Motor cars: general interest Books

Book SynopsisThis history of the Lotus Evora traces the genesis, context, manufacture and evolution of the Type 122 Evora and its derivative models.The Evora's prowess as a grand touring sports car is demonstrated with the author's international road trips, and its essence is detailed through in-depth interviews with leading personalities at Lotus involved with the design, development, construction and marketing programmes. The book concludes with the launch of the Evora's successor, the Type 131 Emira in 2021. Johnny Tipler has a long association with the Lotus marque, having run the John Player Team Lotus Motorsport Press Office during the halcyon JPS era, as recounted in his 2019 book 'Black and Gold'. He has authored many automotive books, notably on the Lotus Elise, and also wrote for the Club Lotus International publication between 2005 and 2011. He is a good friend of Classic Team Lotus boss Clive Chapman (son of the Lotus founder Colin Chapman) and regularly attends historic races such as the Goodwood Revival where CTL's F1 Lotuses are in action.Table of ContentsContents Foreword Timeline Introduction Acknowledgements Chapter 1 Rising to the Challenge Chapter 2 Chassis and Suspension Chapter 3 Powertrain: the engine and gearbox Chapter 4 Driving dynamics Chapter 5 Production Line, body and trim Chapter 6 On test: proof of the pudding Chapter 7: Sales and marketing Chapter 8: Road tripping Chapter 9: The Emira descendent

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Book SynopsisNew paperback edition! There are still those who see the Porsche 914 model as a ‘funny little car,’ compared to the immortal 911. Granted, in its day, professional rally drivers were not keen on the 914: they were nervous driving it at the limit. Yet the records show that 914s were driven to at least 41 class wins, and at least 71 positions on the other two steps of the podium in Regional, National, and International Rallies. Racing on the circuits of Europe, 914s came home first in their class, and even took overall victory many times. In the USA, in IMSA GTU championship, in nationals, and internationals, it was the same story – and that’s not counting the multitude of SCCA regional races. The 914 first raced in 1970 … the last? Who knows: even now they’re still used in the USA’s SCCA GT classes. 'Porsche – the Racing 914s' is a study in pictures, statistics, factory information, and interviews, that will show the Porsche 914 in a whole new light. This richly illustrated book is released as a limited edition of only 1500 copies - a must have for all Porsche 914 and racing enthusiasts.Table of ContentsForeword - Günther Steckkönig Introduction - Author Chapter 1- Centre of attention – the mid engine idea Chapter 2- 1967-1976 the road cars - concept – design – politics and production Chapter 3- The competition begins 1970 Chapter 4- Good times-Racing in Europe 1971 Chapter 5- Rescue-The first safety car Chapter 6- Privateer time – Racing in Europe 1972-1976 Chapter 7- Tarmac and dust- The rallying story Chapter 8- Big country - Racing in the USA 1970 to 1975 Chapter 9- What came after Europe and the USA 1976 onwards Chapter 10- The Statistics- Performance results Appendix

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Book SynopsisThis new book by motoring journalist Alan Anderson follows on from Going Classic, to explore the world of historic motorsport and race and rally cars from the 1950s to the 1990s. This vibrant new book looks back at those days, and presents fifty of the most successful classic race and rally cars from across this period, considering why these motoring legends still make front runners in historic motorsport, one of the fastest-growing, most enjoyable and affordable classes of motor racing. My Dad Raced One of Those is a nostalgic look back at classic cars in motorsport across the different disciplines of Race, Rally, Autotests, Hillclimbs, Trails and Rallycross, and should satisfy and intrigue both the classic car enthusiast and (especially historic) lovers of motorsport.

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Book Synopsis"American Station Wagons - The Golden Era 1950-1975" examines an important quarter century of this versatile vehicle, a time when it evolved into a practical, yet sometimes luxurious family transporter or business vehicle. This volume covers the histories of the major, minor and obscure station wagon manufacturers and models. While makes such as Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge and Plymouth dominated the US market, important roles were played by Oldsmobile, Buick, Mercury, and Chrysler in making the car more than mere basic transportation or a reliable workhorse. At the same time, makes such as Studebaker, Kaiser, Nash and AMC, etc. competed for a slice of this burgeoning postwar market, and were responsible for novel innovations in design. Contemporary brochures, period literature, factory photos and over fifty new, unpublished colour photos of restored examples help convey the importance of these historic vehicles. Also featured are images of rarer Canadian versions from American manufacturers.Trade Review-If you're thinking about buying an American estate then this book is a good place to begin your research. Good fun.- - Classic & Sports Car-Its 96 colorful pages are packed with photos - some of them taken especially for the book - and vintage ads from the author's own collection.- - blogs.canoe.ca -Welcome to the pre-downsizing world of some seriously big motor cars, all packed into a concise volume of just under 100 pages.- - Classic Cars -Great ads and brochure reprints made us want a '587 Packard Clipper wagon - 'A new ages of functional elegance arrives!' - and it's fascinating to see the change in ad styles over the decades. Inexpensive too.- - Octane -These quirky little softbacks are something of a pocket-sized breath of fresh air.- - American Car -With some potted history of each decade's developments and lengthy detailed captions, this is a treasure trove of mostly contemporary photos of wagons and woodies, plus reproductions of some wonderful brochure material. There's a lot to enjoy.- - NZ Classic Car

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Book SynopsisThis book gives classic/collector car owners the information necessary to make an appropriate and safe choice of lubricants from the vast and sometimes overwhelming range available today.

