Sleeping Beauties USA – abandoned classic cars & trucks

ISBN 978-1-845843-46-5 / UPC 6-36847-04346-9 Veloce Publishing - Hardback. 96 pages - 63 colour. 250mm H x 250mm W (10in x 10in).

Sleeping Beauties USA honors rusted and forgotten automotive treasures that have been found parked alongside the highways of America, waiting to be rediscovered.

Rather than focusing on typically brilliant, highly restored show queens, the author has instead concentrated on showing, through stunning and evocative photography, the transience of a car's life and the beauty created as nature reclaims her own.

It is hoped that the pictures will give the reader as much pleasure as the author experienced seeing the cars and trucks in reality, and reminiscing about their once glorious past.

Veloce books are stocked by or can be ordered from bookshops and specialist mail order companies. In case of difficulty they can supply direct (credit cards accepted), either through their website (www.veloce.co.uk or by telephone on + 44 (0)1305 260068

American Station Wagons – The Golden Era 1950-1975

ISBN 978-1-845842-68-0 / UPC 6-36847-04268-4 Veloce Publishing - Hardback. 96 colour pages – 50 colour photographs. 190mm H x 205mm W (7½in x 8?in).

A thorough examination of an important quarter century of this versatile model; when it was both a practical, yet sometimes luxurious family transporter and business vehicle.

While companies such as Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge and Plymouth dominated the US market, important roles were played by Oldsmobile, Buick, Mercury, and Chrysler in making the car more than mere basic transportation or a reliable workhorse. At the same time, manufacturers such as Studebaker, Kaiser, Nash and AMC, competed for a slice of this burgeoning postwar market, and were responsible for many innovations in design.

Contemporary brochures, period literature, factory photos, and over fifty new, previously unpublished color photos of restored examples convey the importance of these historic vehicles.

Also featured are images of rarer Canadian versions from American manufacturers.

Veloce books are stocked by or can be ordered from bookshops and specialist mail order companies. In case of difficulty they can supply direct (credit cards accepted), either through their website (www.veloce.co.uk or by telephone on + 44 (0)1305 260068

American Woodies 1928 - 1953

ISBN 978-1-845842-69-7 / UPC 6-36847-04269-1 Veloce Publishing - Hardback. 96 pages – 100 images including 50 in colour. 190mm H x 205mm W (7½in x 8?in).

This highly visual study examines the rise in popularity of the 'woody' station wagon in North America, from the introduction of the Ford Model A in 1928, up to the last woody built by Buick in 1953. As well as woody wagons, sedans and convertibles are also featured — fashionable cars that were favoured amongst celebrities and high society.

Woodies were also used extensively as service vehicles during World War II, and while Ford led the industry, many other American car manufacturers competed in this specialised yet lucrative market, from the major to the more obscure.

With 100 images — which include contemporary brochure illustrations, factory photos, and over fifty new, unpublished colour photos of restored examples — detailed captions, supportive text, and period literature, this book conveys the importance of these historic vehicles so prized by collectors today.

Veloce books are stocked by or can be ordered from bookshops and specialist mail order companies. In case of difficulty they can supply direct (credit cards accepted), either through their website (www.veloce.co.uk or by telephone on + 44 (0)1305 260068

Dodge Challenger Plymouth Barracuda – Chryslers Potent Pony Cars

ISBN 978-1-845841-05-8 / UPC 6-36847-04105-2 Veloce Publishing - Hardback. 196 pages. 250mm tall x 207mm (97 7/8in tall x 8 1/8in). 375 pictures, mainly in colour.

Written in an easy to follow and unpretentious style
Chronological journey through development of pony cars from the 1960 Valiant onwards
Shows fascinating design concepts and evolution
Features many fresh new photos of original vehicles
Incorporates all sub-series and models
Contains rarely seen archive pictures and period adverts
Extended captions accompany images

An in-depth look at the very desirable so-called pony cars from Plymouth and Dodge which captured the imagination in the 1960s and 1970s and featured as stars of both the big screen and drag strip. Having beat the Ford mustang to the dealerships, the Plymouth and Dodge went on to become amongst the most sought-after classic cars of all time.

The author Peter Grist has been writing about American automobiles for over 15 years. See the Virgil Exner book review below for more information.

