Carroll Shelby's creation of the Cobra automobile during 1961-1962 transformed an aging British sports car into a 1965 World Manufacturers GT Championship winner for Shelby American. Today, the Cobra is still one of the most recognized automobiles in the world. This book narrates the work required to develop the first production Ford-powered AC Ace 3.6 roadsters that today are referred to as Mark I Leaf Spring Cobras. Seasoned Cobraphiles, novice enthusiasts and especially those who had the foresight to buy the cars, will enjoy the hundreds of fascinating snippets and backstories. The author has researched each of the 125 production Mark I Cobras built and conducted several hundred interviews with the people connected with each car. This endeavor uncovered unknown histories and facts, as well as hundreds of previously unpublished photographs and documents. Despite the lion's share of accolades going directly to Carroll Shelby and the staff at Shelby American for the success of the Cobra, some portion of that credit rightfully belongs to the hardworking craftsmen employed at AC Cars in the 1960s. The Cobra could not have been created without them. Virtually everything except the Mark I Cobra's Ford engine and transmission had been hand-built by old-world craftsman in England. That partnership reflects the best of the Anglo-American spirit and produced one of the most iconic automobiles ever built.

The Rootes Story - The Making of a Global Automotive Empire traces the meteoric rise of the two Rootes brothers, William and Reginald, development of one of Britain's most important motor vehicle manufacturers. The Rootes Group acquired some of the most famous names in the British motor industry: Hillman, Humber, Sunbeam and Singer cars, as well as Commer and Karrier commercial vehicles. Over the years, some of the models built by Rootes would become household names: the Hillman Minx, Humber Super Snipe, Sunbeam Alpine, Singer Gazelle, Commer Superpoise and Karrier Bantam. In its heyday in the late 1950s, Rootes was the fourth largest manufacturer of cars and trucks in Britain, exporting to over 180 countries worldwide, becoming a global automotive empire. In this book, the people and various companies involved with Rootes are profiled, as are the cars and commercial vehicles built by them, with specifications of principal models. Personal insight from employees is given along with valuable contributions from the Rootes family themselves.

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.

MG was a home-grown concept that became an international success, bringing the small market town of Abingdon onto the global map. MG - Made in Abingdon recounts the inside story of the famous factory, recognising that the most important aspect of MG's success was its team - the tea-boys and girls, the shop floor workers, the engineers and racers, the apprentices and management. From memories of the production line to recollections of racing incidents, the untold story of MG from the men and women who worked in the Abingdon factory is revealed for the first time in a book that is both nostalgic and historically important.

The technically advanced, aluminium bodied New XK models carried over very little from the previous models. Produced from 2006 to 2014, they proved to be one of the best sports models produced by Jaguar. Still no replacement has been planned by the marque, meaning these cars will be much sought after, and meaning you'll need expert advice if you're thinking of purchasing one. For anyone with an interest in, or who's thinking of buying one of these already classic cars, this Essential Buyer's Guide is a vital requirement. Covering all variants, and highlighting model differences, it shows how equipment levels or colour schemes affect can affect price. Detailing everything from what to look for when you first see a car, to in-depth evaluation, even such matters as where to buy and what paperwork to check is covered, along with dedicated sections listing model specifications, where to go for advice, and marque specialists.

How to Power Tune Minis on a Small Budget shows you how to improve Mini performance using "bolt-on", interchangeable, standard parts from various BLMC/Rover models, and how to gain maximum road performance for minimum money. Des Hammill, an engineer with professional experience building race engines, and author of many of Veloce's best-selling SpeedPro manuals, all of the information contained within these pages comes from hands-on, practical experience. With an easy-to-follow format, plenty of color photographs, and dedicated chapters on all the major components, this book is suitable for the enthusiast as well as the more experienced mechanic.

As time goes by, older SLs have tended to fall into the hands of collectors, often becoming too valuable or rare to use on a daily basis. The R230-series, however, launched just over a decade ago, allows the enthusiast to enjoy a genuine modern classic - a car that, thanks to its bloodlines, is guaranteed a place in automotive history. With very few books written covering the newer SL models, this book - the fourth volume in a series by Brian Long and Veloce Publishing covering all Mercedes SL models - brings the complete story of the R230 to life. An invaluable resource, it is not only the ideal reference work - both for fans of the Stuttgart marque, and for those looking for originality in their own car - but, with its stunning photography, and contemporary material gathered from all over the world, also makes a true connoisseur's coffee table book.

Based on the first Maserati GT, the A6-1500, the Modena-based company offered its customers the second series, the A6G 2000, from 1951. After the more competitive version with the lightweight Zagato body, wealthy customers could choose between four design versions: the bulky design by Pininfarina, the muscular one from Allemano, the glamorous Coupes and Spyder versions by Frua and the eccentric Coupe by Vignale. All vehicles were slightly different and were among the rarest and most expensive cars of their time. The A6G 2000 was a landmark in Maserati history. This book describes for the first time the technical development of this type as well as the individual history of all cars in these four versions, chassis by chassis.

In this readable and informative book, motoring expert Malcolm Bobbitt tells the story of one of the most iconic cars in motoring history. Designed as affordable and practical transport for French farmers travelling on either bad roads or ploughed fields, it also found its way into the fashionable quarters of Paris. This book shows how designers successfully achieved the specification for rugged and utilitarian design suitable for times of austerity while at the same time producing a truly classless car. The author explains the history of the car, conceived when Citroen was owned by the Michelin tyre company, and how the idea evolved. He covers the ingenious design aspects of the car, including the corrugated metal bonnet, hammock seats, push-pull gear lever and twin-cylinder air-cooled engine. Such was the success of the 2CV that it spawned variants such as the Dyane, Ami 6 and Ami 8 and the British-built Bijou, all of which are covered here. Illustrated with an evocative collection of high quality photographs and written by an authority on Citroen cars, this concise book tells you all you need to know about the famous 2CV.