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Book SynopsisWith this book, you can begin caring for your car like a professional, achieving dramatic and financially beneficial effects almost immediately. Written by the ‘undisputed king of car detailers,’ it teaches you the importance of using specific chemicals for specific tasks, how to properly clean wheels, paint decontamination, polishing paintwork, removing light scratches, waxing, interior maintenance, leather care, and much more. The step-by-step guides explain the purpose and importance of each process in a straightforward manner, and will help you carry out more complicated procedures – such as cleaning the engine bay – without causing any damage. With helpful illustrations and advice based on the author’s many years’ experience, this book will get your car looking great.

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Book SynopsisFord's legendary Sierra and Escort RS Cosworths changed the face of performance road cars, making them as desirable to keen drivers as they are to classic collectors. This quick-reference guide acts as a handy pocket-sized companion during the purchasing process. It aims to help buyers select the best car, pay the right price, and avoid the potential pitfalls. This one-stop package of great advice includes at-a-glance tips, illustrated in-depth inspection guidance, specifications, notes on modifications, and real-world cost considerations.Trade ReviewThis great series of 64 page pocket-sized books just keeps growing ... The author is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about these models, but he clearly wants to help you get the best one possible. Taking his advice is likely to save a lot of grief! Classic driver (monthly) All the mechanical and bodywork problems encountered in buying any secondhand car are covered in fully illustrated and specific detail for the models in question ... Together with tips which include buying at auction, restoration viability, general running and deciding just what the car is worth, this publication can indeed be considered an essential guide for anyone considering buying a second hand example of this 'classic' Ford. Speedscene

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Book SynopsisWith a history that spans more than 50 years, the Ford Mustang has become a living legend. Appealing to many for its varied options, muscular looks and stellar performance; the retro-styling of the fifth generation Mustang harks back to the heydays of the 1960s and early 1970s, when the Mustang became an instant hit with the American public upon its launch and proceeded to become a worldwide motoring icon. Arguably the best Ford Mustang produced to-date, the 2005-2014 Mustang (known as 'S197' by enthusiasts) is considered by many to already be a modern classic. From the fuel efficient V6, to powerful GT, and rocket-ship like Shelby GT500 models, there's a 2005-2014 Mustang to suit every motoring enthusiast. Providing an overview of the various models, their specifications, available options and associated running costs, the Essential Buyers Guide provides a great reference when looking to buy that Ford Mustang which has caught your eye. Packed with illustrative photographs and an extensive valuation check-list, this book can help give you greater confidence when determining if your planned purchase is a sound investment or not.Trade Reviewa pocket-sized book at a pocket-money price that could save a potential Mustang buyer from being clobbered in the ... erm, pocket. American Car Magazine Matt Cook's exhaustive guide follows a proven formula that even a complete novice could use to select a good buy, for a good price, on either side of the Atlantic. Classic Car Weekly Comprehensively put together with a cheeky sense of humour Auto Express It's nice when a product delivers what it promises as this book does - IPMS/USA JournalTable of ContentsIntroduction & Foreword Contents 1. Is it the right car for you? 2. Cost considerations 3. Living with a Mustang 4. Relative values 5. Before you view 6. Inspection equipment 7. Fifteen minute evaluation 8. Key points 9. Serious evaluation 10. Auctions 11. Paperwork 12. What's it worth? 13. Do you really want a project car? 14. Paint problems 15. Problems due to lack of use 16. The community 17. Vital statistics Index

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Book SynopsisThe last rotary-engined car built, Mazda's RX-8 provides a unique driving experience. Until you've tried one, it's hard to imagine how smooth its free-revving engine really is, or how enjoyable its handling. With comfortable space for four, it can be practical too.Like most Japanese cars, the RX-8 is generally well built, but the rotary engine can suffer from hot starting and rotor tip wear issues, which can prove expensive to put right. Extensive back-up from owner forums and independent specialists - listed in the guide - mean that these problems can be addressed, but choosing a good RX-8 requires care.This guide will help you do just that. Understand the differences between models, and learn what to look for when buying one. What are the true running costs, and does the need for a new engine mean the end to your dreams? What other issues - with the mechanicals, body or interior - should you look out for? Follow the advice of an experienced RX-8 owner and benefit from his research among owners and specialists in Europe and North America.Trade ReviewIt's packed with good advice, from expected running costs, paperwork, vital stats, valuation and expert views to help you chose the right RX-8 for you. tkc (Totalkitcar) give you expert advice essential if you're considering taking the plunge Practical Classics

