This latest title in the highly successful 'my cool' vehicle series covers the world of open top motoring. Cruising in a convertible car with the top down started out as an American summer tradition and for many drivers around the world there is nothing better than driving down a country lane with the roof down, the wind sweeping your hair and the sun beating on your neck. The book includes a broad mix of 'cool' convertibles, and their owners, from vintage to classic and modern, with eye-catching photography and locations, captured by specialist car photographer Lyndon McNeil. Convertible cars come in all shapes and sizes from compact city cabriolets such as the Talbot Samba to roadsters such as the Lotus Elan Sprint and grand tourers such as the Aston Martin DB6. Every one of them enjoys a sense of open-air freedom and greater involvement in the driving experience. Think sun, wind and speed. In many ways, the convertible car is the ultimate expression of automotive indulgence. A car with a roof is sensible but a car without a roof is sexy, scintillating and, given the chance, most of us would pay through the nose to own one. From the timeless designs of early models (Lagonda, Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental, Frazer Nash BMW and the MG) to the mid century cars (Nash Metropolitan, Land Rover, Bristol and Renault Caravelle) and the retro/modern (Saab 900, Honda S800, Peugeot 304, VW Golf, Mercedes 380SL and Porsche 914), convertibles are among the most popular and desirable of cars. The convertible has gone through extreme highs and lows during more than a century of automotive history, from near ubiquity at the dawn of the car industry to nearly disappearing in the 1970s; and now once again being a highly popular type of car. The cars featured illustrate the highs and the lows of convertible design and show how convertible technology advanced from simple cloth tops (the 1931 Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental is an early example) to the advanced self-folding roofs of today and many other design features. Some of the most stylish marques are included: the most expensive in the book is the Frazer Nash BMW and the rarest the Fiat 1100 Barchetta. Word Count 25,000

Rootes' 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!

Porsche 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.

THE complete guide to setting up, equipping and using a home car workshop. Working on your car at home saves you money and helps you to achieve the results you want. You might want to perform routine servicing, modify a car, restore a car, or even build a car from scratch, but to achieve the best outcome, you'll need a properly-equipped workshop. Whether you have a small or large space, this book covers workshop design, equipment, storage, safety aspects and much more. You will find handy tips on the safe use of tools, a guide to welding, as well as instructions for building your own storage racks and cabinets, how to build a strong workbench - even how to make your own full-length car ramps. It also gives advice on the best tools for working on the electronics of your car. The book is fully illustrated throughout with real-world examples. If you are planning to set up your own home car workshop, this book covers everything you need to know.

Before 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 analysed in detail here, with specially commissioned colour photography of seven outstanding examples of this rare, expensive and exotic breed of sporting motor car. The author is Librarian of the Vintage Sports Car Club and has written two previous titles in this series as well as the authoritative A-Z of British Coachbuilders. * Fully illustrated: with over 250 colour and black-and-white photographs * 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

With 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.

In May 1935, twenty-two-year-old Max Reisch and nineteen-year-old Helmuth Hahmann set out in a small motor car to find a land route from India to China. Their journey across Asia took them from Haifa to Tokyo.In this lively account, the author regales us with one story after another, struck with wonder or struggling against disaster in countries which deeply concern us today: Iraq with its oilfields, ancient Iran in the throes of modernisation, proud Afghanistan, and British India with its stunning variety of civilisation.Before the building of the Burma Road, driving from India to southern China meant sinking over the axles in mud on forest tracks and crossing torrents on rickety ferryboats. It also meant encounters with strange and fascinating peoples and places. With war already on the horizon, Reisch and Hahmann completed their round-the-world trip via Japan and the United States, arriving back in Vienna in December 1936.Originally written by Max Reisch in German, this brand new English translation by Alison Falls captures all the excitement of the journey, and features fascinating historical photos of the journey from the Reisch archives.

Here 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.

Following on from Jim Stringer's first book `An Austin Anthology,' this second volume features 20 more stories relating to the Austin Motor Company, its products and the people who purchased them. The author takes a look at the very first Austin to be built, and discovers why it was able to be offered to the public so quickly after the Company's formation only a few month's earlier. He also uncovers how the single-cylinder Austin Seven, whilst designed at Longbridge, was actually built at the Swift Motor Car factory in Coventry, and offered as a Swift or an Austin. In 1908 Herbert Austin produced four 100hp racing cars to compete at the French Grand Prix in Dieppe. But what happened to them afterwards? And is the only survivor, now on display at the British Heritage Museum, Gaydon as genuine as it would appear? And then there is the story of Daisy Fearon, whose only means of transport was a 1928 Austin which she'd owned since 1931. As Daisy aged, her driving became less and less predictable, causing those who knew her to run for cover when she was seen at the wheel. An amusing and nostalgic collection of stories, illustrated with original period photographs, An Austin Anthology II is bound to entertain and delight all Austin enthusiasts.

