THESE were the people who made sure Oxford-built cars were kept in top condition.

They were members of the technical publications department at the Nuffield Organisation at Cowley.

They were responsible for producing the manuals which motorists and mechanics used to maintain vehicles.

The manuals contained every scrap of information they needed to know about how the cars worked.

The challenge for the staff was to publish the manuals as quickly as possible after a new model was launched.

The second picture was taken on one occasion when they scored a notable success.

George Springall, of Staunton Road, Headington, head of the department, is seen handing a copy of the workshop manual for the Austin Allegro car on launch day in 1972 to publicity manager Jack Field.