This is a biography about the British motor industry's most influential and controversial engineer, Sir Alec Issignois. Wood exposes a behind-the-scenes impression of the personal and corporate struggles within the declining British car industry, a complex process in which Issigonis played a famous role. THE COLLAPSE in 2005 of MG Rover marked the end of Britain's indigenous motor industry as a volume car manufacturer. Yet back in the 1960s its Longbridge-based British Motor Corporation predecessor dominated the market with the iconic Mini and stylish 1100. Both were the work, together with the legendary Morris Minor, of Sir Alec Issigonis, CBE, FRS, the British motor industry's most influential and controversial engineer. In this full-length biography, published to commemorate the centenary of its subject's birth, which falls in 2006, award-winning motoring historian Jonathan Wood chronicles the rise and fall of Issigonis, born in Turkey of Greek/Bavarian parentage, who arrived in Britain as a near-penniless refugee and became the most powerful automobile engineer in the land. His ingenious and effective designs had a deep, lasting influence on the evolution of the motor car and on the wider history of industrial design, and he deserves to be ranked with the other giants of the field like Ferdinand Porsche in Germany and Dante Giacosa in Italy. Wood's candid and meticulously researched account, which exposes Sir Alec's public and private faces, and is the product of some 30 years of research, is complemented by interviews conducted with many of Issigonis' former colleagues and friends, including: Ronald Barker, John Cooper, Jack Daniels, Christopher Dowson, Paddy Hopkirk, Spen King, Dr Alex Moulton, Dr Bernd Pischetsrieder, Lord Snowdon and Stuart Turner. The finished volume is a balanced view of a remarkable, immensely talented man, with a behind-the-scenes impression of the personal and corporate struggles within the declining British car industry, a complex process in which Issigonis played a famous role.

Carrera Panamericana: the Mexican Road Race. In its day it was the longest, fastest and likely wildest international automobile race ever staged. A World Championship event along with Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, Nuburgring and the Tourist Trophy, most drivers considered it the best-and the worst-of them all. From 1950 to 1954, it was witnessed by ten million spectators along a nearly 2,000-mile course that featured deserts where the faster cars could reach 180 mph and 10,000-foot mountain passes requiring first-gear operation. Carrera Panamericana influenced engineering and marketing from Michigan to Modena. Ferrari designed and named a model specifically for the race. Lincoln emerged as a high-performance sedan and Porsche's "Carrera" was named in honor of its wins. The Pan-Am was so unconventional and fascinating that it came to hold the world's attention for a full week each year. It was one of the last of the great open road events and the first in which European and American cars could be compared and marked the return of US factory support to racing in America.

The straight eight engine, also known as the inline eight engine, was the driving force behind some of the most fascinating luxury vehicles of the first half of the twentieth century. From its introduction in the 1920s through its demise in the 1950s, the straight eight graced a number of upmarket vehicles from makers like Pontiac, Packard, and Daimler, and even appeared under the hood of the hyper-exclusive Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, of which only eighteen models were produced. Although it was eventually replaced by the V8 engine, the straight eight engine can be found in some of the most valuable and sought-after vehicles of all time. Keith Ray's The Straight Eight Engine is the first volume to be published about this extraordinary mechanism. Featuring four hundred images, the book is a lush tribute to an automotive component likely to never be equaled for smoothness and refinement.

The photos in this edition are black and white. Author Trenton McGee, 4x4 suspension expert and former host of Outdoor Channel's Off-Road Adventures, explains 4x4 suspension systems in an easy-to-understand manner. He gets specific on types of suspensions available from all the major manufacturers including Jeep, Toyota, Ford, GM, and Dodge. He goes into a great level of detail on every different model, including early and modern systems. The book covers front and rear solid axle, twin-traction beam, and independent suspension systems, as well as coil springs, leaf springs, shocks, and more. This book has it all. If it's not covered in here, it doesn't exist. Also included is a glossary of suspension terms and a comprehensive source guide.

