Automotive Books

This book is a must for any racing historian. Meticulously researched with great photos. Excellent work.

What Harry A. Miller invented, Mr. Offenhauser and Mr. Goosen tweaked to a truly magnificent piece of technology. As I commented about Mr. Miller's expertise, the same goes for Mr. Offenhauser and Mr. Goosen: "Thanks" regards dave

Gordon Eliot White's excellent book on the superb Offenhauser racing engine is a must-have for anyone with even the slightest interest in the remarkable "Offy". Technical excellence and superb design allowed the Offenhauser almost absolute domination at the highest levels of auto racing, for a phenomenal span of more than 50 years.

The Offy was far, far ahead of its time, in the days when double-overhead cams and 16 valves in an inline four-cylinder engine was an exotic design. The "little four with the big punch" was practically invincible in fair head-to-head competition. It took hidden deals and special targeted rules changes to finally "rulebook" the Offy off racetracks. The big auto names with the deep pockets, investing tens of millions of dollars in high-tech quad-cam 32-valve V8's, did not like having them blown off the track by a 4-cylinder engine design more than 50 years old!

In 1975, Porsche engineers analyzed an Offenhauser. The engineers were understandably impressed by the 1000 HP Offenhauser. But they were astounded most by the Offy's ability to maintain high power over a long RPM range. The long power band was clearly a clue to the Offy's legendary ability to launch cars out of turns, and almost certainly the reason the Offy was practically invincible on the racetrack. After analyzing the Offy, Porsche decided against fielding an Indianapolis race team. The famous Porsche 6-cylinder "Boxer" engine, simply could not compete with the long, powerful torque range of the Offenhauser, unless it was allowed far more displacement than the Offy.

Over its long racing history of more than half a century, the Offenhauser 4-cylinder raced head-to-head against a fantastic array of engines, including big NASCAR V8's, jet turbines, Cummins turbo-diesels, formula-one engines, and many other exotic power plants. When all competitors were governed by the same rules, the normally-aspirated 255 cid Offy's dominated race after race, reigning supreme against all challengers.

From 1965 to 1971, as the turbocharged era arrived at Indianapolis, and the front-engined Indy roadster was made obsolete by the new rear-engined cars, the normally-aspirated Offy's long Indy domination ended. The Meyer-Drake shop building the engine began perfecting the Offy-turbo, and adapted it to rear-engined use. The rear-mounted Offy-turbo roared back with consecutive Indy wins in 72, 73, 74, 75 and 76, signaling that the short interruption of Offenhauser domination at the brickyard had ended.

It was not to be. From 1977 on, it appears that "back-room" deals resulting in rules changes specifically targeted at the Offenhauser, effectively rulebooked the engine out of competition. A small engine shop like Meyer-Drake, lacked the deep pockets required to have the "persuasive" clout of the big manufacturers.

Effectively blocked from fair competition, Meyer-Drake's operations slowly ceased. The Offenhauser 4-cylinder then passed into history.

More than a quarter of a century has now passed. The primeval, deep guttural roar, that signalled Offenhauser domination, is only a memory.

It appears, however, that the Offy still rules in absence.

In the years following the Offy's forced retirement, 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve engines have not been permitted in Indy-league racing, although several manufacturers, notably Toyota, have submitted proposals. That fact speaks volumes about the incredible 50 year domination of the Offenhauser 4-cylinder engine that proved time and time again that it could not be beaten when the same rules applied to all.

just when I thought I knew a little bit about the Offy, along comes this book to kick me down a notch! This was a truly amazing effort on the part of the writers/editors, as there is SO MUCH info here, tons and tons of forgotten photos and blueprints and drawings that had to be gathered up. It was amazing to follow the story of the Offy from start to finish, accompanied by all the great pictures. What I liked most is that the story wasn't dry and boring like you'd expect an entire book about an engine to be. It was truly a wonderful history!