When it was launched in 1974, the Volkswagen Golf succeeded in replacing the legendary Beetle and setting new standards for the family hatchback for years to come. It would become one of the top three bestselling cars in the world. With its stunning design by Giorgetto Giugiaro, founder of Ital design, the new car also incorporated significant engineering features such as a transverse engine that allowed for more internal space. In this revealing book, VW expert Richard Copping follows the story of the development of the Golf and the critical management and design decisions that would make the car such a worldwide success. The author shows how the concept of continuous development at Volkswagen led to the appearance of the versions of the Golf that are covered in this book — the Mk 2 in 1983, the Mk 3 in 1991, and the Mk IV in 1997. He explores the various design and engineering changes that took place as the Golf evolved, including increased dimensions, new engines and of course the stunningly successful GTi. The fourth generation Golf also introduced powerful but economical diesel engines. The book also covers variants such as the Jetta, Vento and Bora, which accounted for most sales in the United States. Full of fascinating information, this book is a revealing analysis of the first four versions of the Volkswagen Golf.

Inspired by the sight of RAF Lightning fighter interceptors climbing vertically into the sky at 50,000 feet per minute and by other British engineering and design achievements, Richard Noble, determined to put Britain back in the lead during the resurgence of national confidence of the 1980s, wanted Britain to regain the world land speed record. Thrust 2, driven by Richard Noble, broke the world land speed record on 4 October 1983 in the Black Rock desert in Nevada. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Avon turbo-jet engine, it reached a speed of 650.88 mph (1,047,49 km/h}. It would hold the land speed record until 25 September 1987. In this fascinating book, Richard Noble tells the inside story of the development of the car that would beat the world. The story takes the reader from the drawing board, through the considerable technical difficulties, including aerodynamics, mounting an engine designed for jet fighter aircraft, and maintaining stability with suspension and wheels at speeds of over 650 miles per hour. Despite the huge challenges, including recovery from a crash, they were overcome by the confidence and determination of Richard Noble and his team. Including unseen illustrations, this is the true inside story of the world-beating Thrust 2 project.

The TR4 represented a new breed of British sports car. Its modern lines, and accessories, such as wind-up windows and face-level ventilation, were a big departure from the earlier TR3 models. While TR4 mechanical parts may not have been new, the introduction of IRS (independent rear suspension) on the TR4A set a new benchmark for sports cars of thet era. Performance was solid, if not spectacular, with 109mph attainable in overdrive top, and these TRs found a ready market in all parts of the world. Now nearly 60 years old, the TR4 and TR4A still attract a huge following worldwide. This book is designed to offer owners and potential owners of these cars an insight to the common problems that can arise and how to fix them, and often making an improvement at the same time. Arranged into easy to follow sections - engine, driveline, suspension, etc - you can see not only where the problems arise, but how to solve them. Information is also provided on owners' clubs and spares suppliers to help keep your car in good condition and on the road.

Of all the French car manufacturers, Citroen has the most enthusiastic following. During the half-century covered by this book, it produced the most technologically advanced cars of the time, including the Traction Avant, 2CV, DS and SM. This handy full-colour guide has individual chapters devoted to each of these models, together with the Ami, GS, CX, BX and the first models produced under Peugeot's ownership. UK-built models and car-derived vans are included. Each chapter provides an introduction to the design and evolution of each model, as well as detailed technical information. Production numbers and dates are given, and there are details of special coachbuilt versions and limited editions. The guide is illustrated in full colour, with recent and archive photographs. Dashboard instrument layouts and gearchange patterns are also shown. Julian Parish is an experienced professional author and translator who has written on many makes of car, but his first car was a Citroen Dyane. He has lived in France for 25 years and has followed the marque at car shows and museums throughout the country.

