Banger Books

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The British Car Industry - Our Part in its Downfall

It is the true story of what happened to the British Car Industry from 1945 until it effectively ended with the implosion of MG Rover in 2005. It occurred to me that my Dads car owning, driving and buying history (from a Triumph Mayflower to a VW Golf) was a great way of injecting some social history into it all. I also wondered whether his decision in the 1970s to buy an Audi triggered the downfall, or was it the inept motor industry management, stupid commie unions or meddling governments. I think we know the answer, but it is fun finding out and there some good stories along the way. There are also tons of small black and white pictures of cars and people from the era, plus all the cars that my Dad bought. Many of the cars featured have become Bangernomics legends. Essentially you do not need to be a petrolhead to enjoy it, so buy it for your mum, dad or uncle for Christmas. It costs £12.99 including postage and if you want it signed or a message written inside please email me when you have purchased it and I will oblige, james@bangernomics.com

I’ve had some nice reviews so far.

Beautifully written with considerable wit.

Honest John – Daily Telegraph.

We’re big fans of Ruppert’s writing…it’s a great read. Highly Recommended - Dep-O Magazine

A light emotive and charming view of a difficult period for British pride. Classic and Sports Car

James Ruppert’s book is a mixture of social history and personal insight. Classics Monthly

A funny and informative account of the industry – Autocar

Writing a readable motoring book is difficult enough, but writing something brilliant which gives a totally different outlook on a well covered subject is a true achievement….it’s the warmth of the family story that really makes this book something special –

Classic Car Weekly

From start to finish it is a thumping good read… personal, honest and deadly accurate. The notion of using his family as a microcosm for the country at large is very, very clever - Austin Rover Online

It is fun to read…a must not just for the car enthusiast, but anyone who enjoys a laugh at a good story well told.

Used Car Expert Magazine

Great if you want to understand the utter chaos of the rise and fall of the British car - Mini World

It’s informative, well-written and extremely funny - anyone who bemoans the demise of the British Car industry should make a beeline for this fantastic book

Daily Express

Dealing with Car Dealers

In 1987 I wrote this book detailing for the first time how new and used car dealers operated. I must admit that it all looks a bit dated now, but it does contain information about negotiations and getting a good deal that is still relevant. Incredibly for one of my books it was reprinted and so I do have some spare as new copies, though not that many. It cost a mere £2.95 back then and I am not asking much more now. Indeed for just £4.99 I will stick it in an envelope if you click on the button below, or you may just find one in your local charity shop for 5p, or probably much less.

Deals on Wheels

You might remember Channel 4s really quite good TV show of the same name. I was slightly involved with it for bit and even got a poncey executive producer title at one point. First though I wrote the book of the series in 1999. Sadly I did not make the cover though Mike Brewer and Richard Sutton did. It is still quite useful with How To Buy type information and a review of the top 50 used buys in different categories. So there are a lot of 80s and 90s icons (Rover 200, 911, Mini and other Bangernomics legends) plus buying checklists. Relive the 90s for just £5.99 although it actually cost £7.99 back then so you are up on the deal which was the whole point of the book.

Bangernomics Original Book £9.99

There are not many of these left, I only have one myself, but I have a few extra used but decent copies then feel free to snap them up and if you do want me to sign them I would be happy to do that. Price includes postage.

Bangernomics Bible £8.99

This is the all new Bangernomics Book which is future proof and universe friendly. That means it won’t date ever even if you buy a hover bike or whatever is the latest thing in 2059 and wherever you are in the world it just contains the common sense advice you need to buy a decent secondhand car. Unless you tell me not to I will sign it, because I assume that’s why you are buying it here. £8.99 includes postage.

Email me for more info on james@bangernomics.com

How to claim your Proficiency Certificate. Please take a picture of your Banger and the Book which I may upload to a dedicated page on this website. I can Email you the certificate as a Word Document, or I can send you a physical certificate but I will need an A4 self addressed envelope. james@bangernomics.com