Automotive Books

I still want the DVD of this exceptional show made and released!! I have been trying to acquire it for years!!!!! The book is complemented most fully by the show. One can only hope......

"America on Wheels: The First 100 Years: 1896-1996" is my favorite automobile book, and also is the companion to the PBS special. Skillfully written by Frank Coffey and Joseph Layden, it has the most beautiful, full color photographs in a single work that I have seen in the last 12 months of my research. From the early days of the automobile in the 1890's and prior to 1996 and beyond, it adeptly covers automotive development decade-by-decade.

The wonderful hardcover version is large, 8-1/2" x 11", covering 11 chapters over three parts. Part I, "Driving Force" solidly reveals the growth of the automobile from the horseless carriage up through Chapter 4, "Labor Pains," which narrates the beginning and early history of automobile labor unions. At first, both sides were bitterly opposed. Fighting occurred. Bloodied and bruised, the workers and the unions gradually united and worked out their differences--for the time being. After all, World War II was approaching. "Social Mobility," Part II, starts at Chapter 5, "The War Machine" and describes how automobile production all but ceased after Pearl Harbor. Automobile manufacturing became manufacturing for vehicles of war. Chapter 6, "The Post War Room" and Chapter 7, "The Open Road" take you through this difficult and trying period so well with the photographs that you can almost smell the factory smoke and rubber tires, and hear the wrenches clinking. Part III, "Car Wars" details the post-war priorities of Detroit: retool the factories, design new automobile bodies--with chrome and fins--and develop new engines and conveniences to welcome the new age of freedom.

Without a doubt, this is the best and most complete source of information about automotive development in America. It is a virtual pool of American Culture, brimming with helpful anecdotes and interviews of personalities who were there as they happened. I cannot imagine anyone interested in Americana or cars in general who would not be fascinated and impressed by this monumental and definitive pictorial of automobility. "America on Wheels" should be required reading by all students of sociology and American History, or for anyone who appreciates the art of quality bookmaking. It is well worth the money, a book you'll want to keep as long as you live. Inset quotes in old-time black and white frames are the chocolate syrup on the ice cream. In this sense, you'll eat it up! Highly recommended for all readers over 8 (exceptional reading level). Buy it today!

This book, the companion to the 1996 PBS series of the same name, gives a straightfoward accounting of the evolution of the automobile in this country. From the first baby steps of the Duryea Auto Wagon to the giant tracks of the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee, America on Wheels chronicles America's tempestuous love affair with their cars and the effects on US society. Everything from mating rituals to education to commerce have been affected by the advent of the auto and the authors chronologically link all together in an easy to understand but not oversimplistic text. If you liked your father's Oldsmobile or your own Mustang, read America On Wheels. - Leila Dunbar, Writer, Mobilia.com

I truly love all kinds of big trucks, but auto carriers never fail to stop me in my tracks wherever I may be. Dick Copello really has hit a tape-measure home run with this book. He does an outstanding job blending a highly-readable text with stunning photos. My sincere recommendation is that if you are a truck fan, you won't be able to put this one down. It will be one of your all-time favorites; I know that it's one of mine!

THIS BOOK IS EXCELLENT! ITS A MUST HAVE FOR ANYONE WHOSE IN THE AUTOMOBILE TRANSPORT BUSINESS.I MYSELF HAUL CARS OUT OF THE NIAGARA FALLS N.Y. AREA FOR LEASEWAY.THIS BOOK TELLS ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE AUTO TRANSPORTATION BUSSINESS AND SHOWS GREAT PICTURES OF CAR CARRIERS FROM THE 20S ALL THE WAY THOUGH THE 90S. I RECOMMENDED THIS BOOK TO ALL THE OTHER DRIVERS I WORK WITH AND THEY WILL BE ORDERING THIS BOOK. ITS DEFFINANTLY A MUST HAVE!

THIS BOOK IS EXCELLENT! ITS A MUST HAVE FOR ANYONE WHOSE IN THE AUTOMOBILE TRANSPORT BUSINESS.I MYSELF HAUL CARS OUT OF THE NIAGARA FALLS N.Y. AREA FOR LEASEWAY.THIS BOOK TELLS ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE AUTO TRANSPORTATION BUSSINESS AND SHOWS GREAT PICTURES OF CAR CARRIERS FROM THE 20S ALL THE WAY THOUGH THE 90S. I RECOMMENDED THIS BOOK TO ALL THE OTHER DRIVERS I WORK WITH AND THEY WILL BE ORDERING THIS BOOK. ITS DEFFINANTLY A MUST HAVE!

I am a muscle car lover through and through and this book has all the info a true muscle car guru could ever hope to find. The pictures are well done and I liked the overall style of the book. I hope to find more like it using amazon.com!

This is a great book in the category of muscle-cars and one of the best offered by Amazon.com,however its not recommended for todays youth who werent around when these great cars ruled the roads.To enjoy this book,you need to be at least in your mid to late thirties.This book is not intended for todays teens or early twenties,theyre only permitted to enthuse about todays cars.

This is a great book for the muscle-car lover.Its comprehensive,offers accurate and complete technical specs and great photos of some of the hottest american cars ever produced.This book is recommended only for men 45 years old or older,its not appropriate for these young guys that werent even around when these cars were conceived and built!

This book is a beautiful. You do not have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy this book, where art and beauty come together in a well-detailed book. An excellent edition to any coffee table collection.

The author does it again! This time he captures 50 of the best sportscars with purpose made photography, done especially for the book, and writes simple but very informative text so everyone can relive the best of the best.
Bravo!

