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Books > Sport & Leisure > Transport: general interest > Road & motor vehicles: general interest > Motor cars: general interest
In 1954, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was unveiled at the International Motor Sports Show in New York - the start of an unparalleled success story. Victories in the 24-hour race at Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana made it world-famous. It also possessed groundbreaking technology, including the first series-production fuel-injected engine. Its elegant shape and futuristic gullwing doors made it a coveted prize, symbolising exclusivity and freedom. This volume has everything that is important about the legendary sports car: wonderfully aesthetic automotive photography by Rene Staud and archive pictures rich in patina, snapshots of racing successes and famous owners, and interesting facts from the model's history to the colours of the paintwork.
Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from James Taylor's years of Range Rover ownership and experience, learn how to spot a bad example quickly, and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right Range Rover at the right price! This buyer's guide focuses on the second generation Range Rovers, produced between 1994 and 2001. Packed with good advice - from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation, and the Range Rover community, to whether a second generation Range Rover will suit you and your lifestyle - this is THE COMPLETE GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying the Range Rover of your dreams.
The E30 3 Series was the car that defined BMW more than any other during the 1980s, and it has gone on to become a much-loved modern classic. This book tells the full story of the cars from the time in 1976 when work first began on the successor to the original E21 3 Series. This new book features the story of how and why BMW designed their new compact E30 saloon for the 1980s; the styling, engineering and specification changes introduced over the lifetime of the model. There are full technical specifications, including paint and interior trim choices given along with a chapter on the special US variants. Details of the M3 and the cars produced by the leading German tuners and finally, there is a chapter on buying and owning a BMW E30.
A model-by-model history of the popular Triumph Dolomite family, the range of quality sporting saloons that started with the Triumph 1300 and was in production from 1965-80. The Triumph 1300 was innovative, with front-wheel drive and a four-door body designed by Giovanni Michelotti. In 1970 the Triumph 1500 and the three-door Toledo were introduced, followed by the range-topping Dolomite in 1972, with Triumph's slant-4 overhead cam engine and rear-wheel drive. The fast Dolomite Sprint confirmed Triumph's position as the British 'BMW Beater' in 1973, with its powerful 16-valve engine and value achieved through clever engineering. In 1976 the whole range was renamed 'Dolomite' - and was a well-rounded model spread of four-door saloons, with engine sizes from 1300cc to 2 litres. With technical specifications and over 150 colour photographs, Triumph Dolomite - An Enthusiast's Guide also includes competition history, the Dolomites' ancestors, and a guide to buying and owning these iconic saloons.
Automotive Detailing in Detail takes the combined experience and expertise of three leading detailing commentators to provide a thorough and expansive overview of automotive detailing techniques. From the pre-wash, wash and preparation stages, through machine polishing to paint protection and maintenance, every detailing stage is covered: surface types, contaminants and products are analysed, before the actual processes are laid bare. In the age of the internet and social media, a plethora of detailing knowledge is available online, yet it is strangely difficult to discover completely, or harness usefully. This book redresses the balance.
Iconic cars such as the 356's and the immortal 911's, extraordinary success stories in the classic endurance races, great champions and remarkable engineers. These are the principal ingredients of Porsche. The Golden Years, a book examining the full history of the legendary Stuttgart firm, with spectacular and previously unpublished images by the photographer Franco Villani. The Porsche 356 with both closed and open bodywork was the model that in 1948 officially inaugurated the catalogue of the celebrated Stuttgart firm. In that difficult period of reconstruction the Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, artificer of the car and founder of the marque, was already an undisputed authority in the automotive field for having designed the Volkswagen Beetle, the people's car. The Porsche 356's were "legitimate offspring" of the Beetle and soon found favour with the public: they were sporting cars that were easy to use in everyday life. This is the true Porsche "DNA", confirmed with the launch of the 901, or rather the 911 that first saw the light of day in 1963, a model that soon became a planetary success story, a car capable of traversing the decades while maintaining intact its appeal. The Porsche name also evokes the innumerable victories obtained in legendary endurance races such as the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Targa Florio, in the World Rally Championship and in the great African raids such as the Paris-Dakar, as well as in Formula 1 as an engine supplier to McLaren in the early `80s.
