An attractive and detailed guide to one of the world's most appealing sport cars, Original Porsche 356 is indispensable for all owners, restorers, buyers and enthusiasts. This book aims to reveal, in words and colour pictures, how the 356 altered through 16 years of production.Accompanying the text are 200 photographs showing all the significant changes in 356 specification. For Porsche purists, the 356 is the classic model from this distinguished marque. With its Volkswagen-derived layout of an air-cooled engine mounted at the rear, the 356 began a remarkable bloodline that survives to the present day in the form of the evergreen 911. Its historical significance is undoubted, but the 356 is also a car with special virtues - distinctive styling, first-class engineering, functional design and tremendous driver appeal. Through four distinct model phases - `Pre-A', A, B and C - the 356 evolved in a smooth progression, with numerous specification improvements that steadily improved the car without changing the essence of its personality. This family of cars continues to be held in great esteem today, but how many of these Porsches, restored or unrestored, boast the completely original and authentic specification that the most discerning enthusiasts now demand? The information needed to determine how a restored car should look and what parts it should contain can be hard to find, but help is at hand in Original Porsche 356

In 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 leaky floor and sliding windows. But throughout its history, the people behind it have always known that they have been making something rare - a car with soul.

"How to Paint Your Car "reveals the techniques, tricks, and technology behind automotive painting through 400 color photos, clear captions, detailed text, and step-by-step how-to sequences. You'll learn the latest information about paint chemistry, waterborne paints, spray guns, body fillers, surface prep, site prep, as well as respirators and other safety gear that every automotive painter must know.With step-by-step detail, you'll learn how to properly prepare your car for paint work, including minor bodywork, surface preparation, rust removal, masking, priming and final coating. "How to Paint Your Car" also includes information about custom touches and effects as well as how to care for your paint after application, including information on buffing compounds, waxes, and other care products. Everything you need to know to feel comfortable and confident in undertaking your own paint project, whether a touch-up job or a complete respray, is covered in "How to Paint Your Car."

Moving quickly on from the devastating crash that nearly killed him, Richard ranges widely over his life and times--a visit to Glastonbury with James May reminds of him of his early years of playing in a band and how and why he never quite made it as a rock star; the stunts and other perils that come his way like the "Top Gear "North Pole race (why is it Richard who is out in the howling elements in a dog sled while the others are in the heated cab of an all-terrain vehicle?); Africa where he falls in love with and repatriates a stray car; and the U.S. (once to be chased by rednecks in middle America, the other in pursuit of his hero Evel Knievel); his passion for cars, what he owns and why, and although he loves his wife why it is a toss-up whether he says hello to the wife or the cars first. Balancing home and family with a crazy, peripatetic working life (or not, sometimes), the Hamster is well and truly back on the wheel.

One of the leading artifacts of modern technology, the automobile has shaped our physical, economic, social, and cultural environment. The history of the automobile demonstrates how the decisions of governments, entrepreneurs, and the general public influence technological evolution. A succinct yet comprehensive history, Cars and Culture highlights the technical changes that altered the appearance and performance of automobiles, along with the myriad forces that have shaped the car's development.

The "First Aid for Your Car" is and essential book for any and all car-owners. Avoid serious repair bills by learning what to do when something goes wrong. Our cars are essential to us, and we rely on them for so much that it's hard to imagine being without them. Doing the wrong thing when your car develops problems could cost you a lot of money and be a real inconvenience -- but what if your car has a water leak, or if you discover oil underneath it? What if a warning light comes on? What could be the cause? Is the car safe to drive, or do I need a breakdown service or a mechanic? How can I get it to a garage safely? This book covers the most common problems that can occur on modern cars. It's easy to follow, written in language understandable to even those with absolutely no car knowledge, and is full of detailed photographs. Probably the most valuable tool you can have for your car, and you only need basic mechanical skills to get the full benefit of this book.

A step-by-step guide to DIY air suspension for your road car. Manufacturers like Mercedes, Tesla, Audi and Cadillac choose air suspension because they can achieve the highest quality in ride and handling, but until now, there hasn't been a book that shows you how to get the best from aftermarket air suspension for your road car. This book covers both theory and practice - from the technical advantages of air suspension through to detailed coverage of the development, installation and tuning of a custom air suspension system. It looks at wiring and plumbing, covers a brilliant new low cost electronic air suspension controller, and even shows how to source low-cost components from cars originally sold with air suspension. Want to buy an air suspension kit off the shelf? That's covered as well, with the six key questions to ask before buying. Whether you're after the best ride and handling, or simply like being able to raise or lower your car at the turn of a knob, this book will show you how to do it.