Bugatti - The 8-cylinder Touring Cars 1920-34 is a detailed study of the medium sized touring cars in the extensive range built by Bugatti during the fifteen years following World War I. Aspects of design and development are considered together with pictures of components and chassis commencing with the Type 28 and culminating with the Type 49. These cars represented the bulk of production and typify the Bugatti style and design, which was the basis of the company's unique standing in the field of automobile engineering.Over 150 different cars are depicted via 200 principally contemporary photographs, many of which have not been published before. The works of many different coachbuilders, throughout Europe, built upon these chassis are illustrated together with tables showing their market position compared with other makes and models, which were competitors.A study of the performance of these cars in competition is included together with a survey of the fall and rise in values over eight decades. The book represents an important addition to the series already produced by Veloce covering models Type 40, Types 46/50 and Types 57/57S. The royalties pass to the Bugatti Trust, a foundation dedicated to the study of the works of Ettore Bugatti and the furtherance of aesthetics in engineering design.

BMW's M5 was a simple concept: a production 5 Series saloon re-developed for high performance by the Motorsport division. The M5 was the car that really initiated the legend of the M-cars from BMW. The letter M has been applied to a high-performance BMW as early as 1978, but that year's M1 was an exotic supercar. It had the right image, but the M1 was never going to bring in major profits. The M5 was much simpler in concept. It was and remains a production 5 Series saloon, redeveloped for ultra-high performance. Manufacturing costs were minimized, allowing BMW to price the car more attractively and still bring in healthy profits. This new book charts the development of the M5 across five generations. For all fans of the BMW M5, this book provides essential background. It is packed with the facts and details that make the M5 legend come alive.

This Essential Buyers Guide gives prospective buyers key information about the Porsche 924, allowing them to make informed decisions about the pros and cons of buying one. The Porsche 924 models were built from 1976 to 1988, and grew from relatively modest performance 2+2 coupes to fire breathing turbo rally and racing cars achieving success in many forms of motorsport. The models have many excellent points; however, as with any car that is 30 years old, there are also some negatives to be considered. This balance is discussed, along with the reality of living with a 924, what to look for in any potential purchases. Don't buy a Porsche 924 without this book!

This revised reprint of a classic title covers the history and development of the racing Corvettes, from the car's beginnings in the 1950s with just 250 horsepower, through the Corvette GTP of the 1980s, with over 1000 horsepower, and on to 1996 when 4th generation cars give way to the 5th generation. Included are many interviews with the drivers who raced these exciting, weighty and always fast cars, including John Greenwood, Dick Gulstrand, Jerry Grant and `Fast' Phil Curring, amongst others. The book is illustrated with many quality photographs, supplied by General Motors and well-known motoring photographers; it also contains detailed specifications of the production cars, and road test reports.

The Range Rover's designers intended it to be a more comfortable and road-friendly passenger-carrying Land Rover, but customers quickly saw something much more in it. During the 1970s, while its immense practicality and capability were appreciated and acknowledged, a Range Rover became a sought-after and prestigious possession. It went on to change the face of Land Rover for ever. Range Rover First Generation - The Complete Story delves into the real story of the Range Rover, examining what lay behind the multiple changes in its twenty-six years of production. The book covers the full development story; custom and utility conversions; Range Rovers for the US market; full technical specifications and Range Rovers assembled overseas. If ever a car deserved the over-used epithet 'iconic', the first-generation Range Rover is it.

This book provides an easy-to-follow practical guide to the maintenance, repair and modification of the different types of suspension used in cars. With over 170 illustrations, including colour photographs and diagrams, this practical book explains what suspension is and why it is needed; it reviews the different types of suspension of available; it covers the key maintenance and repairs that an owner can undertake, and finally, describes modifications in detail with step-by-step photographs.

A history, description and analysis of the 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 Litre Bentleys built by Rolls-Royce during the 1930s following their surprise takeover of Bentley Motors early in the decade.

Promoted as "the silent sports car," these cars proved to be an extraordinary success due to their performance and manners, the excellence of their engineering and construction, the wonderfully attractive coachwork offered on the Bentley chassis, and the association of the Bentley with the illustrious reputation of Rolls-Royce.

After outlining the story of Bentley Motors and the Rolls-Royce takeover, the author gives a thoroughgoing account of Rolls-Royces search for a car with which to relaunch Bentley before the earlier glories began to fade. Then he gives a highly detailed technical analysis of the 3 1/2 Litre, covering every aspect of the chassis, running gear, engine and transmission. This is followed by equivalent coverage of the succeeding 4 1/2 Litre and the short-lived Mark V. Each of these receives comprehensive treatment, including information on differences from previous models, revisions, the range of bodies available from coachbuilders, performance and behavior, and appearances in competitive events.

There are also chapters on using the cars today and on the practicalities of ownership, with advice on parts availability, maintenance and preservation. The 70 color photographs, some of them specially commissioned, feature outstanding examples of the coachbuilders art, and are backed up by some 140 images from the archives.