Prior to 1999 Audi did not have a sportscar in its range, let alone having ever raced one. But between 2000 and 2006 the Audi R8 won 63 of the 80 races in which it competed - including five out of six Le Mans 24-hours - making it the most successful long-distance racing car of all time. The latest in Veloce's WSC Giants series, this book charts those races and describes the development of the R8, as well as profiling the 35 drivers who raced it between 2000 and 2006. It also includes the story of the Audi R8R and R8C of 1999. Illustrated in colour throughout with many previously unpublished photos, the book features individual chassis details and results, plus observations from significant individuals - engineers, team managers, drivers etc - concerned with the Audi R8. By the time the R8 was replaced by the diesel R10, it had revolutionised the marque's image, helping to change it from a staid, but worthy, saloon car manufacturer to one of the world's leading premium car producers.

All car enthusiasts know, or think they know, what a vintage Bentley should look like. It should have a four-seater tourer body, and should be painted British Racing Green. But Bentleys weren't always like that. When these cars were new, other types of body by many different coachbuilders - saloons, limousines, fixed-head coupes, landaulets, cabriolets, drophead coupes, sedancas de ville - outnumbered the tourers and sports models. Sadly, these were the bodies which were the first to be scrapped, even though their chassis were often saved. This book uses over 200 contemporary black-and-white illustrations and some 50 specially-shot color photographs to tell the story of Bentley coachwork during the 1920s, and up to 1931 when the company went into receivership. Each of the three classes of coachwork - saloons and limousines, drophead coupes, and tourers - is traced as it evolved through that exciting decade.

"The British at Indianapolis" follows the format of the author's award winning "The British at Le Mans". It recounts the history of the Indianapolis 500 race through the eyes and actions of those British born or British citizens who have driven in it, or been involved in any other way - be it as a designer, mechanic, or official. It also examines the British built cars that have won the Indy 500 and the significance of the rear engined revolution brought to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by Cooper in 1961, and elevated to success by Lotus and Lola. It includes such names as Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Nigel Mansell. In addition to the 500, it includes other races at the IMS, notably Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Formula One Grand Prix there. It is a story that goes back to the first 500 in 1911, when London-born Hughie Hughes became the first British-born driver to race in the 500, to the present day, with more British than ever competing in the race and British drivers winning twice in the last four years.

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.

After the Second World War, cars in Britain were very hard to come by. Most new models had to go for export or were reserved for those drivers who needed them the most, such as doctors. Petrol was still rationed, roads inadequate and modern technology lacking. With the arrival of the 1950s, things slowly began to change: Morris, Austin and Ford put increasing numbers of British families on the road, new sports cars from MG, Jaguar, Triumph and Austin-Healey promised a thrilling drive, and innovative motors such as the Land Rover and the bubble car emerged. By 1958, new car buying was leading a consumer boom, and Britain's manufacturers still had the market to themselves. Giles Chapman investigates the fascinating motoring history of the 1950s.

It was brash and it was loud - the 1980s put paid to the glumness of the '70s and nowhere was that more obvious than in the cars we drove, which took a quantum leap in durability, performance, equipment and style. They had to: Japanese quality and European design were luring away ever more customers. Features such as fuel injection, turbochargers, computer-controlled systems and four-wheel drive became commonplace. This was also the decade that brought us the people-carrier and the off-roader, new classes of car that radically reshaped family transport. Meanwhile, seatbelt-wearing became law, the M25 opened, speed cameras appeared and ram-raiding was the new motoring nemesis. Relive everything car-related in Britain in the 1980s with Giles Chapman.

Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from James Taylor's years of experience with the Land Rover Discovery, learn how to spot a bad example quickly, and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right Discovery at the right price! Focusing on the Series 1 Discovery, this book is packed with good advice - from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation, and the Discovery community, to whether a Discovery will suit you and your lifestyle - this is THE COMPLETE GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying the Land Rover Discovery of your dreams.

Guaranteed to rev the engines of car fans everywhere.

