Motor cars: general interest Books

Book SynopsisThis is the story of a great British coachbuilder, told with the aid of meticulous research and with great affection for the grandeur and style that its products still represent. Freestone & Webb was a great name in British coachbuilding for some 35 years, but as demand for coachbuilt car bodies dried up in the 1950s, the company became the first of the Big Five remaining specialists to close down. They had started in the early 1920s, as the motoring scene was settling down after the upheaval of the First World War. Early devotees of lightweight Weymann construction, they soon earned the approval of the nearby Bentley company because their bodies did not unduly hinder the performance of these great sporting chassis. Before long, Rolls-Royce models were also being provided with stylish and well-made Freestone & Webb coachwork, and so were many leading foreign chassis, such as Mercedes-Benz and Packard. Like others, the company struggled to get back into the game after an enforced layoff during the Second World War. But with the aid of good designs and fine workmanship, they survived into the 1950s with their reputation intact. Sadly, their continued survival could only be a matter of time, and Arthur Webb was al-ready looking to sell the company when he died in 1954. Freestone & Webb continued gamely for four more years, experimenting with new designs and going out in a blaze of glory with their extravagant Honeymoon Express for a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud

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Book SynopsisThis book tells the story of Ford GT40 Mark II, chassis no. P/1016, one of the trio of cars that crossed the finishing line together at Le Mans in 1966 to score Ford’s first victory in the 24 Hour race. The Mark II was a development of the original Ford GT with a monstrous 7 litre V8 engine. 1016 made its racing debut at Daytona in January 1966 and was entered at Le Mans by Holman & Moody with a distinctive gold and pink color scheme. Driven by Ronnie Bucknum and Dick Hutcherson, it finished in third place behind the similar cars of Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon and Ken Miles and Denny Hulme.

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Book Synopsis150 fascinating years of unique and inimitable Italian automotive innovation. The Topolino. The 500. The Panda. The Lancia Lambda. The Fulvia. The Alfa Romeo, Duetto, and Giulietta. The Ferrari Testarossa. The Maserati 3500GT. The Lambroghini Miura, Countach, Diablo, and Revuelto... and so on, all the way up until the electrified supercars and new hypercars of our future, like the Pagani Utopia, Pininfarina Batista and Estrema Fulminea (just to name a few)! Cars that dreams are made of, lives are changed with, and history is marked by: legendary Italian cars.

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Book SynopsisEvery manual is written from hands-on experience gained from stripping down and rebuilding each vehicle in the Haynes Project Workshop. The practical step-by-step instructions and clear photos are easy to follow and provide information on maintenance, servicing, fault finding, the MoT, brakes, electrics and Haynes tips to make many tasks easier.

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Book SynopsisWhile old MkI Golfs have by now largely rusted away, the availability of MkII models at giveaway prices is plentiful ... that is until three magic letters – GTI – appear on the car’s front grille and hatch. Find a good example of the MKI with the aid of this guide and you are in clover! The Buyer’s Guide carefully charts all the models that an enthusiast just has to own, from the iconic late model MkI with its pocket rocket 1.8-litre engine and 5-speed box, through to the exclusive, extremely powerful and much sought after limited edition Rallye Golf. With both mileage and particularly condition having a marked affect on potential prices, the authors give sound advice on what is worth restoring and what, however tempting, is likely to cost a new owner an un-recoupable fortune. Weak points, rust traps, and potential mechanical defects are laid out for the reader, with clear Golf-specific guidelines offered on the practicalities of rectifying such problems. The au

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Book SynopsisBased on real-life experience and written by expert authors, the books in the Maintenance and Upgrades Manual series from Crowood will help owners develop the workshop skills needed for the maintenance and repair of their cars, and give guidance on possibilities for improvements and upgrades to performance. With step-by-step instructions and safety information throughout, this book is a valuable technical resource for owners of Series II, IIA and III Land Rovers.