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Book SynopsisRootes' Sunbeam Alpine sportscar was the flagship of its car range. Here, all the various models and production changes are described and illustrated in detail, along with what it's like to own, drive and live with an Alpine - one of the best engineered, stylish and practical cars of its time, and still satisfying to drive today.If you're thinking of buying an Alpine, this book will help you decide which model you really want, and learn exactly what to look for when you go to view a car. By using a thorough points-based assessment, you can decide with your head - not your heart - so you can better make the right decision, and pay the right price.Benefit from the author's forty years' of Alpine ownership experience and engineering expertise, all in one book!Trade ReviewA good-value guide that could be invaluable. Classic & Sports Car (UK) essential reading for any potential Alpine Buyer and is a welcome addition to the rather limited catalogue of other Alpine publications. The Alpine Horn ideal for existing owners and of course, if you are thinking of buying one at auction, privately or from a specialist. tkc (Totalkitcar)Table of ContentsIntroduction1. Is it the right car for you?2. Cost considerations3. Living with Sunbeam Alpine4. Relative values5. Before you view6. Inspection equipment7. Fifteen minute evaluation8. Key points9.. Serious evaluation10. Auctions11. Paperwork12. What's it worth?13. Do you really want to restore?14. Paint problems15. Problems due to lack of use16. The Community17. Vital statisticsIndex

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Book SynopsisAlways big on character and charm, Fiat''s little cars played an important international roll in providing affordable and practical private transport for millions who had previously thought their dream impossible.With particular emphasis on the now classic 600 and Nuova 500 cars, this book tells the full story of these ''baby'' Fiats. Built, and exported to, many countries outside of the marque''s native Italy, over 6.5 million Topolinos, 600s and Nuova 500s were sold, and an amazing number survive to this today. Also covered are the wonderful models built on these cars'' tiny chassis by Italy''s leading coachbuilders, and the motorsport success achieved by the Abarth versions of the little cars that everybody loves.Trade ReviewThis book unfolds the development and design of the baby Fiats 500 and 600. During the production there have been many changes in details, which you can find in this book, where the special body styles of the Weinsberg and the Jolly variants of Ghia, the Abarths, the Necker-Fiats and Steyr-Puchs are not forgotten. Prints of the original sales brochures brighten up the whole. In the back specifications and overviews of clubs. – Klassiek & Techniek.

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Book SynopsisThe stylist of the Austin Allegro, Harris Mann, said of the car that 'It took a lot of stick, but it wasn't that bad a car ... The trouble was that every one off the line was different in some way, thanks to quality control.' As a result, few have bothered to explore the little Austin's background; what it was designed to achieve, how it became the way it was, and what happened to make it so infamous. Austin Allegro - An Enthusiast's Guide redresses the balance, telling the Allegro's tale of grand designs, high hopes, management compromises, failed dreams, industrial unrest, national ridicule and finally, redemption. From the quietly competent series 2 models through to the sportily-styled and now very rare Equipe, the book re-evaluates the place of the Allegro in the classic car world and concludes that it is both a simple, economical classic choice, and an important part of British motoring history. Now experiencing something of a comeback as a cheap and cheerful classic, the book provides ownership advice and buying information for all models.

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Book SynopsisLime Rock Park, the oldest continuously operated road course in America came about more by accident than design. Construction of the course began in 1955 at a time when open road racing had been banned in many states, and the use of military and civil airport runways for racing was losing favor with the paying spectators. Dubbed ‘The Road Racing Center of the East’ the park has a turbulent history bedevilled by financial crises, discord with the SCCA New England Region and expensive court cases involving the Lime Rock Protective Association. Despite the struggle to keep the circuit afloat, it prevailed against all odds. This book narrates this history of mixed fortunes during the first twenty years of the park’s existence when it was under the ownership of four different people and contains material unseen before including over 900 images.

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Book SynopsisA small investment in this book could save you a fortune. With the aid of this book's step-by-step expert guidance, you will discover all you need to know about the car you want to buy. The unique point system will help you to place the car's value in relation to condition. Buying a classic VW Beetle is an important investment - don't buy one without this book's help. The authors, a recognised VW Beetle enthusiast and writer and a specialist photographer, cover all models from 1945 to 2003, including the Cabriolet, Standard and Deluxe and the final generation of Mexican Beetles.; Don't buy a car without this book!; Expert advice from a marque expert; Unique points scoring system to evaluate cars after inspection; Walk away or stay? - a quick initial evaluation of a car; How to check a car's authenticity; Which models are best?; Implications of restoration; Is it the right car for you?; Running costs; Don't buy a Beetle without this unique illustrated guide! Expert advice will help you find the best VW for your money.

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Book SynopsisFrom AC to Wolseley, this is the illustrated encyclopaedia of every make of British, European and American car sold in Britain during the 1930s. Some 1000 cars are illustrated and described in alphabetical order, by manufacturer. There are comprehensive notes on each model's production dates and numbers, recognition features, variants, strengths and weaknesses.