Supercars are the purest and most extreme expression of automotive performance there is - and no one knows the territory better than the TopGear team. With ever-increasing power outputs, radical new designs, and eye-popping price tags, this book is a celebration of the supercar in all its fabulous glory.

Supercars also brings this incredibly fast-moving, hi-octane world bang up to date. The world's best writers and photographers explore the latest developments in thrilling style - from the new generation of pure-electric cars that have raised the bar for zero emissions performance, to the crazy machines hell-bent on breaking the 300mph barrier ... this is TopGear Supercars. Buckle up. Are you ready?

If you are aspiring to build a racing car, How to Build Motorcycle-engined Racing Cars could be the book that you've been waiting for! Tony Pashley revisits the path that he took in the Pashley Project articles in Race Tech magazine during the design and construction of two successful hillclimb cars, but this time in great detail, with a view to enabling the reader to carry out a similar exercise for themselves. Although hillclimb and sprint cars are the focal topic, a lot of the book is applicable to race cars in general. The cars under discussion in the book are powered by motorcycle engines, which are meeting with great success in the smaller racing car classes. The total process of building a car is described, beginning with the selection and procurement of the engine. Chassis and suspension design is covered in a simplistic but adequate manner as the author's aim is to minimize the inclusion of involved calculations. Two recipes for chassis construction are illustrated in detail, along with guidance on the processes of construction and a description of the required equipment. Following on from this, the fabrication of the suspension is explained. Further chapters are dedicated to the remaining aspects of the vehicle, covering transmission, brakes, fuel and coolant systems, and electrics. The book is heavily illustrated with 200 photographs and extensive explanatory diagrams and tables. It is a vital addition to any would-be kit car builder's library.

The newest architectural trend: rolling houses in the most literal sense of the word. If not built on wheels, other forms of mobile home can easily be carried on a truck and moved to the places their owners desire. These tiny houses include main spaces that function as both kitchen and living room, tend to have a small loft for the bedroom, and are best used to store only those items with an essential use.

While 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 authors also embrace both the customized and mechanically modified examples of the MkI and MkII GTI, with each aspect of Golf ownership meticulously captured on camera.

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!

Anyone who assumes that a car is simply a means to get from point A to point B, or who even thinks that they know what a car is, should read this book. Profoundly shaped by culture, the car gives rise to a wide range of emotions, from guilt about the environment in the UK to aboriginal concerns with car 'corpses', to struggles to keep the creatures 'alive' with everything but the proper spare parts in West Africa. Cars and their landscapes prove central to human life from its most intimate to the widest sense of global crisis, and are capable of inspiring epic passions.
From road rage in Western Europe to the struggles of cab driving in Africa to the emergence of Black identity in the US, this book examines the essential humanity of the car, which includes the jealousies, gender differences, fears and moralities that cars give rise to. Firmly grounded in detailed ethnographic and historical scholarship, this is the first book to provide an informed sense of cars as one of the most familiar and significant forms of material culture.

The first MGs were a small number of cars sold with special bodywork by Morris Garages, but by the 1930s the MG had come to be recognised as the archetypical sporting car. The rapid development of the marque, and the cars' domination in their class of competition entry lists, is down to the energy, enthusiasm and skills of a small number of key personalities. Here, as well as in-depth studies of all models produced, there are biographies of those most involved with MG development, record breaking and motor sport. This book sets out to recount, in the form of a series of articles, the story of the marque from 1923 until the Abingdon factory closed in 1980. At that time this small market town housed what was probably the world's largest producer of sports cars. Many of the competition efforts by both factory-supported entries and private owners are covered in detail and help show why MGs became so well known. To illustrate the text there are both black-and-white archive photographs from the author's collection and a great many modern colour pictures of restored cars. Period advertising material has also been included. The wide range of topics covered gives the reader a real insight into the evolution of the company and its cars, and into the unique character of MGs that is the reason why they remain so popular.