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Book SynopsisIn the world of grand touring cars, Aston Martin occupies a special place. The English firm has always distinguished itself by its restraint, by the elegance of its creations, by the discretion of its style, by a reserve rarely observed in a universe that willingly abandons itself to exuberance. This book is devoted to DB models. David Brown relaunched the brand with emblematic cars, including some models that later became legendary, like the famous DB5 of James Bond. The history of Aston Martin over the past 70 years is organised around eight main designs. They are all strongly typed; directly associated with their creators, and with the nature of the successive owners of the company. Serge Bellu, a specialist in the history of the automobile, has produced a superbly illustrated book on the history of this typically British brand.Table of Contents6 Preface 8 The DB Label 11 Aston Martin Before David Brown (1913–1947) 17 DB2: The Origins of the Myth 43 DB4, 5, 6: The Italian Firm 67 DBS: A New Era 85 Virage: A Decisive Turning Point 97 DB7: A Change of Direction 111 DB9: A Period of Rationalisation 131 DB11: A Gentle Revolution 151 DB + Z: A Eulogy to Exclusivity 170 Aston Martin Statistics: Every Model from 1940 to 2021 176 Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisThe wartime Jeep continues to fascinate enthusiasts around the world, nearly eight decades after the first prototypes were built. Yet while it is true that there was only ever one Jeep, it is emphatically not the case that there was only one variety of Jeep. Not only were Jeeps built by both Willys and Ford, but the supposedly standardised design continued to evolve during production. As a result, there are multiple differences of specification - some major, some tiny - among the models. Through the painstakingly researched text, and through detailed colour photography of outstanding examples of the cars, this book attempts to identify and illustrate those differences for the benefit of enthusiasts who would like to return their Jeeps to factory-original specification and equipment in every respect

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Book SynopsisIf you are thinking of buying a sports car you could enjoy every day, the E85 and E86 BMW Z4 should be top of your list. With well proven and great sounding engines, excellent handling and a choice of Roadster or Coupe body styles, choosing the right Z4 will give you years of pleasurable motoring, but how do you know which is the right one? With the help of this buyer's guide, marque expert David Smitheram describes how to spot a bad car quickly, and how to assess a promising Z4 like a professional. Packed with good advice, from learning the differences between each model (including the M and Alpina Roadster models), running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation, details of the Z4 community, to whether the car will suit you and your lifestyle. With accompanying colour photos this is the complete guide to choosing, assessing and buying the original BMW Z4.Trade ReviewWritten by David Smithery, who is doing a great job running the Z4 Register at the moment. With his knowledge gained because of his motorsport activities, he seemed a perfect candidate to produce a book on the buying of a Z4. The book itself is well written and very informative, and covers all Z4 models Roadster and Coupes produced between 2003 and 2009, including the 'M' and Alpina models. It starts off giving a brief history of the Z4 with a few facts and figures. The the following chapters start off by asking if the Z4 is the right car for you to own, giving you some of the pros and cons of owning a Z4 car. So who would buy this book? Anyone who is in the process of buying or even thinking about buying a Z4; it will give you great information, and will give you all of the points to look out for when you see a car that you think may be a good purchase. If you are in the market for a Z4 there is los of advice and tips to help with your purchase. Would recommend. - Straight Six Magazine. One of the newest cars to receive Veloce's guide's, the Z4 isn't old enough to have suffered significant corrosion, so the typical guide to common rust spots isn't applicable here. Nonetheless, there's still plenty in this book, not only in things to look out for, but also in the myriad options and variants that BMW graced the Z4 with. A must for the prospective Z4 buyer, particularly those not sure of exactly which Z4 they want, taking you from passing admirer to model expert. be warned: you'll definitely end up wanting a Z4M. - Classic Car Weekly. I believe the content is accurate and a good reflection of owning and driving the marque. Its a very informative guide to anyone thinking of buying a Z4. I liked the mixture of photographs presented, the tips for buying and owning, the little quirks that were discussed (like the poor design of roof motor and how to fix it), and also the statistics at the end of the book. I believe this is a must for anyone seriously thinking of owning a Z4. - www.z4-forum.com. One of the latest additions to the always-useful Essential Buyers Guide series of books is a BMW Z4 edition, written by David Smitherham. This 64-page, A5, perfect-bound, colour book is said to be the world's only published Z4 buyers guide, and covers every E85 and E86 Z4 model there had been, including the rare Z4M and Alpina versions. It's a great read and should prove valuable to would-be and existing Z4 owners alike. – BMW Car.Table of ContentsIntroduction - the purpose of this book 1 Is the Z4 the right car for you? - Roadster or Coupe? 2 Cost Considerations - affordable or a money pit? 3 Living with a Z4 - Will you get along together?..... 4 Relative Values - Which model for you? 5 Before you view - be well informed 6 Inspection equipment - these items will really help 7 Fifteen minute evaluation - walk away or stay? 8 Key points - where to look for problems 9 Serious evaluation - 60 minutes for years of enjoyment 10 Auctions - Another way to buy your dream 11 Paperwork - correct documentation is essential! 12 What's it worth? - good value? 13 Do you really want to restore? - it could cost more than you think 14 Paint problems - What's behind the shine? 15 Problems due to lack of use - Z4s need exercise too! 16 The Community - Z4 owners are friendly and enthusiastic 17. Vital statistics - essential data at your fingertips Index