When your pride is on the line at the track, it's good to know that you have the best engine possible in your racecar. Whether you're racing on dirt or pavement, whatever class you run, you know that it takes power and reliability to make it to victory circle. Tapping into the knowledge and expertise of some of racing's top engine builders, the author delivers the information you need to put your engine at the front of the field. This book is chock full of tips and tricks that will have your engine making more power--reliably--than the competition. It covers parts selection, block prep, short block assembly, advice on how to get the best results from your machine work, port work, camshaft and valvetrain parts and prep, oiling system recommendations, final assembly, and more. Readers will also benefit from the advice of top engine builder Keith Dorton, and will follow the builds ofan all-aluminum 800-hp dirt-track motor by Clements Racing Engines, a NASCAR Late Model Stock-style restricted motor from Charlie's Automotive, and a Street-Stock engine by KT Engines. The photos in the edition are black and white

For all owners - and would-be owners - of four-wheeled Morgans, this invaluable book is packed with genuinely useful information. Beginning with a detailed look at Morgan's history, Ken Hill then describes the marque's motorsport record, followed by a thorough look at the evolution of all four-cylinder and eight-cylinder models available from 1968 to 1975. Later chapters are devoted to restoration techniques, technical specifications, and information about the Morgan community, so providing an invaluable reference source. See the other books in this series, Completely Morgan - Three-Wheelers, and Completely Morgan - Four-Wheelers 1936-1968, also published by Veloce as part of its Classic Reprint series.

TVR's Griffith and Chimaera duo may be named after fierce and frightening mythical creatures, but the prospect of owning either of the cars themselves should be nothing to be scared away by! This book pays no attention to the various myths and tall-tales surrounding these cars, and instead offers buying advice and tips to the potential custodian of either of these brutish British sports cars. Few cars manage to both stir the soul and raise the pulse in the way a TVR can, and the ownership experience can be an extremely rewarding one. Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from Richard Kitchen's years of TVR ownership and experience, learn how to spot a bad example quickly, and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right TVR Chimaera or Griffith at the right price! Packed with good advice - from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation, and the TVR community, to whether a TVR Chimaera or Griffith will suit you and your lifestyle - this is THE COMPLETE GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying the car of your dreams.

Back in print after a long absence!This book is the definitive history of the Porsche 944, wiritten by an acknowledged expert. Introduced to fill the gap between the 924 and 928 models, the 944 quickly became the fastest selling Porsche of all time. From drawing board, through Turbo, S and soft-top variants, here is the full story of the 944 up to its replacement by the 968 in 1991. Affordable, durable and with excellent performance and handling, the 944 is now well established as a desirable and practical classic.

Rolls-Royce and Bentley relied upon standardised body designs after 1945, but for the next two decades both marques also supplied chassis frames separately, and it was possible to have these clothed with coachwork by bespoke coachbuilders like, for example, Mulliner, Park Ward and James Young in Britain, or Graber, Farina and Franay in Europe. Many buyers took this route, and this highly illustrated book bears witness to the wide variety of styles that were built in this fascinating period. Chassis number lists for each coachbuilder, both in Britain and overseas, identify their creations, to make this a comprehensive and essential companion for anyone interested in Rolls-Royce and Bentley in the post-war era.

Haynes manuals are written specifically for the do-it-yourselfer, yet are complete enough to be used by professional mechanics. Since 1960 Haynes has produced manuals written from hands-on experience based on a vehicle teardown with hundreds of photos and illustrations, making Haynes the world leader in automotive repair information.

The MGB, the epitome of the British sports car, has attracted a huge following because of its blend of good looks, practicality and decent road manner. During its 18-year production life, from 1962 to 1980, it underwent a bewildering number of changes to specification and equipment. An owner or restorer of an MGB wants to know where their car came in the cycle of production and thus what it should look like and what parts should be fitted, from tail lamps to door handles. Answers to all these questions can only be found in this book, with detailed colour photography of the complete range of the cars. This is a re-issue of one of the most popular titles from the celebrated Original series, accepted by classic car owners, buyers and enthusiasts as the definitive source of advice on correct original and authentic specifications and equipment, drawn from factory records, parts lists and catalogues, as well as the accumulated knowledge of the most respected restorers.

When Ford introduced the new 1979 Mustangs on what is known as the Fox platform, it sparked a new revolution in automotive modification and performance. Hailed as the "sports car for the masses," the Mustang GT soon became one of the most modified cars Ford has ever produced. The Mustang's low entry price, followed by the storm of available aftermarket parts, has made the Fox-bodied Mustang (1979-1995) the most desirable and modified car on the market in the last 20 years. How To Build Max Performance Fox Mustangs on a Budget is an essential book for anyone who wants to modify this affordable and popular sports car, covering everything from planning your project, engine modification and performance, transmission and driveline upgrades, to suspension performance modification and body modification.

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.

The Bedford Motor Club was founded in 1920. This book offers a survey of Bedford history, which has touched the lives of virtually everyone in the town. It illustrares its programme of competitive and social events. It covers the story of police cars in Bedfordshire in a separate chapter.