Veloce books are stocked by or can be ordered from bookshops and specialist mail order companies. In case of difficulty they can supply direct (credit cards accepted), either through their website (www.veloce.co.uk) or by telephone on + 44 (0)1305 260068.

Virgil Exner - Visioneer

ISBN 978-1-84584-8 / UPC 6-36847-04118-2 Veloce Publishing - Hardback. 160 pages. 250mm tall x 207mm (97 7/8in tall x 8 1/8in). 380 mainly colour illustrations.

Foreword by Virgil H Exner Jnr
The first biography of Virgil Exner
Covers his whole extraordinary life
Contains previously unpublished family photos and paintings
Industrial design, development of the automobile & even powerboat styling
Clears up rumours and speculation about historic events
Includes rarely seen pictures and period adverts
Written in plain, unpretentious English

An in-depth look at the last of the great auto designers of the 20th Century, his glorious achievements and personal tragedies. With many previously unseen works of art and family photos among the 150 colour images throughout, this is a unique and fascinating insight into a pivotal player in the development of the modern automobile.

The author Peter Grist has been writing about American automobiles for over 15 years, and is a member of the National Union of Journalists and the Society of Automobile Historians, Inc. He started with the Chrysler Corp Club UK, which he ran for more than 10 years, editing its monthly magazine, TalkFlite. This led to writing for High Street magazines. He currently owns three Dodge vehicles and has already published a book on Dodge. Peter is married to Catherine and has three children.

Veloce books are stocked by or can be ordered from bookshops and specialist mail order companies. In case of difficulty they can supply direct (credit cards accepted), either through their website (www.veloce.co.uk or by telephone on + 44 (0)1305 260068

CAMARO 40 Years

I have just been reading what must be the definitive book on the Camaro. I have read them all and it was refreshing to be shown a new take on the behind the scenes activities, and in particular the story of the personalities behind the car.

There are numerous examples of this. For example “Bunkie” (Boss) Knudson a dyed in the wool car enthusiast, created Camaro 1 but was then passed over for promotion by GM , left and was quickly snapped up by Ford, leading to the “Boss” series of Mustangs with CJ428 and 429 big blocks after the engine bay had been widened to suit. He knew that GM were constrained by their ludicrous adherence to the anti racing ban and the imposed upper limit of 400 CID for intermediate cars.

Irv Rybiki, who had been there from the start in creating Camaro 1, was reintroduced as head of design in 1977 for the launch of Camaro 3. Jim Perkins, who was general manager for Camaro 4, had been poached by GM from Toyota after having launched the Lexus brand.

I loved the way in which the author clearly is a Chevrolet man, describing assorted Ford engines as “boat anchors”! I think that he might be accused of a bias against the 2 speed powerglide automatic gearbox, and in my view is far too positive over the Camaro 4. In my view the Camaro 4 lagged behind the Mustang at the time because it offered a futuristic looking (ugly) car with old underpinnings. The way forward is to do the opposite as Ford has demonstrated in the current Mustang, which GM are now (again) belatedly trying to catch up with.

As Members of the club you are entitled to a special offer as follows:
Camaro Forty Years is £35.00 RRP plus post and packing. However Members may buy it for £30.00 with free post and packing. Simply call the Distributor Grantham Book Publishers on 01476-541080, quote "ISBN 0760328161", pay by card, cheque, etc, and the book is dispatched. Normally takes five working days to arrive. Free post and packing only applies to UK and Northern Ireland.

T C Boles
Classic Camaro Secretary

American Car Spotters Bible 1940-1980

ISBN 0896891798, KP Books. 790 pages - 8,000+ colour photos and illustrations - Size 10.7 x 8.7 inches - RR Price £19.99 ($29.99) softback.

Spotting the best American-made cars is easy with this one-of-a-kind colour guide! A follow-up to the Ultimate Car Spotter's Guide, the American Car Spotter's Bible 1940-1980 features vehicles from 250 different U.S. manufacturers in a familiar style, coupled with 8,000+ colour illustrations.

Restorers and collectors searching for a specific make of car or a new project will appreciate the side, rear and interior views of each model. In addition to detailed illustrations, a quick glance gives car enthusiasts various technical specifications including weight, length, horsepower, distinguishing features and factory price. This indispensable reference gives collectors technical details they'll refer to again and again.

Collector Car Restoration Bible

ISBN 0873499255, KP Books. 400 pages - 500+ intricate colour photos and illustrations - Size 10.7 x 8.6 inches - RR Price £19.99 ($29.99) softback.