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!
**THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER** Magnus Walker is one of life's originals. Serial entrepreneur, fashion designer, TV presenter, motivational speaker and one of the world's most prolific Porsche collectors, the dreadlocked, tattooed hoarder of individual creativity is a very modern incarnation of success. Raised in the urban decay of Thatcher's Britain, Sheffield-born Magnus Walker left school with just two O levels and drifted for several years before buying a one-way ticket to America. Now, 30 years and three successful businesses later, by following his instincts, rejecting convention and pursuing his passions Magnus has succeeded against all the odds. Here, for the first time, is the full story of his journey from a Northern steel town to the bright lights of Hollywood, from a boy with little hope to an anti-establishment hero. Along the way we'll witness his potent combination of inspiration and graft, discover his motivations and his ambitions, and come to understand his philosophy and the keys to his success. Inspiring and exhilarating, URBAN OUTLAW is a compelling tale of succeeding through pure instinct and determination by a man who was brave enough to follow his own path.
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.
The Datsun Z Sports car is the best selling sports coupe in the world. Most people have been touched by one at some point in their lives. You may have owned one when they were new and regretted selling it. Maybe you remember your friends' Zs, and always longed for one but thought the task to find a good 240Z too difficult. This book will give you the knowledge and confidence to go out there and find your Z. With advice on finding, assessing, and buying a Datsun 240Z, including a unique scoring system to evaluate a potential purchase, as well as tips on buying at auction, checking the paperwork and much more, this book is THE essential guide.
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 Morris Minor regularly tops the polls in the Classic Car press as Britain's most popular classic car. The owner's Club boasts 10,000 members in the UK. Other clubs worldwide have thriving memberships, too. STOP! Don't buy a Morris Minor without buying this book FIRST! Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from Ray Newell's years of Morris Minor ownership: learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right car at the right price! Packed with good advice from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation and the Morris Minor community, to will it fit in your garage and with your lifestyle? This is THE COMPLETE GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying your dream car.
Cars today fit a fairly small number of body types-sedan, coupe, station wagon, SUV, hatchback and a few others. The meanings of these familiar terms have changed over the decades as automotive design has evolved. Along the way, a greater number of earlier body types have fallen out of use and become historical curiosities. Who today can identify a charabanc, a dos-a-dos or even a phaeton? In this expanded second edition, the dictionary defines with clear line drawings all distinct body types from the early days of the automobile, many of which were derived from established models of horse-drawn vehicles. Entries describe popular types and variations from different countries and time periods. Subtypes and subtle distinctions are explained and common misuses of terms and designations are clarified.
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.
This highly visual study covers the US and Canadian truck manufacturers that built trucks in North America in the 1950s. Following World War II, North American truck manufacturers responded to the prosperity of the 1950s with fresh designs and features. These rugged, reliable trucks were capable of transcontinental commutes of goods on a regular basis, or performing delivery and construction tasks in and around cities. This concise volume covers not only the histories of the major and lesser known truck manufactures, but also the obscure, yet historically significant manufacturers such as Available, Biederman, Brown, Corbitt, Leyland Canada and others. Comprehensive captions and supportive text combine with contemporary brochures, period literature, road test info of the day, factory photographs and over fifty colour photos of restored American trucks, to relate the importance of these historic vehicles. Detailed shots of the engines and features focus on what it was that set certain manufacturers apart in this highly competitive market. This succinct, factual book on American trucking provides a nostalgic look at a significant era in North American history.
In a book of Porsche photography and engaging conversation, Lance Cole journeys through a personal passion for Porsche one that many supercar enthusiasts share. Herein light falls on sculpted metal and paint -shiny and less shiny. Throwing off the conventions of Porsche purism, yet at the same time always respecting the origins of Porsche, and the status of the 911, this is a book that celebrates the engineering and the design language of Porsche amid its culture. From an oily-rag 356 to old 911s and new 911s, with a brief alighting upon other cars of the Porsche clan, this is an eclectic collection of enthusiasts moments captured across a British Porsche landscape.