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Book SynopsisIn hundreds of pictures, the book gives you all the detail of correct factory specifications and equipment, including body panels, external trim and badging, paint colours, interior trim and colours, dashboard, instruments & switches, under-bonnet components, engine and transmission, lamps and all other features right down to the tool kit, from the beginning of production to the end. All of this information is vital to any buyer, owner and restorer. Each section opens with a brief text introduction followed by specially commissioned colour photographs with extended captions. For quick reference to accurate information, this formula is hard to beat.

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Book SynopsisOriginality guide including Cooper, Moke Hornet, Elf, van, pick up and estateNo car has had such a profound impact on the motoring scene as the original Mini. Designed in response to petrol shortages in the late 1950s, it was introduced in 1959 in both Austin and Morris guises, with either basic or De Luxe trim levels. Success came swiftly, and before long its makers at BMC were introducing van, pick-up and estate versions, high-performance Mini Coopers and higher equipment levels on the Mini Super. Right through the 1960s, the success story continued, and the original formula proved so right that the updated Mk II models of 1967 were instantly recognisable as versions of the original and much-loved car.These early Minis are as much admired and sought-after today as ever, offering their own unique blend of nimble driving pleasure with readily affordable running costs. They are also increasingly the subject of detailed, part-number-perfect restorations, and this book is designed to help all those who aim to restore one of these early British-built Minis to their correct specification. Within these pages, respected classic car historian James Taylor gives each major model of Mini its own section. These sections provide full details of specifications and examine individual areas of each model in depth. They are backed up by colour photography of outstanding examples that illustrate the way these cars looked when they were new. Body panels, external trim and badging, paint colours, interior trim, dashboard, instruments and controls, under-bonnet components, engine and transmission, lights - all this and more is comprehensively covered for both Mk I and Mk II Minis.For rapid reference to vital information, this formula has proved to be the most useful one for restorers. With more than 300 specially commissioned colour photographs, Factory-Original Mini will delight and enthral the restorer and the more casual Mini enthusiast alike.

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Book SynopsisGraham Robson is the doyen of writers on rallying. His new book joins his respected Works Triumphs and Works Escorts in our list. Here he tells of the story of Donald Healey’s introduction of the cars of his own make into the world of rallying and racing, from the Healey Elliott and Westland of the late 1940s through to the last racing Austin-Healey Sprite in 1967. In between he produced competition versions of the Austin-Healey 100 and 100S, the 100-6 and the gloriously successful 3000, a brutal and wayward machine that won countless international rallies in the 1960s in the hands of great drivers like Pat Moss, Timo Makinen, Rauno Aaltonen and Paddy Hopkirk, to name but a few. The author describes the career of each of the works cars individually: entries, drivers and results, with nearly all cars illustrated. In addition there is detailed colour photography of important surviving examples

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Book SynopsisFew marques inspire such enthusiasm as Alfa Romeo, and among its most celebrated jewels are undoubtedly its coupes and spiders, the sportiest members of an already sporty Alfa family. This book tells the full story of Alfa's two-door cars in the post-war era. It starts with the achingly handsome 6C 2500 and coachbuilt 1900s, followed by the glorious Giulietta Sprint, Spider and SZ. Then comes the host of Giulia models, from Bertone's Sprint GT and Pininfarina's Duetto to the racing GTA and TZ. Add in some rare V8s - 33 Stradale and Montreal - plus the Alfetta GT and the monstrous SZ/RZ, and Alfa's rich heritage is indisputable. It's all clearly detailed by a true authority on Italian cars, Chris Rees, editor of Auto Italia.

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Book SynopsisThe Land Rover was a huge success for its makers right from the start in 1948, when it was introduced as a product to keep the Rover factories busy in the difficult economic times that followed the Second World War. Developed with a speed that was remarkable even for the relatively unsophisticated vehicles of those days, it was regularly updated in both major and minor ways over the next five years as improvements be-came necessary or suggested themselves. It is the minutiae of those improvements - some intended to simplify build procedures and others to give the customers a better product - that lie at the heart of this book. For owners and enthusiasts who aim to restore an 80-inch model to its original, ex-factory specification, its pages aim to demystify the huge succession of changes that were made on the assembly lines, wherever possible not only recording what happened but also why. With the aid of Simon Clay's photography of some superb examples of the marque, correct details are shown on both complete vehicles and on some under restoration to give the dedicated enthusiast the knowledge needed for an accurate and satisfying restoration. In this book, enthusiast and leading Land Rover historian James Taylor is your guide to the multiple changes in specification that affected the 80-inch Land Rovers built between 1948 and 1953 and continue to excite debate among restorers today.

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Book SynopsisWith well over 250 photographs, many in colour by distinguished photographer Simon Clay, this book celebrates the style and flair of a bygone era, and provides a vital fund of information for the many enthusiasts and owners who care about these fine cars today. When Rolls-Royce introduced its new junior model, the Twenty, in 1922, there was no question of the company supplying coachwork for it. That was the job of the myriad specialist coachbuilding firms, large and small, both in Britain and overseas. Customers went to a coachbuilder of their choice, asked for what they wanted, and got it. It was a system that remained unchanged in principle throughout the period, as the Twenty gave way to the 20/25, that model in turn was succeeded by the 25/30, and the Wraith became the final junior Rolls-Royce before the Second World War brought a great and glamorous era to an end. The work of all these coachbuilders and many more is covered in this book, which for ease of understanding divides each coachbuilder’s creations up according to the host chassis and the different styles – saloon, limousine, drophead coupé, and so on. Rolls-Royce owners will particularly appreciate the inclusion of chassis numbers for all the cars bodied by each coachbuilder, a feature which makes this book a valuable reference work as well as a visual treat.

