Haynes was (and still is) ‘the go-to’ manual for manual labour on your motor!

I remember when I saw my first Haynes Manual, it was floating around our garage for my father’s Ford Capri. I was drawn in by the complexity of its technical illustrations, all done by hand back then. I am sure my dad thought he had just stepped out of ‘The Professionals’ TV series as the character Raymond Doyle with his car.

For those of you who are too young to know about ‘The Professionals’, it was about 2 British Intelligence Service senior agents, Bodie and Doyle, who along with their handler George Cowley, fought terrorism and similar high-level crimes. The Solar Gold Ford Capri driven by Doyle featured heavily in the series, and my dad’s capri of course had to be the same colour.

Haynes Manuals, also known simply as Haynes, are a series of practical manuals and guidebooks that provide information on automotive maintenance, repair, and customisation. The history of Haynes Manuals can be traced back to the early 1960s.

In 1956, John Haynes, a British entrepreneur and founder of the Haynes Publishing Group, purchased an Austin Healey Sprite sports car. He soon found that the car’s official factory manual was difficult to understand and not very user-friendly. This experience inspired him to write and publish a comprehensive guide to help fellow car enthusiasts maintain and repair their vehicles.

The first Haynes Manual, titled “Building a ‘750’ Special,” was published in 1965 and focused on the Austin Healey Sprite. This manual provided step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and photographs to assist car owners in performing various tasks, from basic maintenance to more complex repairs. The manual’s user-friendly approach, combined with clear illustrations and accessible language, quickly gained popularity among car owners.

Following the success of the initial manual, Haynes expanded the series to cover a wide range of popular car models. The manuals became known for their practicality and reliability, making them a valuable resource for both amateur and professional mechanics.

Over the years, the Haynes Manuals series expanded beyond cars to include motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles. The company also diversified into manuals covering non-automotive topics, such as home improvement and technology.

The Illustrative Work of Terry Davey

When thinking about the Haynes manuals, the revered automotive guides that have rescued countless individuals from predicaments, inevitably you recall the captivating artwork embellishing their covers. Those elaborate cutaways teeming with intricate details are the handiwork of none other than Terry Davey.

Terry dedicated his talents to Haynes from 1972 to 1991, undertaking the responsibility of crafting the cover images for each manual. What stands out is his remarkable self-taught journey, resulting in the development of his distinctive and ultimately unparalleled style. Many have attempted to replicate Terry’s work, but few have achieved it with such finesse.

The intricacy and richness of his drawings were a testament to his approach. When assembling a manual, Haynes didn’t solely rely on technical information from the manufacturer. While that played a role, the primary content generation involved the Haynes team physically acquiring a car and meticulously disassembling it.

The End of New Repair Manual Printing

In recent years, with the rise of digital technology and online resources, Haynes Manuals adapted to the changing landscape by offering digital versions and online subscriptions, providing users with access to their extensive library of repair and maintenance guides.

Haynes announced in December 2020 that they would not print any new repair manuals; all new repair content would be online only. Existing printed manuals continue to be available.

Despite the challenges posed by the digital age, Haynes Manuals continues to be a trusted resource for individuals looking to perform their automotive repairs and maintenance. The company’s commitment to providing accessible and practical information has contributed to its enduring popularity among DIY enthusiasts and car owners worldwide.

Did You Find This Article Interesting?

If you found this article interesting, you might want to read our ‘Automotive Brand Focus – Lucas Industries‘ article!

By the middle of the 1970s, British firm Lucas Industries was amongst the biggest in the world for components. Although it was substantial and wide-ranging, the business policy at the time was to make it appear small-scale to the public. However, this policy resulted in a convoluted web of subsidiary identities, businesses, and trademarks. Find out more here!

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