 and the move to Scunthorpe that took place the following year are also covered in detail, along with this company’s numerous attempts to expand its range with badge-engineered products from, among others, Ferrari of Italy and Steyr of Austria.

Tony’s tremendous affection for the Nuffield, Leyland and Marshall companies has not diminished over the years and shines through on every single page of his autobiography. His story is highly illustrated by almost 200 archive images, many taken from his own extensive personal collection.

In his foreword, Brian Webb, a former colleague of Tony’s from 1963 to 1982, describes Flying the Flag as “a very special book that all Nuffield, Leyland and Marshall tractor owners and enthusiasts will want to read.”

• 200 pages
• 200 Colour & Black and White Mainly Archive Photographs Throughout
• Softback Book
• 246mm x 189mm