At the end of 1900 the auto industry was set to become a huge force in America over the following ten years or so as the car moved from being a plaything of the rich to being a mass market item, increasingly available to most segments of society. The electric vehicle seemed poised in 1900 to be a leader, or even the dominant force. It had large advantages over vehicles driven by the other two main motive powers, steam and gasoline. Electric cars were clean, odorless, noiseless and they were mechanically simple, compared to their rivals. They rarely broke down and they were easy to operate. An electric car could be started instantly from the driver's seat; no other machine could claim that advantage. But then it all went wrong. The hope and confidence of 1900 collapsed and just two decades later the electric car was dead; two makers continued to produce until late in the 1920s but it was all over for the electrics by the start of the 1920s. Inherent advantages paled in the face of disadvantages that were never resolved. The machines were costly and never came down in price while gasoline cars saw dramatic price reductions over time. Most of all the storage battery was an endless source of problems. Even the genius of Thomas Edison, who worked for over a decade to try and produce a better battery, was unable to prevail. All the electric car industry was able to mount in the guise of dealing with myriad problems was to present an increasingly frantic public relations campaign of lies and deceptive advertising; but never any solutions to the industry's problems.
For years, Bill Piggott's books Original Triumph TR2/3/3A and Original Triumph TR4/4A/5/6 have been the ultimate source of information for all things TR. Here they are combined in one volume incorporating revisions and amendments throughout. The book provides a comprehensive guide to original factory specifications, equipment, colour schemes and options for all models from TR2 to TR6, also revealing how the various models changed through the course of production. It shows exactly how a car would have looked on the day it left the factory, so that owners, restorers, potential buyers and enthusiasts can identify true original condition and specification. In addition to the standard TRs, the TR2 Francorchamps Coupe and Italia, and the hatchback GTR4 Dove, are featured. Combining a unique and unrivalled mass of information from the world's leading TR authority with a gallery of over 450 colour photographs showing outstanding examples of the cars in detail, this book is indispensible for TR fans.
As Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc battle it out head-to-head in the most hotly contested championship in years, this in-depth book, with a foreword from Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, tells the story of how the sport evolved into the exhilarating high octane spectacle it is today. The new rules introduced in 2022 signal the greatest change to F1 in a generation, cracking the field wide open and seeing some of the most compelling and competitive races in the last 25 years. Technical changes aimed at levelling the playing field for the teams combined with the sport's tightening budget cap have made the races closer than ever. There will be more sprint races - trialled in 2021 - and greater fan interest driven by Netflix's hugely successful 'Drive to Survive' series. So, how did we get here? How did F1 become the acknowledged 'Pinnacle of Motorsport'? Simon Arron and Tony Dodgins have identified the 100 most significant changes to the series since its inception in 1950. Formula One is unrecognizable from its debut season, where drivers raced around on old bomber training aerodrome in Northamptonshire with oil drums to mark the corners and straw bales the only concession to safety. New fans will welcome a complete and highly illustrated guide to the history of F1, while older fans will be able to compare their own views of what were the pivotal moments of change, in a book written by experienced motoring writers with two lifetimes worth of knowledge of the sport. The book will link technical progress with the personalities involved, indeed many of the swiftest changes have come about as a result of accidents or tragedies - the death of Roland Ratzenberger at Imola in 1994, the same weekend as Ayrton Senna, could have been avoided by the HANS safety device. The introduction of the halo saved Romain Grosjean's life in Bahrain last year, but only came about because of the tragic accident that claimed Jules Bianchi in Japan. Along with changes to circuits and the technology of the cars, this book highlights the commercial changes and the controversies that threatened to split the sport apart - such as the threat of breakaway series proposed at various times by teams. A must-read for completists or for those new to the sport, F1: The Pinnacle is a fascinating insight into one of the most exciting and dangerous sports in the world.
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