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive pictorial history of all Vauxhall cars produced from 1945 up to and including models in production in 1995. This really is the ‘go-to’ publication if you need to compare your Vivas, Victors, Ventoras or Viceroys! Breaking down the many models into several chapters, this is a trip down memory lane for any postwar car enthusiast. Comprehensively illustrated, the book includes line drawings, black & white plus colour period photographs, together with interior detail. All models are covered along with sports derivatives, limited editions, vans, estates, coupes. It includes a section on motor sport achievements and TV/movie appearances. Contemporary factory advertising slogans used is key throughout. Complimenting the historical content, technical specifications, key production changes and build figures are also detailed. Trevor Alder has been driving Vauxhalls and Opels for many years and has previously written and compiled several Vauxhall/Opel publications from his massive self-indexed magazine archive. The research for this book suggests this a bookshelf-must for anyone interested in a slice of Britain's motoring heritage.Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1. Early post-war cars: H, I, J & L-types Chapter 2. Ten years of Wyvern, Velox & Cresta: E-series & PAs Chapter 3. Twenty years of Victors, Ventoras & VXs: The F-types Chapter 4. Small family cars: Viva HA, HB & HC plus derivatives Chapter 5. 1960s opulence: PB & PC Cresta, Velox & Viscount Chapter 6. 1970s European influences: Chevette Chapter 7. The big V-cars: Carlton, Viceroy, Royale & Senator Chapter 8. 1976-1994 family wheels: Cavalier Mk1, 2 & 3 plus Calibra Chapter 9. Front wheel drive arrives: Astra Mk1, 2 & 3 Chapter 10. Small hatchbacks: Nova & Corsa Chapter 11. 1994 & towards the millenium: Tigra & Omega Chapter 12. Commercial & 4x4 vehicles: Frontera, Monterey & Brava Appendix 1. Key achievements in motor sport Appendix 2. Vauxhall on the screen, main TV & Movie appearances Comprehensive Index

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Book SynopsisThere are lots of books about the classic BMW Boxers; their history, performance, lineage, and the minutiae of its specification. But none of them concentrate entirely on telling you what to look for when buying one secondhand. That's what this book is about - it is a straightforward, practical guide to buying a used Boxer twin. It doesn't list all the correct colour combinations for each year or analyse the bike's design philosophy - there are excellent books listed at the end of this one that do all of that - but it will help you avoid buying a dud. Point by point, it takes the reader through everything that needs looking at when buying a Boxer, plus spares prices, which is the best model to buy for your needs, and a look at auctions, restorations and paperworkThe last of the 'classic' air-cooled Boxer twins, these bikes are now collector's items, and many have been saved, restored and continue to be ridden - this book tells the reader how to be part of the Boxer's ongoing story.Trade ReviewIt's a fair little book that will help prospective buyers explore the more serious BMW Boxer puzzle, problems and pleasures that await them.- Sump. This little book covers all the 'airheads' with the exception of the GS series, from 1969 to 1994. As with the other titles in this long-running series, the BMW Boxer twins version covers all the consideration of buying one ... all handy knowledge and reading this book prior to any purchase decision could well pay off in the long run.- Old Bike Australasia. Peter Henshaw has won to the real experts on the marque and model to come up with a detailed, step by step guide of what to look for when buying on of the machines covered. It is a straightforward, practical guide to buying a used Boxer twin and, it this is your intended purchase, it is well worth reading beforehand and haven in you pocket to save buying a pup making the purchase price cheap!- Ian Kerr. The Essential Buyer's Guide series, this time about the BMW Boxer Twins (except the GS models) from 1969 to 1994. Written by Peter Henshaw, is the well-illustrated cloth (size 14x19.5cm soft cover) especially practical: what are the strengths/weaknesses of the different models, how are the components provided, what do you need to keep in mind if you want to buy a Boxer, and so on. Certainly for those who are not yet familiar with the BMW Boxers, but have their eye on such a model, this 60-page book is very useful. At the back is a list of models, production period and frame/engine numbers (until 1984 were the same) so you can quickly see if the papers are (hopefully!) with the engine. - Het Motor Rijwiel.