This is a great book of historical sports cars, with lots of information and beautiful pictures. This is a neat reference and a great coffee table book, very informative and very very classy too! I really recommend this for a car person, of just someone who loves the history or simply the art of beautiful cars.

Sam Kochel: STi driver

Been waiting for Bentley to release this BMW Service Manual for the E38 Seven Series BMW ever since we purchased our 2001 740iL BMW. It's highly recommended and extremely useful to all E38 BMW owners. 1000 + pages of excellent photos and how too's for the car.
Don't be without it. Be informed and knowledgeable before you discuss any repairs to your car with your Dealer or mechanic.

An excellent in depth manual, comprehensive, informative, well explained especially with electrical circuits etc which seems to be my main maintenance concern.

Saved me lots of headaches and money!

Great place to start for BMW enthusiasts!

This book is about the true pioneers of automotive photography.These guys developed the craft from Detroit. Their artistry and discovery are incredible.The images are the finest in the world and set the stage for future automotive imagery.RJMDRIVE.

I recently rediscovered this book, after buying it originally several years ago. I'm into cars more than photography. I absolutely love the many clear and interesting photos of lovely old cars. From the 50's to the 80's, with the bulk in the 60's. Great book if you like old cars or old car ads.

Ever wonder how automobiles get that perfect look each time in automobile advertisements? This book shows the history of the predominant leader in this specific photography assignment, Boulevard Photographic. Well written with focus on techniques and personal experiences by the men who created this photographic field.

The book gives you the basics and the info to get you out there and going. It also gives you ideas on improving and taking the next step.

If you are interested in Drag Racing, particularly Bracket Racing, this is a Great book to read. Well organized, this book is a valuable resource for the "basics" of Drag Racing as well as some more advanced issues such as various electronics used in this sport, throttle stops, line locks, etc.

This book is well illustrated and logically organized. You can read it front to back, or just use it as a reference tool for any specific part of Drag Racing you are interested in learning more about.

Even though this book is already a few years old in print, it still provides accurate fundamentals which have remained virtually unchanged in this sport for 25 years or more.

If you are looking for a technical manual on 4 link geometry, look elsewhere. If you want to further your basic knowledge, read this book. I wish that high school auto shops would include this book in their class as a study guide. The future of our sport, or any sport for that matter, depends upon new players. Many "first time" racers have shared their stories with me about their desire to participate in the sport of Drag Racing, but they were reluctant to approach any current racers they don't personally know for help and advice on getting started. This book answers many of the basic questions about bracket racing / drag racing as well as serving as a valuable guide for racers with experience in the sport.

If this book were used in Auto Shop classes, the number of racers would increase. Knowledge is power, and power supports confidence. Knowing the fundamentals about drag racing and helping any "rookie" avoid embarassment for trying this sport can be accomplished by reading this book

Just when we think we know it all about any topic, a book well written about the fundamentals of the topic teaches us some more. This is that book.

This book has numerous tips for every bracket racer out there! From building your race car to dialing it in. There are also many strategy tips for the beginner or seasoned veteren. This book has it all to help you from the gate to the finish line.

I received the book promptly and it was like brand new.
Thank you.

The Brake Handbook by Fred Puhn is the bible of brake systems. Everything you ever wanted to know about braking theory, practical applications, cylinder size calculations and brake fluids is there.

The book covers both drum and disc brakes as well as single and dual brake systems. It is well recommended for both professional and shade-tree mechanics who want to know how brakes work and what to do to make them work better.

If you want to really understand how brake systems work. Improve your existing brakes, or convert from drum to disc. Read this book first. Fred Puhn conveys loads of info on how these systems work. From basic hydraulics, to how brake boosters work, calipers, pads, rotors, drums. The whole works!

A great book for boaters of all types (sail & power) Make your baby shine with the tips in this easy to carry volume. I also have the larger version of Brightwork by the same author. It contains the same information but this compact version fits into your ditty bag and a handy quick reference at the marina.

Excellent step by step. Don't start your project with out this book!

I have owned the Brightwork book for many years and always find myself checking back with it when I do a project. I bought this book as an update for the original but have found it invaluable as an adjunct to the original text. This is the perfect reference to have aboard or in the shop with you while you are doing the project. It effectivly updates the original text in a couple of critical areas and I highly recommend it. Thanks to these two books, no one need fear varnishing again! It is gospel!

Liked the book so much, I bought it as a gift for a "car guy" at work. He loved it too, sparking internet auction purchases... Great title, the author's enthusiasm for these great collectibles is readily apparent.

Brightwork is the best and definitive reference on American brightwork. The photography is a joy to behold, and the spare but elegant layout focusses your attention on the pieces.

Most of the pieces are beautifully restored, and all are lovingly mounted. The few in the rough pieces look like they could tell a story.

Oh, wow!. Just incredible! Page after page of dazzling chrome car ornaments and Ken Steacy has 'em all. His collection has the best an exuberant Detroit could offer through the mid thirties to the late fifties.

Page 27 shows the famous pin-up artist George Petty working on a 1949 Nash ornament, possibly the only one in the world that had the artist's name stamped on it, page 41 has a 1935 Hupmobile hood rocket ship straight out of a Buck Rogers comic and pages 64-65 with four futuristic rocket designs for a fifties Oldsmobile.

Not only hood ornaments but horn buttons, emblems and my favourite section 'Scripts' with its Ultramatic, Futuramic, Dynaflow and Super DeLuxe, in bright chrome cursive-bold-italic typography.

All of the images just jump of the page thanks to the lovely photos taken by Rob d'Estrube and the layouts by Ken Steacy. I doubt there is a better book of Detroit's brightwork.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.