Once Upon a Car is the brilliantly reported, inside-the-boardrooms-and-factories story of Detroit's fight for survival, going beyond the headlines to chronicle how the country's Big Three auto companies teetered on the brink of collapse and pulled themselves together under new leadership at Ford and government assistance to General Motors and Chrysler. In this riveting true account of an iconic industry in crisis, Bill Vlasic takes readers from the gleaming corporate skyscrapers, massive auto plants, and union halls to the U.S. Congress and into the Oval Office, introducing a cast of memorable characters, many of whom are speaking out for the first time. Once Upon a Car is a uniquely American tale of success, failure, and redemption, chronicling a vitally important chapter in an astonishing story that is still unfolding--a story no one is more qualified to tell than Bill Vlasic.

With so many different models and specifications to navigate, this book will help you get the Mini you want at the right price. Featuring over a hundred color images, plus details of problems to keep an eye out for, it is an essential aid for the discerning buyer, providing insight into market and value data and predicting future collectable models. Owning a Mini can be a very sociable experience, and this book gives details of back-up and support organizations for BMW's British-built baby.

The second in a series of SLK titles, this detailed volume presents the full history of the second generation 'Sportlich, Leicht und Kurz' - the SLK. With an introduction to the Mercedes-Benz marque and the preceding SLK model. The book then moves on to development of the R171, followed by details of all SLK R171 production models and the optional extras that were sold with them). Also included are comprehensive appendices describing year-by-year changes, engine specifications, standard colours, trim options and production numbers.

After his last book Escapes, Stefan Bogner returns to the Alps with this illustrated book. This time not only did he photograph particular routes, but he looked for the ideal tour through the Alps: 3 countries, 14 passes - the perfect little escape for 4 days. Different from Bogner s photographs in Escapes or Curves, where he just presents dreamlike empty streets, Porsche Drive focuses on the journey in Porsche models such as Porsche 906, Porsche 911, Porsche 918 and more. Stefan Bogner drives his own Porsche 911 1970 ST. Apart from Bogner's photographs, Porsche Drive offers information on each route and height profile. Thus you can follow Bogner's itinerary on a long weekend.

Ford and Mercury sold well over 2.5 million of their fantastic 'Fox-body' Mustang and Capri sports coupes, hatches and convertibles over a 15-year lifespan, but with the youngest among them currently approaching their 30th birthday, the years will have taken their toll. With Foxes now taking their place among their predecessors in the classic Mustang pantheon, and prices on the rise, this is the time to buy. They've passed through their 'cheap clunker' phase, and this book looks at the Fox Mustang/Capri for the 21st century. Whether you're searching for a daily driver or a cosseted investment; a 'survivor' or a highly-modified custom; a cruiser or a drag-strip warrior, this book looks at the common issues and rust spots, the most desirable years, specifications and options, and how to find, buy, maintain and enjoy the right Fox for you. Author Dave Smith is a motoring journalist and Fox owner, builder and enthusiast, and with help from other enthusiasts and experts, has put together a pocket guide that will be indispensable for the prospective Fox buyer!

Everything you need to know to run a profitable and satisfyingcar detailing business from your home

With its decentralized urban areas, pollution, and mostly inadequate public transit systems, today's America pays a heavy price for its auto dependency. This volume explores one of the more pressing aspects of the automobile problem--storage--from 1910 to the end of the World War II, contrasting the reality and perception of car parking as found in the pages of the popular newspapers and magazines of that period. From early bans on street parking to street widening efforts to the introduction of parking lots, garages, and parking meters, it chronicles attempts to accommodate the ever-increasing number of cars requiring parking spots. By failing to effect any meaningful regulations along the way, this work shows, Americans slowly ceded authority and dominance to the automobile, to the detriment of contemporary society.