The 1960s saw car ownership take off in Britain, as the newly opened motorways created new opportunities for travel - on family holidays, to visit relatives, or for work. The kinds of cars the British drove also changed. Small economy cars in particular helped to swell the numbers on the roads, while safety concerns started to have a greater influence on design. Larger cars for the wealthy few were joined by a new breed of 'executive' saloons and family runabouts. Although they may seem crude by modern standards they were perfectly in keeping with their times. This was a period when Britain still thought it produced the best cars in the world - and was struggling to accept that its golden age was over. Many old-established British makes disappeared in this decade, challenged by a gradually increasing number of imports. But the 1960s was a decade in which many families came to own and cherish a car for the first time, with the greater convenience and freedom it gave. This book is part of the Britain's Heritage series, which provides definitive introductions to the riches of Britain's past, and is the perfect way to get acquainted with family cars of the 1960s in all their variety.

At one time, if you wanted big horsepower in your Mopar muscle car or truck, your choices were limited to a big-block swap or a coveted Hemi. At the very least, you needed different engine mounts, K-members, transmissions, headers, etc. -- and Hemis have never been cheap But now there's another way to get more horsepower: boring and stroking your Mopar small-block to get more cubic inches - up to 476 cubes The small-block Mopar is one of the easiest engines in which to increase displacement without extensive modifications or specialized machine work -- the engine was practically designed for more cubes This book shows you how to get that big-cube power, and then it shows you how to optimize the small-block's other systems -- induction, heads, valvetrain, ignition, exhaust, and more -- to make the most of the extra cubic inches.Author Jim Szilagyi is a Performance Specialist for Dodge Motorsports and Mopar Performance Parts. In this book he covers building big-inchers from Mopar 318/340/360-ci LA or Magnum 5.2/5.9-liter engines, using both factory and aftermarket parts. If you want to make big power from your Mopar small-block, this is the book for you. The photos in this edition are black and white.

Curves is the ultimate high-quality journeyman's magazine. Produced with love and aimed at all who drive, bike or cycle with passion, it encapsulates the joy of the open road. It is a magazine for those who see planning a journey as an act of celebration: people who are prepared to shake off their shackles and live their dreams. It is designed for the devotees and dreamers who experience the drive in their mind's eye before even embarking on the real-life adventure. This volume focuses on Scotland: its meandering roads, its hilly heights, the breathtaking bleakness of its countryside. Text in English and German.

Considered among the most desirable sports cars ever built, Triumph's TR series were renowned for their strong performance, rugged construction and iconic styling. Among the ranks of affordable sports cars, these legendary British automobiles introduced a host of innovations, including front disc brakes, independent rear suspensions and petrol injection, making them perennial sales and competition champions. From the stillborn 20TS prototype, Triumph developed the revolutionary TR2, which debuted as the fastest model in its class and spawned the bestselling TR3 and TR3A. With Italianate styling from Giovanni Michelotti, the TR4 and TR4A represented a whole new direction for the range, while the TR5 became a performance standout with its Lucas petrol injection. The evergreen TR6 represented the final chapter for the traditional 'hairychested' British roadster, closing the book on one of the most successful families in motoring history. Award-winning historian John Nikas examines the design and development of the various TR models, while also detailing the competition record that made Triumph such a formidable opponent on the track and international rally circuit. With readable and engaging prose set against beautiful colour portraits by Marc Vorgers and rare period photographs, this book provides all the information you need about TR sports cars.

Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from Adrian Streather's years of Porsche Boxster and Cayman experience, 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 Boxster and Cayman community, to whether the car will suit you and your lifestyle - this is the complete guide to choosing, assessing and buying the Porsche of your dreams.

First launched in 1976, the Lotus Esprit was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and based on a Lotus Europa chassis. The following year, the car made its debut in the Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, where, after a car chase, it metamorphosed into a submarine. In this comprehensive book, the authors use their first-hand knowledge from twenty years of ownership to cover essential information such as how to buy, own and keep a Lotus Esprit as well as unpublished research and history of the various models, including the original 'Essex' turbo models. They describe the development of the new designs for the Esprit in 1987 by Peter Stevens and in 1993 by Peter Thomson. They also explore the story of the Bond film cars, both terrestrial and aquatic, and where they are now. The book explains how to maintain an Esprit on a budget and also lists the suppliers, businesses and clubs that can help keep an Esprit on the road while also adding a social dimension to ownership. Packed with original illustrations, this book is a must-have guide to one of the Lotus company's most famous models.

When it was launched in 1949, the new Rover 75 was considered revolutionary for its time, its sleek integrated styling being very much a break with the designs of the past. In this book, Rover expert James Taylor covers the development of all of the various P4 models, from the 75 to the 110 of the early 1960s, providing a unique insight into a car still affectionately known as 'Auntie'. Despite its somewhat ponderous appearance, the solid build with wood and leather interiors matched by good driving dynamics made the Rover P4 a pleasure to drive and own. Complemented by the Rover P5 and eventually replaced by the Rover P6, the Rover P4 held sway for over a decade during which it became a favourite of the professional classes and an emblem of the conservative British lifestyle and values. After the end of production, it continued to remain a favourite among classic car enthusiasts. The various models and developments of the Rover P4 are all covered in this concise but comprehensive book, providing an endless source of interest for Rover P4 and classic car enthusiasts alike.