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Book SynopsisThis superb book tells the story of one of the most historically interesting of all Jaguar D-types, the XKD 504. This is a car that has raced more than any other D-type across its long and varied life, and this life is recounted in full. From its role as a works car used extensively for testing fuel injection, to two seasons of racing throughout Europe with Ecurie Ecosse, to four busy years of national competition in the hands of first Mike Salmon and then Peter Sutcliffe, it’s all here. This book provides fascinating insight into every aspect of this D-type’s history, supported by a fine collection of period photographs.

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Book SynopsisThe latest in the Exceptional Cars series tells the story of one of the two cars bought by The Automovil Club Argentino (ACA). Painted in the bright blue and yellow Argentine racing colours, 1600 was to play an important role in the Argentine team's international expeditions to Europe. Fangio won two races in the car, the most important being at Pau in 1950, where he repeated his win in the ACA sister car a year earlier. As well as a detailed chronicle of the car’s highs and lows, the text includes profiles of the drivers who raced in 1600 and a personal account of driving and running the car by a former owner who describes the daunting task of re-creating a Maserati 4CLT engine from scratch. 

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Book SynopsisFew, if any, Jaguar XK120s can have enjoyed a more fascinating and varied life than chassis number 660725. Just under two-thirds of the total production was allocated to the Roadster, which had caused such a stir at the 1948 London Motor Show. Of that, 660725 was one of just 1,173 right-hand-drive Roadsters constructed. 'Apart from now being the longest-serving XK120 owner, I also consider myself the most fortunate, lucky, accidental, blessed, providential – call it what you will – owner. Why? Because no fictional script writer could have come up with the number or variety of experiences, both dangerous and funny, in so many different countries and environments, that any combination of car and man would experience together.’ Bob Henderson, January 2013

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Book SynopsisAuthor Richard Heseltine untangles the Ghia Jaguar XK 120 Supersonic’s complicated backstory of British design brilliance and Italian design artistry. He reveals how Ghia wowed the car world with its jet-age styling, and introduces several fascinating characters whose names have peppered the post-war story of Italian car design, engineering and racing. Readers will discover how the original Supersonic was the work of Giovanni Sovanuzzi – the genius designer-engineer famous for the Cisitalia 202. Meanwhile, race team legend Virgilio Conrero was first to put fire in the Supersonic’s belly, while fiery Ghia chief Luigi Segre used the car to woo North America. In-depth background on Carrozzeria Ghia examines the Italian coachbuilder’s efforts to spread across Europe and ‘crack’ the US market. The birth of Supersonic design as an Alfa Romeo-powered GT is covered in great detail, and a fascinating line-up of other Italian-bodied Jaguar XK sports cars are examined and illustrated, as a way to compare and contrast the Supersonic with the work of other accomplished Italian designers. The history of chassis number 679768, is chronicled, recounting its elusive first owner, its lengthy periods hidden from public view, and its status today as the prized centrepiece in a private collection. Stunning contemporary photography of the car is mixed with rare and fascinating archive images.

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When launched at the Geneva motor show in 1971, the Lamborghini Countach was like a vision of the future, with its incredibly radical styling by Bertone’s Marcello Gandini. Through various evolutionary stages, the Countach remained in production from 1973 to 1990 and during that time 1,997 examples were manufactured, making it exceedingly rare as well as highly desirable. Subsequently the magnificent Countach has risen to almost mythical status among collectors and enthusiasts. Now, as the model approaches its 50th anniversary, two passionate and deeply knowledgeable Countach co-owners have written an authoritative new book — the first English-language study of the car for 30 years — to celebrate this fabled Italian supercar in all its glory.

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Book SynopsisThis book takes the reader behind the scenes at Maranello Concessionaires Ltd, Britain's famous Surrey-based importer of Ferraris founded by Colonel Ronnie Hoare. When Neill Bruce first photographed a Ferrari road car, a Dino 246 GT, in 1971, his work so impressed the powers-that-be at Maranello Concessionaires that they commissioned him to do all their promotional photography thereafter. Whether shooting production cars, factory scenes or motor show stands, he has been in Ferrari's orbit ever since. In this illustrated memoir of his 50 years with Ferraris, he presents some of his best pictures - the great majority in colour - and tells engaging stories about how they came about, including some of the mishaps along the way. All Ferrari enthusiasts will be captivated by this delightful book.