Having spent the last 20-odd years driving different cars on a weekly basis, often twice a week, George Fowler is more qualified than most to hold an opinion that counts. A reader of his Motormouth column once asked him what he thought about a car he'd praised, and added: "I know you get paid by the manufacturers to say nice things, so I just wondered what you really thought."That week, a furious Fowler absolutely slaughtered the then new Nissan Primera, and added at the end of his column: "How much do you think Nissan paid me for that, Mr Smith of Preston?" He didn't get a reply.If your car is, or was, remotely good then you won't find it in this book.On the other hand, if it's here, don't expect any sympathy.

Originality 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.

In 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 begins with advice on selecting the proper tools and equipment, then moves on to perspective and proportion, sketching and cartooning, various media, and light, shadow, reflection, color, and even interiors. Written to help enthusiasts at all artistic levels, his book also features more than 200 examples from many of today's top artists in the automotive field. Updated to include computerized illustration techniques.

This book tells the story of Alvis and its cars, aero engines and military vehicles. Starting with the formation of the company in 1919, it traces the company's products through the 1920s and 1930s, and through its wartime exploits to its eventual takeover by Rover. The book covers: the early four-cylinder cars; the amazing six-cylinder cars; early ventures into armoured car and aero engine production; the post WWII four- and six-cylinder cars; the Leonides post-World War II aero engines and finally, the post-World War II military vehicles.

This new book, the first in the CarCraft series delivers an innovative presentation to the car enthusiast by covering the engineering, design, and modelling of one of motoring's greatest cars across all its epochs. Ettore Bugatti changed engineering history with his genius and innovations. With its clever engine design, new suspension thinking, and distinct body style, Bugatti's T35 and its variants defined a new era of design and driving and must surely rank as true 'supercars'. A motor sport legend was also cast down by these Bugattis. Experienced automotive writer, industrial designer and Bugatti Owners Club member Lance Cole pays tribute to the car in a detailed yet engaging commentary. New photography, the design story, and full coverage of the modelling options in synthetic materials and die cast metals, create a narrative of vital interest.

How would you like to be remembered at your funeral or memorial service? Perhaps you don't care although that's hard to believe. Would you care if the officiating person even mentions your name or anything about a few personal accomplishments or family relationships? As an emloyee of a funeral home following retirement from the United Methodist Church, the author witnessed numerous funeral services led by various clergy persons of different faith groups. Some services were well thought out and brought hope and healing to surviving persons. However, a number of those services indicated the opposite--services that were lethargic and impersonal by officiants who hardly mentioned a word about the deceased person including their name. It was almost as though the deceased person barely entered or exited their life's journey without any impact. The title of the book comes from some of those reflections while employed at the funeral home. The first part of the book provides some insights about funeral services, reflections on grief practices and cultural mores, and the raising of several issues that challenge a sometimes impersonal, pernicious, and apathethic clergy as to how grief ministry is provided. The book also provides several examples of outstanding clergy care and pastoral support during times of mourning. The second part of the book contains a few humorous thoughts on several practical issues that he has encountered. The book concludes with thoughts about the nomadic and traveling lifestyle that he and his wife have enjoyed for the last six years.

The MGA truly marked a revolution in MG sports car design, with its appearance quite unlike any previous production car from the celebrated British marque. Entering production in the summer of 1955, it broke with the time-honoured tradition of narrow-gutted, flat-sides, upright styling, with the distinctive large grille, exposed headlamps, separate wings and sharply cut-off tail that had serviced the majority of MG sports cars for well over thirty years. Many die-hard MG enthusiasts of the time were understandably outraged, but the decision to break with tradition proved to be a good one: over 100,000 cars were produced over the model's seven-year lifetime. This book, from celebrated author David Knowles covers: the circumstances that led to the momentous decision to amek such a fundamental design change; the production, publicity and evolution of each and every MGA variant from launch in 1955 to the end of production in 1962, with specification tables for each model; profiles of the people who had crucial roles in the development of the MGA and finally, the largely untold story of overseas assembly in Australia, Ireland, Mexico and South Africa.