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Book SynopsisThe aim of this book is to catalogue the Land Rover conversions, to provide both helpful background information and to help in their identification. Illustrated with pictures from the original manufacturers and with many others showing modern survivors, it is a colourful and enjoyable guide to this branch of Land Rover history.

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Book SynopsisIn this long-awaited follow-up to the best-selling first edition of How to Draw Cars Like a Pro, renowned car designer Thom Taylor goes back to the drawing board to update his classic with all-new illustrations and to expand on such topics as the use of computers in design today.  Taylor shares his artistic insights and techniques for creating captivating renderings of any kind of automobile. From information on how to draw from a photo or from observing a vehicle in real time, the step-by-step instruction covers all you need to know to become a master at drawing cars. The comprehensive advice includes: Selecting the proper tools and equipment Perspective and proportion Sketching and cartooning Various media Light, shadow, reflection Color And even interiors.  Written to help enthusiasts at all artistic levels, his book also features more than 200 Trade Review“Whether you’re a notebook doodler who wants to develop some skills, an expert illustrator looking to take it to the next level, or someone who doesn’t even own a pencil but loves excellent hot rod illustrations, How to Draw Cars Like a Pro is your book.” - Rod & Custom“Cracking artwork in there, both of actual chopper designs and some cartoon stuff, which emphasizes the fun aspect.” - American Car World“A boon for every stylist and budding enthusiast.” - Classic and Sports Car“Regardless of whether you intend to have a go yourself, this 143-page softback helps you understand why the best motoring art is so captivating and why so much of it just doesn’t look right.” - Classic Cars

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Book SynopsisThis handy guide will help you find, evaluate and purchase a Triumph TR4/4A or TR5/250. With detailed information from running costs to the pitfalls of problem areas, this book will help you make to make an informed decision. Featuring a comprehensive inspection process, advice on cost considerations, and information on the Triumph sports car community, this book will help you get the car of your dreams at the best possible price.Trade ReviewIt is a handy pocket-sized friend that gives prospective buyers all the advice they need to make an informed decision. Triumph World this book will help you get the car of your dreams at the best possible price. TR Action As always with the EBG series, this small book could prove to be a very good investment! Classic Driver Monthly

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Book SynopsisThe Mercedes 126 S-Class of 1979-1991 remains the most successful premium saloon in the company's history and is considered by many to be one of the best cars in the world. "You don't simply decide to buy an S-Class: it comes to you when fate has ordained that your life should take that course. The door closes with a reassuring clunk - and you have arrived." said the sales brochure of the first real Sonderklasse, the W116. With over 300 colour photos and production histories and specifications for both Generation One and Two models, this is an essential resource for anyone with an interest in this timeless car. The book covers an overview of the key personalities who drove the development of this model; the initial 116 Sonderklasse and its subsequent evolution; the history and personality of each model and finally detailed analysis of the different engines - both petrol and diesel.

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate guide to converting your Volkswagen T4 or T5 into a camper van, at home or in the workshop. With step-by-step instructions and photography throughout, this book clearly demonstrates how to safely and effectively transform your VW van into a practical, affordable camper using DIY skills, and basic hand and pwoer tools. Geared towards the home-builder, the book covers: buying guides and planning; tools, materials, costs and legalities; insulation, carpet lining and flooring; fitting a pop-top roof and windows; building interior units, doors and drawers; fitting a rock and roll bed, roof beds and swivel seats, and finally, installing water, gas and electricity, with safety at the forefront.

