Automotive Books

It is an excellent book to understand the theoretical foundations of nonlinear control systems. Although I have taken 2 graduate level courses in this subject, I have not seen such rigorous analysis in the courses. The books provides the mathematical backbone, which I missed in the courses (which jump straight from dot(x) = f(x), to designing filtered states). Key examples are provided to strengthen some ideas. Equivalents of Reachability and Observability in nonlinear systems are provided with a differential geometric perspective. This is as far as I have come in this book. I guess I will edit my review if my opinion changes further down the lane!


Warning: One needs to be very familiar with concepts of real analysis and differential topology to begin with.

This is simply the best book written on nonlinear control theory. The contents form the basis for feedback linearization techniques, nonlinear observers, sliding mode control, understanding relative degree, nonminimum phase systems, exact linearization, and a host of other topics. A careful reading of this book will provide vast rewards. A fantastic book.

Not so great for its literary value but the fact that it is a true story. The author was so influential in the development of the RR/Bristol Pegasus, RB 211 and even the RR Merlin aero engines. This is how real engineering should be. Inspirational.

An excellent book on the history of the jet engine. Told from a different perspective by an individual who was there from the beginning.

It is a good merchandise very low price. It a great opportunity to learned all those trick that can help you to fond a solution on restoration and repair project.

I own a 1973 Nova SS, and this book told me the history on my baby, along with how the Nova became famous. This book will give a beginner all the info they need to know and let the enthusiests in on a couple of secrets. I definately enjoyed this book! For any person who loves Novas will love this book!

A fantastic book for both beginning and experienced off-road drivers. Sheppard knows his stuff and he knows how to teach us. His British perspective is different from most of what you read in the US. Most of the technical information and the photos are specific to Land Rovers, but that's no reason to stay away. The lessons learned and the theory behind them apply no matter what you drive. He explains the basics like approach angles and driving gently then goes so far as telling us how to prepare for a trip across the Sahara. You will learn from this book and enjoy reading it.

This is an excellent 4wd manual. In fact, it is probably the best basic 4wd user book currently in publication. From the first look at the index on the cover flap, to the quality paper and colour pictures, you know that this book is different from most.
Tom Sheppard's technical background as a test pilot is reflected in the manner that technical aspects of 4wheeling are well covered. He explains complex issues in an easily understood manner. He covers topics ignored by many U.S. authors - items such as changing gears on-the-fly, expedition logistics, and vehicle packing & loading.
There are ample pictures and line drawings to help the reader understand the topics of discussion. My only complaint is that there is not an "Advanced Driving" sequel with more detailed explanations and analysis of the many technical aspects to 4wd systems design and equipment operation.

This book is like my secound bible, i refer to it often. Super job in reviews, pictures, graphs, and those great stats that placed Oldsmobiles in a league of there own!

$Roger

A must read for musclecar ethuiests.Also recommend that The "Generation X" crowd read, to fully appreciate what a "real car" was. The 442 W=Machines andHurst/Olds are well covered-And they were trully awsome. Just ask GTO owners.

A wonderful "read!" Very well researched; suitable for both the old road enthusiast and the casual reader. Many photos and illustrations.

Includes the history as well as the details of early auto road development, and tells the tale of the Yellowstone Trail with excellent maps and period documents.

Made me eager to "hit the road!"

On The Road To Yellowstone: The Yellowstone Trail And American Highways 1900-1930 is a unique and highly recommended contribution to American popular history which is enhanced with 276 photos, maps and documents. The focus is on the original and sometimes adventurous development of automobile access to the Yellowstone. The profusely illustrated, "reader friendly", and informative text is a fascinating exercise in specialized regional history and includes relevant federal highway legislation, as well as the creation of west coast and east coast extensions. An introduction, epilogue, and two appendices (Maps of the Yellowstone Trail, 1926 and Yellowstone Trail Road Conditions enhance this informative, meticulously presented and definitive work.

This is a great book for both beginner and expert alike. It is well written and has a wealth of information. I am new to the Allis Chalmers line of tractors and I needed to have some good information. This book met the needs. I have only had it a few days and I have read and re-read it cover to cover.
Buy this book you will not regret it.

This is one of the best and most factual books regarding the classic Allis-Chalmers tractors. It spends very little time on corporate history or the usual pretty pictures with glowing captions. Instead, it includes reproductions of actual Allis documents showing where decals were located, tables of useful facts and data, and wonderful color pictures with factual captions. Highly recommended for the orange tractor enthusiast or restorer!

This book is essential for anyone performing a restoration on or buying a DB4-6. The author is extremely knowledgable, having owned a number of Astons including some real clunkers. Not only does he know what to look for in terms of originality but his knowledge of what can go wrong makes this book a buyers guide in addition to an aid to restoration.

As usual in the "Original" serie, the author goes through every possible detail of the various cars, covering the models: DB4, GT, Zagato (including the Sanction II re-edition), DB5 and DB6, with the Convertible, Volante and Vantage variations, plus the Estate conversions and the Lagonda Rapide (? not sure about the name) which shared the same chassis with the DB serie.

The only proper definition for the book is ANAL... it is! every little aspect, down to the correct colors for the distribution wires, is covered. That's why is the DEFINITIVE guide if you intend to buy a DB and have it restored to the showroom conditions, or check if what you're about to buy is what's claimed to be.

now, if the author would kindly give me a DB4 Series I as a present for this excellent review, I'd be extremely grateful! :-)

If you can ever manage to find a copy of this book - it is well worth the time, trouble and headache of tracking it down.

It doubles as both a perfect coffee table piece and a good visual reference manual.

Though many Healey purists will argue the merits and authenticity of some of the entries, no one can deny the fact that this is one of the more essential written works about the Healey - that is a must have for owner and innocent bystander alike.

It's a great introduction in the world of the Austin-Healey.

Full of history, production details, and well done photographs, this is a book for Healey owners and Healey lovers. The author is arguably the authority on Austin Healeys. If you want just one book on Healeys, this should be it.

You should always start with the workshop manual, as a practical guide to all the technical stuff. But this is the next book if you are starting from a pile of bits. It will show you what the final result should look like. It contains many good tips, and its attention to detail is terrific. This book and the workshop manual, and a good parts catalogue (with the exploded drawings) are all you will ever need.

The perfect restorers guide. It's hard to find something about originality which isn't noted in this book. A ,must, for the purist ! With this book and a part catalogue, you are able to finish the perfect restoration.