The Offenhauser is arguably the most successful racing engine ever designed, and this book traces its earliest incarnation (when it was the "Miller") to the last turbo-charged days...Inbetween it powered an staggering number of conseutive Indy 500 winners, plus AAA/USCA sprint and midget champions, not to mention IMCA and amazingly even some road racing wins (not to mention possibly the least succesful grand prix car of all time, the Scarab) The "techie" will find loads of specs, cross-sections, and line drawings, the vintage race fans plenty of photos of the cars of the era. (Note to the author: a larger color section in the next edition please.)A really great addition to those of us interested in the history of auto racing....

If you think you know about GTO's from reading wikipedia, this book has plenty MORE information that you'll be interested in. Definitely worth buying used (at the very least,) good information and nice pictures. Tells about insider information, how Pontiac and the GTO came to be, and who was behind it all. I'll definitely be reading it again and again. If you own or have owned an old GTO, get this book. Also contains information about GTO's competitors, even within the GM division

Decent coverage and review of the GTO for most enthusiasts. Background information and pictures are clear and well presented. Another great addition to my collection.

First, you need to know that I owned two new GTO's. I absolutely loved them. Especially the first one, a 1966 GTO Convertible; the first year the GTO was its own car.
This book is great. It has great pictures of all of the different GTO's. Even the '73 which few people even know existed. It actually had some information I did not know!
Good history of how the legend started and how GM reacted to it both before and after the totally unexpected popularity.
This car is considered the definitive muscle can. It was new, fast and a looker to boot. It lead the way for all of the other muscle cars.
If you were (are) into cars of the late 60's and early 70's you will like this book.

This book is definitely one of the best books written on the Pontiac GTO. It combines great photography with a good chronological story on all the GTO's from 1964 to 1974. Excellent read! Caution to other buyers: the recently released paperback titled Pontiac GTO: Four Decades of Muscle by Steve Statham (published May 2003) has exactly the same content as this book. So if you own this book already, don't bother buying Four Decades of Muscle

I've just purchaed a 1973 GTO and bought 5 books on the subject. This is by far the best one. The pictures are wonderful and the analysis is both insightful and inspirational in an entrepreneurial sense (getting the GTO done over GM's massive corporate bureaucracy.) A must-read for the true GTO or musclecar fan.

Great book for somebody looking to purchase an older 911sc. Lots of detail and information.

This is a book I bought someone else as a Chstimas Gift. I did leaf through it before wrapping it and had a look around it. It's got some very nice information unique to the SC.

There were very few 911sc cars made, and information about them can be hard to come by. If you own a 911sc, this is (like the title says) the essentail companion. Worth every penny.

ya, I gave it a 5... not because it is the only thing you'll need to read about your '78-83 911 SC, but because it is probably one of the most basic and the most critical. Having bought my old SC without much prior knowledge beyond some past SC driving experience, this book really made me feel better about my purchase, and also helped me prioritize what needed to be addressed on the car. If you're in the market or if you're a 25yr SC owner, you're going to find this book interesting & quite often entertaining! It covers all major functional areas of the car, as well as a history and a section on upgrading the output of your SC. Don't hesitate with this one.

This is a high quality coffee table book. It should not be taken out to the garage for two reasons, first it is too nice to get dirty and second it's not detailed enough for any serious do it yourself repairs like a service manual would be. I enjoyed all of the history and pictures for which I am now more informed about 1978 to 1983 Porche's. It's a good over view of those years and it will compliment any Porche owners library.

I LOVED this book and I went on line to order it for some friends. My book is in full color and the ones that I ordered on Amazon are black and white only and it take away some of the comic book effect that the book held special. I LOVE this book but I am very dissapointed that they do not specify when the books are in color or black and white when this book comes in either.

A succinct review of basic parenting skills. A little too optimistic when describing time out procedures, but otherwise a great "primer" for parents.