This ultimate restoration and repair reference has all the answers to restorer's questions! The Collector Car Restoration Bible delivers authoritative instructions and more than 500 how-to colour photos to help restorers avoid costly errors and complete restoration goals.

In this guide, restorers are led through various tasks of specific systems and processes that apply to any car, such as engine rebuilding, brake work and bodywork. In addition, this reference includes new procedures based on engine disassembly and assembly, and tips to caring for a completely restored car. From installing clutches to body refinishing this comprehensive resource delivers the details to transform ancient to excellent.

Eddie Paul's Custom Body Work Handbook

ISBN 0896892328, KP Books. 176 pages - 200+ photos in colour - Size 11 x 8.3 inches - RR Price £16.99 ($24.99) softback.

Learn the latest techniques from master customizer Eddie Paul! More than 200 dynamic step-by-step color photos demonstrate 20 projects ranging from old school hot rods to modern tuner cars.

In this exciting new reference Paul covers frenching taillights, adding spoilers and aero kits, patching metal, installing "scissor" doors, and old-school favourites such as hiding door handles and antennas, and chopping tops. Veteran car restorers, hot-rod builders, members of the tuner car GT hip-hop crowd and car buffs in general are sure to discover new skills and more reasons to love customizing in this revved up resource.

Standard Guide to Muscle Cars

Published 29th September 2005, ISBN 0873499883, KP Books. 400 pages - 450 photos nearly all in colour - Size 8 1/4 x 10 7/8 - RR Price £16.99 ($24.99) softback.

This fourth edition of Standard Guide to American Muscle Cars has been expanded in three ways. First, the author has taken a time-capsule ride back into the ‘50s to see some ‘mid-century muscle.” These historic muscle cars were included in the early editions, but only in black-and-white. Now, you’ll get to see some of them in full colour. He has also added several previously overlooked models from the 1964-1972 era of “real” muscle cars. In addition, coverage of “Modern Muscle” now includes some of the latest factory hot rods.

As before, Standard Guide to American Muscle Cars incorporates research done for Old Cars Weekly and Old Cars Price Guide. In total, over half a century of high-performance machines are covered in these pages. Listings include a historical background, original factory specifications, available options, original pricing information.

Cuba Classics

Publisher Macmillan Caribbean - 216 colour pages, softback (265 x 300) - Price £19.95

www.macmillan-caribbean.com/books/general/cubaclassics.htm

This unique homage to Cuba’s astonishing wealth of antique cars is also a paean to the extraordinary people who keep their weary cacharros running with resourcefulness, ingenuity, and indefatigable good humour. In a collection of vibrant images, Cuba Classics reveals the time-worn splendour of classic American automobiles spanning eight decades. From Model-T Fords and ‘40s-era Buick Roadmasters to late ‘50s Edsel Citations and Chevrolet Impalas with fins sharp enough to draw blood, this book evokes the nostalgic and seductive world of Cuba’s car culture.

Blurry action shots of moving cars... scenics that celebrate the island’s beauty... close-ups of hood ornamentation, grillwork, and dashboards, illustrate the subject magnificently. This rich array of photographs is complemented by captions that provide fascinating anecdotal detail while celebrating the four-wheeled survivors of a bygone age and the passion of their owners.

This magnificent portrait of today’s classic cars is also an exploration of the island’s tumultuous history. Tracing the evolution of motor madness in decadent pre-Revolutionary Cuba, the author surveys the tough realities of caring for vintage cars in the modern age of embargo and shortages. These challenges have produced exceptional skill and inventiveness among the owners and mechanics who somehow keep a legion of gas-guzzling leviathans on the road.

In a dynamic photojournalistic essay that traces the long love affair between Cubans and the U.S. automobile, Christopher P. Baker also celebrates Cuba’s landscapes and colours, his images putting the beloved cacharros within a tropical setting both sensual and surreal.

Written in the lively, engaging style that has won the author numerous literary awards, Cuba Classics draws upon memoirs, museum records, personal interviews, and Cuba’s own dusty archives. Mixing history with present-day impressions, technical detail with personal observations, the evocative text proves both absorbing and richly entertaining.

American Dream Cars

(ISBN 0-87349-49-1) Krause Publications. 348 pages. Price $24.95.