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Book SynopsisThe automobile is the ultimate analogue machine and mankind’s most ingenious, seductive and damaging invention. For over a century, cars have provided reference points for our notions of style, status and desire. In design terms, the Age of Combustion was as rich and varied as architecture’s Baroque – and far more popular. And now it is coming to an end, as the internal-combustion engine is superseded by the battery and cars become wheeled computers, running on AI not oil. Together with a wide-ranging introduction, this book reproduces 60 of Stephen Bayley’s popular monthly columns for Octane, the outstanding classic car magazine where, for more than 10 years, he has provided the most consistent and insightful commentary on car culture, often based on privileged access to industry insiders.

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Book SynopsisThe Light Car Company Rocket was the brainchild of former racing driver Chris Craft and design genius Gordon Murray, who relentlessly chased his goal of building the lightest production road car of all time. Starting with a clean sheet of paper, Murray’s unique creation made extensive use of bespoke components and was crammed with the technological brilliance for which he’s renowned. Today, it has a cult following and is recognised by die-hard enthusiasts and the motoring cognoscenti as being a landmark achievement in sports car history. Written by Rocket owner Clive Neville and designed by Rick Ward – the man who originally penned the car’s badge and all of its publicity material – this book tells the full history of a fascinating car.

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Book SynopsisThe first edition of the present book was published in 2014 and was quickly acclaimed as the bible of the classic Jaguar racers. This greatly expanded new edition runs to more than 400 pages and contains 500 illustrations. It brings the individual stories of over 150 cars up to date, and includes additional useful information and appendices. Today the name of Jaguar still ranks high in the pantheon of British cars that have won the Le Mans 24-hour race. A mere 20 years since the birth of their first car, Jaguar had become the leading high-performance car in Britain thanks to the revolutionary XK engine, and the XK120 was in its day the fastest production car in the world. While the company had begun to earn its spurs in motor racing, it was a bold step to build a new car with the specific intention of entering Le Mans, at the time the most famous motor race in the world. Remarkably, the new Jaguar C-type succeeded in winning at Le Mans on the first attempt. A further four Le Mans victories followed: in 1953 for the C-type again, and then three wins for D-types from 1955 to 1957, by which time the Jaguar works team had been withdrawn from racing. Private entries of Jaguar C- and D-types in other races continued for many years. The E-type was never as successful in racing, since it was conceived as a GT road car rather than a racer, but the small run of lightweight cars and other competition versions added further lustre to Jaguar's reputation. C- and D-types were sold in some numbers to private owners on both sides of the Atlantic, many of whom obviously used them for racing, but unlike most later sports-racing cars they could still be used on the road. This was and remains one of their many attractions. Virtually all the cars have survived, and in recent times have seen a steady increase in value. This updated, enlarged and comprehensive new edition of the Register is a tribute to these glorious cars, to the people who were involved in their design and production, and to the drivers who campaigned them.

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Book SynopsisWhen the first MG Midget appeared at the 1928 London Motor Show few would have thought that it would be the car to save the recently established marque from closure. Right from the start, sales of the M-type Midget looked promising and soon eclipsed those of the larger MGs.

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Book SynopsisThe Monaco Grand Prix is considered one of the most demanding races in Formula 1. Constant gear changes and the slowest corner in the world championship have always demanded everything from the racing drivers. Edward Quinn captured the most famous car race in the world from 1950 to 1965 in numerous photos. In his recordings, the well-known Formula 1 track is presented with almost no crash barriers and run-off zones, without advertising posters and sponsor logos. Many of his pictures are now combined for the first time in a large-format illustrated book. Accompanied by short descriptions and background information, they give a fascinating insight into the motorsport history of that time. Text in English and German.

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Book SynopsisIt was a reasonable success when in 1999 the first Audi R8 drove directly onto the stage in Le Mans. One year later it was the overall victory with a triumphant triple place. Up until 2016 the race cars with four rings got 12 more victories, making competitors tremble at the world’s hardest motor race. On occasion of the 100th anniversary of the legendary 24 hour race the text-and-picture book Audi at Le Mans undertakes an exciting journey into the past. Impressive pictures and loads of background knowledge from the company’s archives tell us about a piece of Audi history – with fresh eyes and full of suspense. All highlights, all successes: Audi Sport‘s spectacular success story at Le Mans Backgrounds, facts and stories on Audi models, drivers and races Audi race car in the flashlight: numerous photos from the company’s archives Thrilling car book with high-quality design: ideal gift for Audi fans and race enthusiasts Starting a new race car series is a challenge for car makers. The 24 hours of Le Mans are especially known as a severe endurance test for man and material. And Audi knew how to use the famous long-distance race as a stage for new technologies, all the while living up to their slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik” (“leading by technology”): the fast and reliable Audi models left their competitors in the dust. Also, the first victory of a car with diesel-and-hybrid technology went to the German car brand. In more than 300 pages, this illustrated book depicts the impressive history of the brand from 1999 until the WEC exit in 2016.