I was haveing big problems with my 4 year old adhd son and his consler showed me this book and you know alot of this book was me! I really did not realize it till I was showed that I was just giving my son control of ME and I was not really being the parent. I was letting me son run My life and this book made me see that. THANK YOU FOR COMING OUT WITH A BOOK TO SHOW US PARENTS THAT THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A PURRFECT PARENT BUT WE ALL ARE STILL LEARNING! I am still learning to this day. My son seems happier that I am not putting so many adult decisions on him but that I am letting him be a child! once again thank you so much and I hope other parents find this book as helpful as I did. I do not own one yet but I'm trying to get one.Times are rough for me right now but as soon as I get back on me feet, And hopefully soon I will buy the used one. Hope everyone else gets what I did out of this book. Thank you so much Charity Castleberry

Everything you need to raise polite, nice, well-mannered kids (works for pets, too!) is in this book. It's not rocket science, but you DO need to be consistent, firm, and rational. It might be easy to dismiss the content based on the humorous presentation, but this book will solve (and prevent!) your child(ren)'s behavioral and discipline issues.

PLEASE REPUBLISH THIS TITLE! We loaned ours out and it is gone. We want to give this book to all our friends with kids, but can't and now we can't lend it.

This is a light hearted book about the very serious job of parenting. Sound simple advice that works! I am anxious for this book to be re-printed. I used it with my now 14 year son an would love an updated version to use with my 18 month old twins. I would definately give this book as a gift at baby showers or to those parents that are having difficult times with their children. So please, please, please give us more of PURRFECT PARENTING!!!

A wonderful, easy read for Peter Egan fans and a must read for "car people". However, since I grew up in Northeastern Wisconsin, spent many days at road Amwerica,and lived in Madison for many years, my review of this book is not exactly impartial. I know of the places in the area Peter writes about in this book. Consequently, I am a devoted fan of his columns and features. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Fantastic book! Egan is one of my favorites and this book doesn't disappoint.

I cannot review this item. The incorrect item was ordered and returned to
seller. The return went very smoothly with no snags or complications at all.

I was well pleased with the way transaction was handled, although, I thought
the freight charges were rather high on an item that weighed as little as
this one.

R.Brown

Somehow, Egan talks about things I have also done or thought about, and uses just the right words to describe them...Amazing. Like the others in the series, these are repeats from Road and Track. Even though I have read most of them before, that does not diminish the joy I feel in reading them again (and again!).

This is one cool book by a very witty writer who digs mostly vintage English cars. If you're in to British cars, or any cars for that matter, you should read it. Peter Egan is wonderful.

YeeHaw! Well, this book is just plain entertaining to read, not to mention full of little tricks that get more engine HP within any given set of racing "rules".

What I like best about Smokey is his attitude about the race itself, and about the rulebook.

"If it aint written in the rules, then I figure it must be legal."

That phrase encapsulates much of Smokey's life and adventures in stock car racing, engine building and racing in general. You gotta love his enginuity (typo on purpose).

If you want to get a better feel for what it really takes to build winning race cars, this book is for you!

Warning, not for the faint of heart!

Gene

My nieghbor races a stock car and Smokey is his idol. If you want to learn so hot rod tricks from an icon get this book.

I bought this book for a friend on mine for christmas this past year. He absolutely loved it. It'a imformative and actually keeps you interested which is a change from most how to books.

Smokey Yunick was a legend in the USA and this book shows why.For those interested in modifications to any engine this book will please most people.There's a lot of information in this book and its good value too.Definitely a must have book.

Smokey Yunick's Power Secrets was a very informative read about a true legend of the United States. It has helped me to modify smaller applications due to my low funds. I have built the best that I can with the money that I have, and I feel proud to carry down the legacy. I learned alot about my passion in this book and I liked it alot.

Luke Lundy, 9A, 4th period

This book is a must have for those self-made mechanics who loves and care your VW Fox. Detailed instructions, illustrated with the factory service manual diagrams.

This service manual is THE one for you who owns a Volkswagen Fox. It has a lot of detailed drawing and technical specifications... It worths every cent!!!!

I haven't gotten into the more detailed aspects of auto repair, but the Bentley manual is very very good to say the least. At times, the illustrations can be a little difficult, but it's much easier once you compare it with the car and know what you're looking at. This manual covers damn near anything you could ever think to do to a VW Fox, and has been a big help so far.