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Book SynopsisFrom the mythical De Dion Bouton Type K1 to the Delahaye, from the Jeep Willys to the combi Volkswagen, from the Mercedes Benz to the Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500, from the Aston Martin DB7 to the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, and from the Austin Mini to the Range Rover. A hundred years of innovation, inventiveness and triumphs are condensed in this book, which reads as easily as a novel, and is illustrated with a rich and rare iconography.Table of ContentsContents : Panhard et Levassor Type A (1895) De Dion-Bouton Type K1 (1902) Hotchkiss Type E (1904) Peugeot Type 69 (1905) Delahaye Type 87 (1925) Hispano-Suiza 32 cv. (1921) Rolls-Royce 40/50 Phantom (1925) Lorraine-Dietrich B3-6 (1926) Peugeot 174 S (1926) Traction 7A (1934) Delage D8-120 (1936) Delahaye 135 S (1938) Hotchkiss 686 (1938) Jeep Willys (1940) Baby-Rhône (1941) Dodge WD-20 (1946) 2 CV (1948) 203 Peugeot (1948) Renault 4 CV (1946) Combi Volkswagen (1950) Renault Frégate (1951) DB HBR4 (1954) Panhard Dyna Z (1954) Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing coupé (1955) Dauphine (1956) Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider (1956) Seat 600 Formichetta (1957) Dauphine Gordini (1957) Nissan Bluebird (1960) Citroën Ami 6 (1961) René Bonnet Missile (1961) Facel-Vega Facellia (1960) Renault Alpine 110 (1962) Fiat 500 D (1964) Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 (1964) Renault 16 (1965) Citroën DS 21 (1962 et 1966) Opel Commodore A (1967) Peugeot 204 coupé (1968) Lola T70 (1966) Nissan Fairlaydy Z (S30) (1969) Citroën SM Maserati (1971) Fiat X 1/9 (1976) Renault 5 (1972) Matra Simca MS 670 (1972) Volkswagen Golf (1974) Lancia Delta S4 (1985) Ferrari F40 (1989 Jeep Wrangler (1987) Mazda MX-5 (1989) Citroën XM (1989) Nissan Fairlady Z (Z32) (1989) Peugeot 905 (1990) Renault Clio 1 (1990)Lamborghini Diablo (1990) Mazda 787 B (1991) Dodge Viper/SRT Chrysler (1992) Renault Twingo I (1992) BMW série 7 E38 (1994) Ferrari F355 (1994) Citroën ZX Fukang (1995) Suzuki Santana (1995) Alfa Romeo 156 1ère série (1997) Volkswagen New Beetle (1998) Smart ForTwo (1998) Aston Martin DB7 (2000) Porsche Cayenne 957 (2002) Renault Espace IV (2002) Saab 9-3 (2002) Jaguar XJ8 (2002) Maserati Quattroporte M139 (2003) Lamborghini Gallardo (2004) Bugatti Veyron 16.4 (2005) Volkswagen Touran (2007) Audi R8 (2007) Nissan Qashqai (2007) Nissan/GT-R (R35) (2007) Mercedes-Benz SLS-AMG (2009) Austin mini (2010) Volkswagen Touareg (2010) Porsche 911 Type 997 (2011) Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 (2011) Mercedes Classe S (2012) Land Rover Range Rover (2012) Chevrolet Corvette (2013) Infiniti Q50 (2014) Nissan/e-NV200 Evalia (2014) Volkswagen Passat (2015) Mercedes E-Class (2016) Audi A8 (2017) Tesla modèle M3 (2017) Cadillac CT6 (2018) Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD (2019) Honda Fit/Jazz (2020) Citroën AMI (2020) Land Rover Defender 110 D240 (2020) Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2021) Waymo Robotaxi (2021) BMW i20 (2021) Mercedes EQS (2021)

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Book SynopsisSaab 99 and 900 is a detailed account of the cars that came from Saab, the aeroplane maker, whose first car - the 92 model - set the standard for advanced design epitomized by the 99 and 900 cars. The author delves deep into the cars' design and history, and into the core Saab values that they carried into production. Topics include: detailed design history of the 99 and 900; year-by-year developments; technically detailed engineering overviews; detailed specifications; advice on owning and buying and, finally, coverage of rallying and special models.

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Book SynopsisHere are 111 more gripping Porsche Stories that afficionados of the Stuttgart brand and sports car enthusiasts should know. Wilfried Müller tells the stories of very individual characters - no matter if in the race car cockpit or on the executive floors of the Stuttgart factory, the New York showroom or the Santa Ana racing headquarters in California. Meet Mark Donohue, Dan Gurney, Alwin Springer, Max Hoffman, Jackie Oliver, Brian Redman, Stefan Bellof, Björn Waldegård, Valentin Schäffer and many more. Enjoy the anecdotes of race cars dubbed Mickey Mouse or Kangaroo, Earl Rossi's 917 on the French Autoroute, tales from 10,000 mile rallies, Porsches that handled best when going 1.5 mph, and Porsches that were never built. Learn about the background to America's very own version of the legendary 962 racer, the story of the 356C SC Cabriolet, and the elusive America Roadster. Not to forget the chapter about magic Porsche words, which tell the stories of Porsche Design, "RS" or the "Schüttgut", the Porsche family's home base and retreat in the Austrian mountains.