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Book SynopsisJust in time for the 60th birthday of the Italian luxury super sports car brand, the monumental anniversary coffee-table book The Lamborghini Book by editor and founder of ramp magazine Michael Köckritz is published. This opulent car book honours the powerful and noble automobiles with uniquely aesthetic images and approaches the super sports car brand on a highly emotional level. Michael Köckritz, together with his ramp team, has created a true homage to the exceptional Italian vehicles. With great attention to detail, the ramp editorial team has staged a literary showcase of the most important Lamborghini models, such as the Lamborghini Countach, the Lamborghini Aventador or the Lamborghini 350 GT, in this coffee table book. In keeping with the style of the avant-garde car magazine, The Lamborghini Book is also packed with spectacular photographs of the Italian power machines and highly interesting background information. The Lamborghini brand is given a holistic appreciation of its immense influence on automotive history and modern pop culture. In addition to exciting texts, the reader will find interviews with experts, exclusive design sketches and an overview of all series models of the impressive Italian automobile brand. Text in English and German.Trade Review"In addition to exciting texts, the reader will find interviews with experts, exclusive design sketches and an overview of all series models of the impressive Italian automobile brand." - teNeues/Festival of Speed"It has the simple and meaningful title The Lamborghini Book and is celebrating the anniversary with the ramp editorial team. So, you can be very excited…" - autobuch.guru

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Book SynopsisRené Staud, the grand master of automobile photography, has published a new illustrated book. In his coffee-table book Black Beauties, the automotive photographer devotes himself entirely to the colour black. In this extraordinarily book, Staud takes car lovers on a journey through time and presents the top models of the world's greatest sports car brands. From the legendary Alfa Romeo 8C from the 1930s, to the declared goddess Citroën DS, to the fastest open-top series sports car, the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, the star photographer demonstrates the aesthetics that the colour black lends a car. Staud's photographs are characterised by his trademark striking style and uniquely showcase the classic elegance and sporting potency of the vehicles. But this impressive coffee table book does not only inspire with its great photos. The texts are by Jürgen Lewandowski, a luminary in automotive journalism and author of over 90 books on the subject. In addition, comments by Andrea Zagato (CEO Zagato), Gorden Wagener (head of design Mercedes) and Stephen Bayley (journalist and design critic) are included to provide the reader with specific insider knowledge from the industry. Text in English and German.

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Book SynopsisThe story returns, with new chapters and prospects about to unfold. The agreement between Sauber and Alfa Romeo brings back to the World Championship stage a name that for so long was an integral part of Formula 1 series. Going back to the 1950 and 1951 seasons, the championship was bathed in the red of the Portello’s cars. Then came the eras of Chiti, Autodelta, the partnership with Brabham and then the Biscione marque’s return to F1 with the Alfa-Alfa. This book contains all this and much more, including the two seasons in the early Seventies with McLaren and March, the premature implosion of the agreement with Ligier, the sporadic appearances, especially of South African drivers, at the wheel of cars powered by an Alfa Romeo engine. The story is comprehensively illustrated with hundreds of colour and black and white images, many previously unpublished, and a list of all the results obtained by Alfa Romeo in Formula 1.

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Book SynopsisThe Lamborghini Countach: a remarkable supercar, a car of extreme and timeless appeal is the protagonist of this new monograph. The book opens with the long period of gestation in which Marcello Gandini – then head of design at Carrozzeria Bertone – defined the futuristic lines of a car that, to many at first sight seemed to have come from another planet thanks to the taut, sharply creased lines of its bodywork and its muscular mechanical specification, with the V12 engine located behind the driver’s shoulders. When it progressed from a concept to a production model (LP 400), the Countach successfully maintained its charisma, becoming one of the most enduring supercars of all. The thorough text draws on the direct testimony of many of the figures who contributed to the creation of the Countach: from Marcello Gandini to Giampaolo Dallara and through to the invaluable insights provided by the daughter of Paolo Stanzani. The book covers all the principal versions of the Countach: from the first LP 500 to the LP 400, from the 48-valve to the monstrous 5000 QW through to the 25 Anniversario that in 1990 represented the final chapter in the history of this unforgettable car.

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Book SynopsisThe entire technical evolution and the competition history of a rally car as glorious as it was “unexpected” enclosed in a single volume. The Fiat 131, born as a tranquil family car, proved capable of transforming into a formidable rally competitor. This monograph draws on the testimony of the engineers who contributed to its creation and the numerous drivers and navigators who rallied it. Ingegner Sergio Limone was part of the team of engineers asked to define the 131 Abarth Rally project while the likes of Maurizio Verini, Michèle Mouton, Gigi Pirollo, Fabrizio Tognana, Dario Cerrato and Lucky Battistolli all, in various ways, contributed to making the Fiat 131 Abarth one of the most successful rally cars of all time with three World Championship titles to its name won in 1977, 1978 and 1980.