This unique handbook assumes no starting knowledge of vehicle aerodynamics. It begins with simple ideas and finishes with sophisticated and effective aerodynamic modifications that work. Three major chapters cover on-road testing techniques that give you all the information you need to decide what modifications you should make - and, after you've made them, how well they work. Low-cost techniques allow you to visualise the patterns of airflow over your car so that you can actually see the problem areas that need improvement. Uniquely, you're also shown how to measure aerodynamic pressures, so you can determine which body surfaces are creating lift, drag and downforce. Want to work out where a wing should be placed? On-road testing to find that out is covered as well. The book also shows you how to measure downforce to see if that wing is actually working! If you wish to reduce drag, more than ten different areas are covered. Reducing frontal area, lowering cooling system drag, optimising vehicle ride height and rake, reducing the strength of the wake, achieving clean airflow separation and optimising wheel designs - they're all covered using the latest research findings. And if you're a performance driver, there's a major chapter devoted to reducing lift and improving stability. This chapter includes the design and development of undertrays and diffusers, wings and spoilers. The example car developed measurable downforce when fitted with an undertray and rear diffuser, something that transformed its on-road handling. The author has been writing about the aerodynamics of road cars for more than 25 years. He is also an experienced and proficient car modifier who has performed numerous aerodynamic modifications and upgrades to his own cars. The book's technical consultant, RH Barnard, is an acknowledged world leading automotive aerodynamicist. If you want a practical, hands-on guide that demystifies and explains car aerodynamics, and shows you how to make effective aerodynamic modifications to your car, this book is for you.

Whether already a Volvo 1800 owner, a prospective owner or simply an admirer, you'll find many useful nuggets of information here. Especially important if you are contemplating the purchase of one of the best looking classic sports cars ever produced, this handy pocket-sized book will guide you through how to select the right car, and provides essential advice on finding, buying and evaluating a Volvo 1800. Covering all versions of the 1800 from carburettor-equipped coupes to electronically fuel-injected shooting brakes (estates), you'll find the correct original specifications, and advice on how to spot potential body and mechanical problems.

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.

With nearly 2.7 million cars produced, Mercedes' W123 series was hugely successful. As well as the practical saloon (sedan), Mercedes offered a stylish coupe and a roomy estate (wagon), which was built in-house for the first time. Often considered the marque's best-engineered cars of all time, they are increasingly sought after as modern classics, yet many are still suitable to drive every day. From the taxi ranks of Germany to the dusty roads of North Africa, many of these cars have led a hard life, and examples in good condition are becoming ever more difficult to find. This guide will help you learn about the differences between models, and what to look for when buying. What are the true running costs, and what issues - with the mechanicals, body or interior - should you be wary of? Is a restoration worth considering? This handy guide will take you step-by-step through the process of finding and evaluating a good W123 and making a successful purchase. Essential data and information about clubs and specialists will help you look after and enjoy your W123 today.

This book releases one of the best-kept secrets of the sports car world - the BMW Z3, the latest generation of the traditional small sports car, with the advantages of being based on a tried and tested model range produced by a manufacturer of high quality cars with enviable service and spares support.Designed in Bavaria, styled in California, and built in South Carolina, the Z3 caused generations of motoring writers to dismiss it as a toy sports car, fit only for 'Estate agents, hairdressers and footballers wives,' but is it really so bad?As the Z3 becomes a modern classic, potential buyers have little information to help them sort out the best cars from the others, most Z3 books being a combination of history and data. This guide shows what to expect and what to look for, written against a background of prolonged ownership and Z3 knowledge.Containing a wealth of Z3 information, practical inspection and driving evaluation hints, this book will help potential buyers through the process of finding the car they want, whether it is to be a summer runner or a car to keep and cherish.

David examines the fine points of carbs and intake manifolds, looking for the smallest of modifications and upgrades which often result in large performance gains. Includes Carter, Holley, Predator, Weber, Dellorto, end Mikuni carbs, dozens of factory and aftermarket manifolds, intake velocity stacks, ram stacks, test results, tunnel ram intakes, etc.

Honda's superbly engineered flagship model, the Acura NSX, is the ultimate Japanese supercar. This book charts, in great detail, the complete history of the Honda/Acura NSX from inception to the present, and also incorporates a buyer's guide. Features over 380 colour photos, advertising literature and interviews with key Honda personnel in order to tell the real story of the NSX. An absolute must have for anyone who owns, plans to own, or just plain admires the thinking person's supercar, the NSX.