No other Hollywood star has been so closely linked with cars and bikes, from the 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback he drove in Bullitt (in the greatest car chase of all time) to the Triumph motorcycle of The Great Escape. McQueen's Machines gives readers a close up look at the cars and motorcycles McQueen drove in movies, those he owned, and others he raced. With a foreword by Steve's son, Chad McQueen, and a wealth of details about of the star's racing career, stunt work, and car and motorcycle collecting, McQueen's Machines draws a fascinating picture of one outsized man's driving passion. Revised and updated from its original hardcover edition.

The Jaguar name is synonymous with style, power, performance, luxury and an intangible element of Britishness. It's hard to imagine its humble origins in a Blackpool backstreet as the Swallow Sidecar Company. Jaguar Cars was formed in 1945, and the metamorphosis began: superb engines, knockout design, epic racing victories and thrilling sports saloons followed. Over the years it has become a living legend. Here, Giles Chapman captures the astounding story of this iconic car company with a collection of beautiful pictures.

The 100 Dream Cars stories are more than a collection of the standard car stories they will appeal to all of us no matter what type of ride is your ride. You want fast? Step on the gas in a Koenigsegg CCX, Adi R-8, a 62 Lamborghini, 87 Lamborghini Jalpha, or 1970 Pontiac GTO. You want classic? Here are the keys to a 62 Corvette, a 48 Austin A4, a 57 Thunderbird, a 37 Caddy V-16, or a 1930 BMW the oldest beemer in the United States. You want cool? Take a 64 Shelby Cobra, Tesla Model X, a 60 Caddy Coupe de Ville, or Aston Martin Vulcan for a spin. You want one-of-a-kind? How about a 52 Seagrave firetruck, a 1960 amphibious, a 73 VW Thing, or THE Batmobile? Bikes your thing? Hop on an Indian Scout Bobber, a 67 Harley, or a 2009 Harley Street Rod? You also get to meet the owners. There s the story of a pizza-delivery man who dodges polar bears in his Hyundai in the farthest northern town in the country (Barrow, Alaska). The NBA star who endures Los Angeles traffic by having his Tesla drive for him. The retired Kentucky entrepreneur with his 22-foot-long 1937 Cadillac, which he calls the biggest, baddest car that could exist.

The Bugatti Type 46 was announced in the autumn of 1929. The new Bugatti chassis, at almost twelve feet in length and powered by an 8-cylinder engine of 5300cc, was intended to be the basis of a superlative large luxury car - and so it proved to be. Bodied by the greatest European coachbuilders to the highest standards of quality and style for rich and discerning clientele, the T46 was in many ways a smaller Royale and is said to have been the favourite of Ettore Bugatti. Later, an optional supercharger became available to create the 46S model.In 1930 the Bugatti Type 50 superseded the T46. The new model still used the T46's chassis and most of its running gear, but featured a new, high-performance, twin-overhead-camshaft engine of just under 5-litre capacity. This supercharged unit gave the T50 very spirited performance for such a large and luxurious car, placing the model firmly in the Grand Sport category.1931 saw a team of T50s take part in the Le Mans 24-Hour race, but the cars were withdrawn before the race finished after Rost's car crashed, tragically killing a spectator in the process.In total, fewer than five hundred T46 and T50 Bugattis were built in but, with the obvious exception of the Royale, these cars represented the pinnacle of luxury car manufacture for the famous Molsheim marque. See fabulous coachbuilt bodies by Gaston Grummer, Chapron, Ghia, James Young, Van Vooren, Weymann, Billeter & Cartier, Gangloff, Joss Neuce, Mllion-Guiet, Freestone & Webb, Van den Plas, Arthur Mulliner, Kellner, Lancefield, Corsica, Visse et Haf, Ottin, Brainsby-Woollard, Sodomka, Graber, Weinburger, Abbots of Farnham as well as Bugatti's standard bodies.Barrie Price's work is a concise history of the Bugatti Types 46 and 50, an engineering analysis and the most thorough survey yet of the many coachbuilt bodies fitted to these famous chassis. Appendices include a complete chassis listing and reproductions of promotional material produced by Bugatti, Bugatti agents and others."...a galaxy of superb coachbuilt and standard bodies on both chassis ..." - The Automobile"Barry price writes with great authority ...a fine collection of rare photographs and period advertising material ..." - Classic Car Weekly