Bentley Publishing auto repair manuals are far more detailed and complete than competing manuals on just about any vehicle, and this release is no exception. An absolute must for any aspiring self-mechanic, this manual is a required reference for most internet forums on maintenance and modification on the Fox. Often the first reply to any question on such a forum will be, "Look it up in your Bentley..."

It has it all, don't buy any other manual, if you own a fox, this is the one you want. It helps the do-it-yourselfer become a do-it-righter.

I am an avid American bus fan and model bus collector and have almost every book written on American buses from the last 10-15 years (since the 1990s), started off by the Iconografix series of "photo archives" that a great man in the bus industry and bus enthusiast circles, Mr. William "Bill" Luke started.

I want to say that this GMC New Look book is definitely a must have for any transit bus fan. Its is by far the most accurate and complete history of the most famous and prolific American transit bus ever. I believe even today, 2008, when most people think of a transit bus, this funny looking bus, nicknamed the "fishbowl" for its windshield shape, comes to mind. Mr. John McKane did an excellent job chronicling every stage of its development. The written history he gives is just as important as the fabulous picture. I appreciate the Iconografix "Enthusiast's Reference" series of books more than the "Photo archives" series of books for the reason that the former is more indepth and with more written word/history than the latter, which is mostly just pictures w/ small captions. Again, we lost a great bus fan author w/ the passing of Mr. McKane and I am glad if he was able to produce his "Opus" (i.e. this book) and past valuable information to generations of bus fans with this book.

This book is a highly interesting overview of the New Look "Fishbowl" bus that was so ubiquitous in American cities from the 60's until the early 90'. All four 'Generations' of the New Look bus are documented, along with sub-classes and unusual variations built for specific transit agencies. I never knew there was a steam-powered New Look, or one built with doors on both sides! The extra 25 pages in color are definitely a nice touch! The book also gives the reader a history of the New Look's predecessors, its competition (like the New-Look Mack!) as well as touching upon the RTS which spelled the demise of the American-built New Look version.

If anything, it would have been nice to know if any New Looks were built for export - like the way EMD had foreign versions of its locomotives. The only example documented in the book is demonstrator 001, which was later sold to Mexico. I also remember reading a number of years ago an article about a New Look that was modified and sold to an Israeli operator. And while I'm at it, perhaps there should have been mention of one city leasing New Looks to other cities. Washington's WMATA leased about 100 buses to the NYCTA during the withdrawal of all 800+ Grumman 870 buses in 1980.

In any case, this is a great book that will interest any bus fan, especially those interested in those fabulous Fishbowls.

This has quickly become my favorite bus book. The historical aspects of the development of the New Look bus and its place in North American transit history are fascinating to read, but just as fun are the various notes about spotting differences between each 'generation' during the coach's 27-year production run that appealed to the enthusiast in me. The authors also did a very nice job covering the various oddball New Looks built over the years such as the 30-foot shorties, the 60-foot articulated buses built for several Canadian operators and the single order of trolley buses built for Edmonton. The modernization of the New Look by GM-Canada into the 'Classic' in the 1980's is also covered and a brief history of this successor bus is also provided.

Photo reproduction is excellent throughout this book. It's not just a collection of three-quarter roster shots, either - photos are also included of buses in production, interior views, close-ups of details, etc. The volume concludes with 24 pages of color photos showing every generation of New Look buses from 1959 to 1986 and a few Classics to boot.

'Welcome Aboard the GM New Look Bus' was long, long overdue. I've read that John McKane originally wanted to do a full history of this bus when he wrote the original 'The General Motors New Look Bus Photo Archive' in 1999 but was unable to get it published at the time. It was clearly a labor of love for Mr. McKane and we are very fortunate that he was able to write this before his passing. I hope that others will be able to pick up where he left off and chronicle other North American bus models in a similar fashion.

A well researched high quality work on this important part of the American Transportation scene for 30 years. Now we need a companion volume on the Yellow/GM "old Look" buses.

