Designed to replace the popular Austin 1100/1300, The Austin Allegro proved to be one of the most controversial cars to be produced by British Leyland. In this well-researched book, British Leyland expert Colin Corke looks behind the scenes to reveal the true story of this often-misunderstood car.

Using previously unseen concept and styling images, the author analyses the development of the Allegro and the production and quality problems that were to damage its reputation. The book follows the development of different versions of the Allegro, including the Allegro 2 and 3 and the variations and specials, including the estate, Crayford conversions and rally cars. The book also analyses the reception that the Allegro received abroad, including both Italy and France, and how it fared against foreign competition, including the Alfa Romeo Alfasud and the groundbreaking VW Golf.

Including advice on owning a classic Allegro today, this book is a concise but authoritative guide to both the good and bad points of a car that came to symbolise the crisis of British car manufacture in the 1970s.