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Book SynopsisThe extraordinary account of how the world’s most popular sports car – the Mazda MX-5 Miata Roadster – came into being. The story of how a team of dedicated engineers and designers boldly conceived the idea of a totally new lightweight sports car at a time when the traditional open roadster seemed doomed to extinction. Despite considerable opposition the group tenaciously defended its concept of a car which would offer the driver the same unity as that found between a horse and its rider. Despite the odds, the team succeeded brilliantly. Here is the fascinating, and very often surprising, inside story of the MX-5 Miata’s conception, design and production, as told by the individual members of the team, translated from the Japanese, and compiled for this edition by renowned motoring author Brian Long.

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Book SynopsisWhat Could Possibly Go Wrong... is the eighth book in Jeremy Clarkson''s bestselling Clarkson on Cars series.There''s nothing quite like messing about on four wheels. In fact, there''s no better way to contemplate the madness of the world than from the driver''s seat of something which is zooming by very fast indeed. Or so Jeremy Clarkson believes. For he''s been pondering some really rather important matters, such as why:- God has a streak of German perfectionism- Crab spread beats Heston Blumenthal''s rhubarb mousse- Monaco''s billionaires are ruining the Grand Prix- The back of a dog tastes nicer than marzipanSomeone''s got to. And while a full tank and the open road might not quite reveal the meaning of life, there''s certainly some fun to be had along the way . . . ''Brilliant . . . laugh-out-loud'' Daily Telegraph''Very funny . . . I cracked up laughing on the tube'' EveniTrade ReviewBrilliant . . . laugh-out-loud funny * Daily Telegraph *Outrageously funny . . . will have you in stitches * Time Out *Very funny . . . I cracked up laughing on the tube * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisThis is the eighth title in the now well-established In Detail series. Its subject, the Jaguar XK120, has become one of the immortals of sports car history and remains one of the most beautiful cars ever built. It took the London Motor Show by storm in 1948, and was built until 1954. Combining extraordinary docility with a startling 120mph top speed, it was the car to be in, whether for cruising California boulevards or racing at Le Mans. The book is published in association with the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust and written by the Trust''s Archivist. Drawing from company records and archives, he has been able to provide information on the XK120 that has never been available to enthusiasts before. This, and its focus on the XK120 alone rather than on the whole XK family, make this book uniquely informative.

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Book SynopsisIncludes topics as useful and diverse as: the perils of bicycle ownership; why Australians - not Brits - need bull bars; why soon only geriatrics will be driving BMWs; the difficultly of deciding on the best car for your wedding; why Jesus' dad would have owned a Nissan Bluebird; and why it is that bus lanes cause traffic jams.Trade ReviewBrilliant...laugh-out-loud * Daily Telegraph *Outrageously funny...will have you in stitches * Time Out *Very funny...I cracked up laughing on the tube * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisIn 1959, the first Mini was produced on an assembly line at Cowley, near Oxford. It would take a team of supremely talented designers, engineers and production-line workers to build a car that was unique in appearance and construction. They would clash over an uncomfortable and unsafe prototype, and the public had to be convinced to buy a car that let in water when it rained. But somehow the Mini became an icon. Designed for austerity and efficiency, the car came to represent individuality and classlessness.Today, the car is still produced at Cowley - it is now owned by BMW and called the MINI. A great British manufacturing story, it is more popular throughout the world than it has ever been, a symbol of the age that created it. But who makes these things, and what do they think about their work? By meeting the people behind the MINI, Simon Garfield uncovers a fascinating story of endeavour, ingenuity and masterful marketing. The modern MINI has come a long way from the leak

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Book SynopsisThe story of the iconic and powerful Big Austin-Healey sports cars.

