Book Review: ‘Camaro 2016: Chevrolet’s Modern Performance Car’ by Larry Edsall
The Chevrolet Camaro has had something of a checkered history. Created in 1967 after the company was caught flat-footed by the Ford Mustang, the Camaro peaked in popularity for four generations before petering out in 2002. In 2010 the Camaro came back with a vengeance, though, eventually leading to the current generation and […]
Book Review: CarTech’s ‘Lost Road Courses’ by Martin Rudow
Motorsport racing seems like it’s bigger than it ever has been before, with hundreds of thousands of people gathering for just one NASCAR or Formula 1 race–and millions more tuning in on television. But racing has a legacy that’s more than the sponsored Sunday afternoon spectacles of today. Ever since the invention of the […]
Book Review: ‘Car Record Breakers: Fastest! Biggest! Most Extravagant!’ by Paul Virr
We live in a world where bigger, better, faster, and stronger is the drive behind all innovation (isn’t that right, Daft Punk?). That philosophy definitely applies to the automotive industry, which has seen its share of revolutionary achievements over the last century. Human ambition turns these transportation machines into record-breaking vehicles as we continually innovate wheeled […]
Book Review: ‘Tiny LEGO Wonders’ Inspires with Mini Vehicle Models
Although it’s been around for decades, the LEGO Company has taken pop culture by storm in recent years with the release of its acclaimed movie and Dimensions video game. As exciting as these developments are, many of us still treasure the simple joy of creating basic LEGO sets using various bricks we have on hand. No […]
Book Review: A Life Awheel: The ‘Auto’ Biography of W. de Forte
As a history buff, I love learning all about the events (and cars) of the past. It’s no secret, however, that nonfiction history books can be very dry and hard to read. Books about automotive history often are major offenders, with some authors not sure if they should focus on the technical specs of […]
Book Review: ‘Concours Retrospective’ by Richard Adatto Brings Legacy to Life
A month ago, I had the pleasure of driving through Pebble Beach for the first time. Through the twisting, coastline roads were only populated by golf carts and rental cars from tourists, I felt the stir of a decades of automotive history. I imagined that special weekend each year when the greens are […]
‘David Kimble’s Cutaways’ Book Review: A Legacy of Stunning Automotive Artwork
Cutaway illustrations have been an essential, overlooked part of the automotive industry for decades–way before digital computer rendering was common. The art form garners appreciation for vehicle design by emphasizing the smallest parts and overall construction simultaneously. From measuring to airbrushing, it’s a marriage of art and math. David Kimble’s Cutaways takes readers through […]
Book Review: ‘Exotic Barn Finds’ by Matt Stone Uncovers Classic Luxury Cars
Throughout the past decade, people have been finding a number of old cars in barns, garages, basements, and other forgotten places. These vehicles, which are called “barn finds,” often have storied pasts that are worthy of writing about—something that veteran author and historian Matt Stone has done in his newest book, titled Exotic […]
Book Review: CarTech’s ‘The Cars of Harley Earl’ by David W. Temple
Whenever classic cars are brought up in conversation, most people immediately think of their favorite vintage Packard, luxury Cadillac, or Chevy muscle car. But, have you ever wondered how automobiles went from simple transportation machines with function-based exterior designs to the beautiful works of art that mesmerize millions of car enthusiasts around the world? Artist Harley […]
Book Review: ‘Formula One 2016 – The Official BBC Sport Guide’
Finished watching the latest race but still have a Formula One itch to scratch? Then you’ll love Formula One 2016: The Official BBC Sport Guide, a handbook containing everything you need to know heading into the 2016 Formula One season. Whether you’re new to the sport or a jaded fan, the guide is […]
Board Book Review: ‘Things That Go Vroom: A Book of Vehicles’
Vehicles are all around us. From the minivan in the next lane to the police car on the side of the highway, it’s difficult to go an entire day without encountering a vehicle of some kind (unless it’s a Netflix and chill kind of day). Children are very astute, so it’s likely that […]
Board Book Review: ‘Busy Garage’ by Rebecca Finn
Babies and toddlers can be a tough crowd to please. When you buy a new book or toy, you’re essentially taking a 50/50 chance that it will sit in the corner, collecting dust, while your baby happily plays with a cardboard box and your pots and pans. So it’s important to look for […]
Book Review: ‘Car: The Evolution of the Automobile’ by Rod Green
There’s so much history behind the automobile that dedicating a single book to its legacy is definitely a challenge. With so many major players, innovations, and influences on the evolution of the car, can a single publication–especially one under 200 words–cover the storied evolution, while still making it accessible to readers young and old? Author […]
Book Review: ‘Automotive Jewelry, Volume One: Mascots • Badges’ by Michael Furman
Many automotive enthusiasts talk about the influential design languages behind today’s vehicles, but to some, the real artistic identity of a car is in its unique ornamentation. The nearly-lost art of car ornamentation and badging used to be a crucial part of the automobile industry since its inception. To some, these fixtures of yesteryear may seem unnecessary and trivial, but […]
Book Review: ‘Klemantaski: Master Motorsports Photographer’
You might not have heard of photographer Louis Klemantaski (1912-2001), but you probably have seen his work. Through his portfolio of over 60,000 images, the golden era of motorsports racing has been documented in a detailed, authentic way. Known for being in the thick of the action and in the pits alongside the crews, Klemantaski didn’t just […]
Book Review: ‘American Muscle Cars: A Full-Throttle History’ Delightfully Recounts an Automotive Legacy
Whenever someone talks about American cars, it is hard not to think of a roaring engine packed into a mid-size car– whether a Dodge Charger or a ’60s Shelby Mustang–what became known as “American muscle cars.” With roots in war-time engineering and post-war thrill-seeking, America was characterized from the 1960s on by the […]
Book Review: ‘Making a Morgan’ Exquisitely Captures the Vintage Brand’s Spirit
An inside look at the making of an automotive icon from specification sheet to finished car
The Morgan Motor Company is a David among an industry of Goliaths. England’s last independent, privately-owned automaker has been resistant to the changing production methods and neutered styles of the modern automotive industry–despite being advised to “get with the times.” This high-end automaker has established a consistent identity for nearly a century as […]
Book Review: Lerner & Friedman’s ‘Ford GT’ Chronicle Brings History to Life
2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Ford’s dismantling of Ferrari with an iconic 1-2-3 Le Mans sweep, a moment that helped cement the legacy of men like Henry Ford II and Carroll Shelby, and put Ford on the map as a brand capable of delivering in the ever-evolving and expanding racing world. Next year’s celebration will be highlighted […]