This book arranges the dream, concept and show vehicles according to manufacturer, including General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Corporation and Independent makes. Manufacturers are introduced with historical background, as well as tracking major production and styling changes. Entries include photographs of these rarely seen vehicles and concise descriptions of features and integrated technology.

Vehicle coverage begins with the 1939 Buick Y-Job and extends to the 2002 fuel cell propelled concept cars and light-duty trucks. Some of the more outlandish vehicles highlighted in the 32-page colour section include the 1959 Firebird III, 2002 AUTOnomy, 1995 Synergy 2010, 1959 Cella I, 1960 XNR and 1988 Slingshot.

The authors write in the Introduction, "‘American Dream Cars’ is an attempt to corral as many dream, concept, and show cars as possible from the domestic automobile manufacturers. While hundreds are covered in this volume, many more dazzled and sometimes dumbfounded the public over the past nearly 65 years. In this book are hundreds of chances to dream, relive memories, and just get lost in what can be a wonderful, wacky, and in between world of automobiles, trucks, and vehicles."

Vintage Car Wrecks

(ISBN 0-87349-458-X) Krause Publications. 224 pages plus over 400 photos. Price $19.99.

During the hey day of American muscle cars, the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s ushered in fast cars, more highways and large amounts of automotive accidents, ultimately increasing safety awareness and raising automotive safety standards. Written by Rusty Herlocher, this book features more than 400 photographs of mangled cars at accident scenes occurring from 1950 to 1979, offering proof to drivers to be more careful.

Vintage Car Wrecks - Motoring Mishaps 1950-1979 contains narrative captions accompanying large photos, which explain the circumstances of the accidents and the models of the cars and trucks involved. Introductions to each of the decades present major historical events and reveal the nation’s mood toward driving.

Herlocher started collecting photos of car wrecks in 1953, mainly due to his interest in auto racing. He still has the initial photograph that started his obsession with auto accidents. He writes, "Hopefully these images serve simply as a photographic record and harsh reminder of the consequences of unsafe, or unlucky, driving."

Standard Catalog of Camaro 1967-2002

by John Gunnell, Krause Publications. 224 pages, 200+ colour photos. Price: $24.95

Easy-to-read listings contain extensive historical facts and figures, vehicle descriptions, serial number explanations, original price and weight charts, available equipment, technical specifications, production data, and engine details. Hundreds of full-colour photographs depict every model year and style changes.

Covers every Camaro model built including Rally Sport, Super Sport, Berlinetta, Z-28, IROC, Indy Pace Car, and Yenko.

Standard Catalog of Ford 1903-2003

by John Gunnell, Krause Publications. 640 pages, 1,800 b&w photos, 16-page colour section. Price: $24.95

Celebrate 100 years of the Ford Motor Company in this 642-page volume devoted to Henry Ford’s automobiles. Collectors and FoMoCo fans will enjoy thorough coverage of 100 years of their favourite automobiles in this latest update to the Standard Catalog series. Information on more than 4,000 Ford Motor Company cars produced from 1903 to 2003 includes facts, figures, and historical background on each marque and model. The updated pricing section includes 25,000 listings and features collector values for models through 1994 using the Old Cars Price Guide’s 1 to 6 condition rating scale.

This new edition features updated coverage of all Ford, Edsel, Lincoln, Mercury, Mustang, and Thunderbird marques. Model listings include vehicle descriptions, vehicle identification number explanations, original price and weight data, engine and chassis details, optional equipment and technical information, performance figures, and historical facts.

Also available in the "Standard Catalog" series are: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Corvette, Firebird, Model T Ford, Mustang, Trucks, Independents plus many other books on American Vehicles.

The books above can be purchased from the following major bookstores.

The official distributor for Krause Publications in the UK is David & Charles, Brunel House, Forde Close, Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 4PU.  Tel: 01626 334555 www.davidandcharles.co.uk . They stock the full range of American automotive books from Krause, see the Motorvatin’ USA magazine for special offers.

Krause Publications, Book Department PR02, PO Box 5009, Iola, WI 54945-5009. Tel: 001 715 445 2214 or online at www.krausebooks.com

Motor Books, 33 St. Martin’s Court, London WC2N 4AN. Tel: 0207 836 3800 or online at www.motorbooks.co.uk

Amazon on line book store.
www.amazon.com - www.amazon.co.uk