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Book SynopsisThe essential guide for anyone considering buying a DeLorean, the iconic 1980s car that was featured in the Back to the Future films. Packed with good advice on everything you need to know when purchasing a secondhand DeLorean, from running costs, paperwork, vital statistics and valuation, to information on the DeLorean community, this is the complete guide to choosing, assessing and buying the DeLorean of your dreams.Trade ReviewLet's be honest: there's a lot that can go wrong with a DeLorean. Sensible, then, to do your research before viewing, and there's no better place to start than Chris Williams' Essential Buyer's Guide. Its real strength lies in having a list of checkpoints from which to refer while inspecting a car for sale. Best of all, it's same enough to fit in the pocket of your sheepskin coat. – Classic & Sports Car. It lasted just over two years of dreams of John Zachary DeLorean, vice president of General Motors (USA), from 1981 to 1983; in that period around 9000 cars were produced, most of them for the American market. Only one model with only two choices: 3 automatic gears or 5 manual gears; single colour, anodised steel, grey or black interiors. A single engine, the six-cylinder PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) of 2850cc. In this volume, a real guide to the purchase, are considered advantages (many) and defects (few), the most subject to corrosion and the necessary precautions for use and maintenance. – epocAuto.Table of ContentsIntroduction & Foreword Contents 1. Is a DeLorean right for you? 2. Cost considerations 3. Living with a DeLorean 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 to restore? 14. Paint problems 15. Lack of use problems 16. The DeLorean community 17. Vital statistics Index

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Book SynopsisThe Rootes Story - The Making of a Global Automotive Empire traces the meteoric rise of the two Rootes brothers, William and Reginald, development of one of Britain's most important motor vehicle manufacturers. The Rootes Group acquired some of the most famous names in the British motor industry: Hillman, Humber, Sunbeam and Singer cars, as well as Commer and Karrier commercial vehicles. Over the years, some of the models built by Rootes would become household names: the Hillman Minx, Humber Super Snipe, Sunbeam Alpine, Singer Gazelle, Commer Superpoise and Karrier Bantam. In its heyday in the late 1950s, Rootes was the fourth largest manufacturer of cars and trucks in Britain, exporting to over 180 countries worldwide, becoming a global automotive empire. In this book, the people and various companies involved with Rootes are profiled, as are the cars and commercial vehicles built by them, with specifications of principal models. Personal insight from employees is given along with valuable contributions from the Rootes family themselves.

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Book SynopsisFrom 1997, traditional four-wheeled Morgans were modernized with superformed aluminium wings, a stainless steel bulkhead, stainless exhausts, and alterations to the body tub that provided longer doors, an increase in interior width, and a roll hoop under the dashboard. Buying and Maintaining a Modern Traditional Morgan provides practical advice on choosing, running and even modifying one of these exceptional cars, including full technical specifications of each model since 1997. Topics covered in the book include: buying your first Morgan, and the variations available; making the best of the cockpit area and optimizing comfort; staying dry in the rain and protecting the bodywork from wear and tear; Morgan suspension, the practicalities and the modifications available; service and maintenance for the home mechanic and, finally, a practical guide to touring holidays in a Morgan. Foreword by Steve Morris.

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Book SynopsisWonderfully illustrated look at the Rover 200 and 400 models and their variants written by an acknowledged authority on Rover cars.

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Book SynopsisHere is a new edition of Clausager's classic book Original MG T Series, first published in 1989 and never out of print since. For this edition fresh in-depth photography of all models from TA of 1936 to TF of 1954 has been commissioned, the text has been thoroughly overhauled to incorporate new knowledge, and chapters have been added on pre-T Series MG Midgets and on coachbuilt and special-bodied cars. The MG T Series, and in particular the TC model of 1945-49, represent the treasured archetype of the British sports car - instantly recognisable and as popular today as they have consistently been throughout the decades.

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Book SynopsisMotoring historian Michael Burgess explores this forgotten chapter in the history of the iconic Rootes Group.Trade Review'Good book.' -- Track Kit Custom, January/ February 2024

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Book SynopsisThis book is designed to give guidance on the original, ex-factory, specifications of the coil-sprung utility Land Rovers built between 1983 and 1990. Known to Land Rover as stage 2 models, they were sold as the Land Rover One Ten, Ninety and (later) One Two Seven. James Taylor has taken the first step in undertaking detailed research into the Stage 2 models, and putting together all the known facts in one place. Topics covered include vehicle identification; specification changes in detail; options, accessories and special equipment; conversions and, finally, promotional material.

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Book SynopsisPorsche applied turbocharging to its racing cars in 1972 and, within a year, this technology had crossed over into its production cars: the first road-going 911 Turbo was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1973. Johnny Tipler tells the story of the air-cooled turbocharged 911s, starting with the 934 and 935 race cars that fostered the Type 930 in 1974. The 930 accounted for over 21,000 vehicle sales before being replaced by the 964 Turbo in 1990, followed by the 993 Turbo in 1995. With 300 colour photographs, many taken specially by renowned photographer Antony Fraser this book also presents exclusive interviews with Klaus Ludwig, Jochen Mass and Nick Heidfeld, as well as including full specification tables for each key model type. Foreword is by Alois Ruf.