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Book SynopsisWhile 1984 was not an easy year for Ferrari in Formula 1, the same cannot be said for the production cars, with the dramatic return of two of the most iconic and evocative names in the history of the Prancing Horse:  Testarossa – already featured in a monograph in this series – and GTO, the new Ferrari grand tourer, the latest in the long and glorious line of eight-cylinder cars which was launched at that year’s Geneva motor show. The 288 GTO was derived directly from the 308 GTB Speciale prototype prepared by Pininfarina in 1977, in effect a “pumped up” 308 with even more aggressive bodywork and powered by a muscular 2.8-litre V8 capable of delivering around 400 hp, good for a top speed of a little over 300 kph. Following the F40 and the Testarossa books in this series, this monograph on 288 GTO retraces the technical and stylistic genesis of the supercar, with contributions from several of the artificers of the model.<

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Book SynopsisThis book on Jaguar E-type originality is based on research spanning almost five decades, and Drs. Haddock and Mueller include here extensive new information from an exhaustive four-year examination of the Mueller collection of over fifty E-types. As such, the book is archaeological in nature, based more on observations of cars than on factory publications or other literature. The examination of principally un-restored cars, many partly or completely disassembled and still retaining their original configuration, permitted discovery of much detailed information not reported before. The large volume of data used in the compilation of this work permitted statistical analysis of production changes that would be impossible with a smaller data-set. It significantly advances the understanding of the original configuration of these remarkable cars

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Book SynopsisIran has a monarchial history spanning over 2,500 years. Almost all of Iran’s Kings have had vast unchecked powers as they built, and lost, some of the largest empires in history. These vast powers led to Iran’s Kings being referred to as “Shahan Shah” meaning literally the “King of Kings”. With the advent of the automobile, Iran’s Shahan Shah’s used their broad powers to procure some of the world’s most renown and unique automobiles for their royal garages starting with the first car to be imported to Iran, a Gardner-Serpollet 10hp to unique exotica such as the famed Maserati 5000GT “Scia de Persia” specially-ordered and owned by Iran’s last King, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. In his broad spanning work, Iranian automotive historian Borzou Sepasi traces the history of the royal garage of each Iranian Shah, starting with Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar in 1900, who despite importing the first car, forbade drivers from going faster than carriages, all the way up to the 1979 revolution and, in a unique postscript, traces the fate of many of the cars covered in the book following the end of monarchial rule in Iran. The book also intertwines many of the historical events in Iran with the cars of the period, highlighting the special role these vehicles played. Dalton Watson is proud to present this little-known, but extremely unique, niche in automotive history to its readers.

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Book SynopsisIn this richly illustrated book, Terry O'Neil details the origins of a remarkable racecar, the Ferrari 333 SP. This vehicle heralded the famed automaker's return to professional sports car competitions after an absence of more than twenty years. Introduced on the American racing circuit in 1994, it found instant success and continued to be a major player in numerous races in the US and Europe. Of the 126 races the 333 SP entered, it emerged victorious in nearly fifty, making it one of the most successful sport prototype cars in Ferrari's history. Containing over eight hundred images--many of them never published before--O'Neil's book is a vivid look at this inimitable automobile.

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Book SynopsisCarroll Shelby's creation of the Cobra automobile during 1961-1962 transformed an aging British sports car into a 1965 World Manufacturers GT Championship winner for Shelby American. Today, the Cobra is still one of the most recognized automobiles in the world. This book narrates the work required to develop the first production Ford-powered AC Ace 3.6 roadsters that today are referred to as Mark I Leaf Spring Cobras. Seasoned Cobraphiles, novice enthusiasts and especially those who had the foresight to buy the cars, will enjoy the hundreds of fascinating snippets and backstories. The author has researched each of the 125 production Mark I Cobras built and conducted several hundred interviews with the people connected with each car. This endeavor uncovered unknown histories and facts, as well as hundreds of previously unpublished photographs and documents. Despite the lion's share of accolades going directly to Carroll Shelby and the staff at Shelby American for the success of the Cobra, some portion of that credit rightfully belongs to the hardworking craftsmen employed at AC Cars in the 1960s. The Cobra could not have been created without them. Virtually everything except the Mark I Cobra's Ford engine and transmission had been hand-built by old-world craftsman in England. That partnership reflects the best of the Anglo-American spirit and produced one of the most iconic automobiles ever built.

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Book SynopsisSince the unveiling of the Lamborghini Miura – the world’s first V12-powered mid-engine road car – at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, this marque from Sant’Agata Bolognese with the raging bull emblem has been one of the most famous and desirable purveyors of the supercar. Valentino Balboni, legendary former Lamborghini test driver, has been famously quoted as saying “Lamborghini is a carmaker that makes engines, the job of the designers was to design the engine cover.” Yet, in its almost six decades long history, the supercar maker has constructed just four different engines: the extraordinary Giotto Bizzarrini-designed V12 that powered Lamborghini’s flagships for the best part of five decades, a promising V8 that almost brought the company to its knees, a V10 that uses many Audi components and has been the mainstay of the marque in the last two decades, and lastly another newer V12, powering the Aventador. However, what has really distinguished Lamborghini, has been a series of models with remarkable, groundbreaking shapes, each one a veritable design revolution. Cars like the Miura, the Espada, the Urraco, the Countach and the Diablo astounded and startled automotive fans just as much by their daring shape, form and aesthetic purity, as by their second-to-none engineering and trendsetting packaging. This book celebrates the design history of Lamborghini through numerous period reports and previously unpublished images, delving into the extraordinary shapes and the intrepid personalities who made Lamborghini what it is today. .

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