This book has great photos as well as very interesting history of the New Look bus, the pictures are very well done, and do the subject good.
I would and do recommend this book very highly

An excellent resource for the new car buyer, this book allows one to flip a page and compare virtually all makes and models of cars, minivans, and SUV's prior to purchase (excluding pickup trucks). Each vehicle is reviewed individually and the dealer invoice is included for all trims, including options! Considering the price, this book can easily provide a hundred-fold return on investment.

An excellent resource for the new car buyer, this book allows one to flip a page and compare virtually all makes and models of cars, minivans, and SUV's prior to purchase (excluding pickup trucks). Each vehicle is reviewed individually and the dealer invoice is included for all trims, including options! Considering the price, this book can easily provide a hundred-fold return on investment.

An excellent resource for the new car buyer, this book allows one to flip a page and compare virtually all makes and models of cars, minivans, and SUV's prior to purchase (excluding pickup trucks). Each vehicle is reviewed individually and the dealer invoice is included for all trims, including options! Considering the price, this book can easily provide a hundred-fold return on investment.

An excellent resource for the new car buyer, this book allows one to flip a page and compare virtually all makes and models of cars, minivans, and SUV's prior to purchase (excluding pickup trucks). Each vehicle is reviewed individually and the dealer invoice is included for all trims, including options! Considering the price, this book can easily provide a hundred-fold return on investment.

I have been using the Consumer Digest guide for new cars in negotiating with the dealer for every new car I've purchased over the past 15 years. I'm convinced it has helped me save hundreds of dollars on each car I've bought.

The Consumer Digest guide includes important information that you won't find in the Consumer Reports or Edmunds guides. First, it includes the REAL dealer invoice price, as well as the MSRP, for the car and for each individual option. (The "real" invoice is lower than the so-called invoice price that the dealer will show you, since the dealer's invoice does not subtract the hold-backs). That information is a key tool that I've repeatedly used successfully in negotiations. Also, Consumer Digest more systematically and comprehensively lists the specs and features included in all of the various trim lines of each make and model (e.g., in the 'DX', 'LX', and 'EX' lines of the Accord model), and the options that can be added to each, facilitating the buyer's comparison of the various makes and models before having to visit a lot of showrooms. This saves much time and gives the buyer a better-informed and stronger negotiating position.

Unfortunately, I cannot find the Consumer Digest new car guide for 2006 (or 2007). If Consumer Digest has stopped publishing this valuable book, that is really sad. I wonder if manufacturers are no longer cooperating in providing car specs and invoice data because too many dealers have complained about buyers using this book during negotiations.

I can't stress how much I value the reviews on Amazon, which is why I write them. Here's a case in point: I wanted to send my 14 year old nephew something fun while he was away this Summer, and I knew he loved cars. By relying on the reviews, I chose this book and he loved it.
I may not always agree with other reviewers, but their insights and opinions help me make better choices. What really amazes me is that Amazon will print the negative ones.

Lots of great vintage art from ads and brochures. Well designed, easy to navigate. It's a beautiful little book but i just wish it were larger since it is only about 5 inches tall.

5 JUNE 2008.
IF I HAD SEEN THIS BOOK FIRST HAND WITH THE LITHOGRAPH ILLUSTRATIONS, FROM MANUFACTUREERS SALES BROSHURES, VICE REAL PICTURES, I WOULD NOT HAVE ACQUIRED IT.

If you love old cars, this is a must have. Almost all of the cars are shown in color. It is a world that is gone, but the pages bring back memories of very large, colorful cars. The price of gas was not a problem. The air conditioning was the wind in your face. The seats of the car were as large as your mother's divan. What memories...

This book is well-produced in a very easy-to-read format. If you're looking for in-depth details you won't find them. But if you want a picture of life in the 1950s this book is for you. Each brand of car is presented alphabetically by name and then year-by-year. The color, quality of paper and the printing process are all first-rate. You'll also learn about the independent makes that didn't survive the decade like Hudson, Packard and Willys. I recall visiting our local Ford dealer in the 1950s as a small boy and collecting the brochures for each model. I would study them for hours. You could not help but be impressed with with each company's self-promotion on how good their make of car was. This book condenses the highlights of all of those old brochures and helps convey the message of how great the '50s truly were.