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Book SynopsisIn I Know You Got Soul, Jeremy Clarkson writes about the machines that he believes have ''soul''. It will come as no surprise to anyone that Jeremy Clarkson loves machines. But it''s not just any old bucket of blots, cogs and bearings that rings his bell. In fact, he''s scoured the length and breadth of the land, plunged into the oceans and taken to the skies in search of machines with that elusive certain something.And along the way he''s discovered:*The safest place to be in the event of nuclear war*Who would win if Superman, James Bond and The Terminator had a fight*The stupidest person he''s ever met*What an old Cornish institution called Arthur has to do with 0898chat lines*And how Jean Claude Van Damme might get eaten by a lion . . .In I Know You Got Soul, Jeremy Clarkson tells stories of the geniuses, innovators and crackpots who put the ghost in the machine. From Brunel''s SS Great Britain to the awesomTrade ReviewBrilliant...laugh-out-loud * Daily Telegraph *Outrageously funny...will have you in stitches * Time Out *Very funny...I cracked up laughing on the tube * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewWritten by James Peene a former editor of VW Camper & Bus, Volksworld, VWt Magazines and regular contributor to Air-Style magazine, he has a genuine passion for air cooled VW's and certainly knows his onions! -- Air-Style VW magazine * Air-Style VW magazine *James knows his stuff and explains everything well. -- Richard Gunn, Classic Car Weekly * Classic Car Weekly *

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisBefore World War II Aston Martin had made some stunning sports cars but had undergone numerous financial crises. The company was bought by David Brown in 1947, and in 1950 he launched the all-new DB2 with a brilliant engine designed by W.O. Bentley. The car was a sleek, beautiful and fast two-seater closed coupe of the highest pedigree and led to the highly successful DB3 and DB3S racers, which were entered by the works at Le Mans, Sebring and elsewhere, driven by star drivers from Stirling Moss to Roy Salvadori. All these Aston Martins are examined and analyzed in detail here, with specially commissioned color photography of seven outstanding examples of this rare, expensive and exotic breed of sporting motor car. Models covered: DB1 1948-50, DB2 1950-53, DB2/4 1953-55, DB2/4 MkII 1955-57, DB2/4 MkIII 1957-59, plus Competition models DB3 1951-53 and DB3S 1953-56

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Book SynopsisLancia''s V6-engined Aurelia series of the 1950s - GT, Spyder and Saloon - remain among the most beautiful cars ever made. Quintessentially Italian, they were technically advanced and fast, with taut handling. All variants are examined, with descriptions of design and engineering features, production changes, special-bodied examples and the story of the cars'' illustrious competition career.

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Book SynopsisThe Story of Supercars is an exceptionally packaged collection of four bestselling books, each one a tribute to automotive excellence.Collecting four entries of the Story of Cars series, this stunningly designed box set brings together a quartet of the most iconic supercar manufacturers in history: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and McLaren.From the racing heritage of Ferrari and McLaren to the continental luxury of Maserati and the outrageous designs of Lamborghini, each book in the set is a gloriously illustrated history of a legendary manufacturer, exploring the key figures, technological innovations and, of course, the unforgettable cars that have helped to write their names in history.Featuring more than 400 exquisite images and fascinating text by expert motoring writers, these definitive guides to the world''s best-known supercar brands are a perfect addition to any petrolhead''s shelf.

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated inside look at the story of the cars designed to save MG Rover. This book is an essential guide to the MG Z Cars.

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Book SynopsisAustin Rover: Maestro and Montego is the story of the cars designed to save the British volume car industry.Trade Review'This 96-page paperback book (also available as an e-book) fills a void which has taken a surprisingly long time to fill. Both Amberley Publishing and Sam Skelton are therefore to be congratulated on setting out to fill the gap.' -- MGE Enthusiast Magazine, December 2023'An interesting little book.' -- Track Kit Custom, January/ February 2024

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Book SynopsisThe story of Formula 1 at Silverstone from the first grand prix to the present day told through historical photographs.

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Book SynopsisThe story of first British car for ordinary people, told by the editor of the Pre-War Austin Seven Club magazine and supported by rare and unpublished illustrations.

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Book SynopsisWith new information and insights and accompanied by a full range of illustrations, this is a concise and complete guide to a highly regarded and much-loved car.

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