Library

The new book titled Camel Trophy: The Definitive History promises to be the definitive guide to the Camel Trophy which is acknowledged to be the world’s greatest off-road adventure. […]

From the development prototype to the Geneva Motor Show star and 150mph road-test car, 9600 HP played a key role in the launch of the sensational Jaguar E-type. The latest book from Porter Press International tells the story of this unique car’s life, its intricate restoration, and the unsung hero behind its creation – Malcolm Sayer. […]

The British National Motor Museum Trust celebrated 60 years of its Reference Library with an online commemoration on April 28th, giving motoring enthusiasts a fascinating insight into one of Europe’s largest publicly accessible motor heritage libraries. […]

Rolls-Royce marks the UNESCO World Book and Copyright Day today with Making A Legend – a new book exploring how today’s generation of Rolls-Royce motor cars is designed and handcrafted at Rolls-Royce’s Global Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence in Goodwood, England. […]

Porter Press International marked its 15th anniversary in style in 2020, publishing more books than ever before and enjoying its most successful year. Far from resting on his laurels, however, founder Philip Porter is looking forward to continuing that growth. […]

Twenty-five years after its famous début victory in the 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours, the wonderful McLaren F1 GTR is the subject of this major two-volume history – McLaren F1 GTR : The Definitive History by Mark Cole and published by Porter Press. […]

There is a new book coming out from Porter Press tells the unlikely story of the world’s first production Land-Rover, chassis number 860001, a vehicle of historic significance which was hidden away in decaying condition for almost four decades. The book is titled JUE 477: The Remarkable History and Restoration of the World’s First Production Land Rover and was written by Martin Port. […]

The last small car to be designed, developed and engineered by Rover Group celebrates its 25th anniversary this month, marked by the publication of a fascinating new book telling the story of the car’s development from the people who were there at the time. […]

Classic Engines, Modern Fuel: The Problems, The Solutions by Paul Ireland brings together a collection of popular articles previously published by the author in assorted car magazines. Coming out in the UK in March and the US in April, the book is based on in-depth research carried out at Manchester University, the articles investigate how classic engines respond to modern petrol/gasoline, and the results are presented here in a way that any enthusiast can understand. One chapter ranks some brands and grades of modern petrol/gasoline, helping you choose the best type for your vehicle, while other chapters present the findings that debunk some of the myths about petrol/gasoline and engines. Real data is provided to help you tune your classic vehicle, and ensuring that it runs as it should. You will be able to experience the pleasure of driving your […]

The Great British Rally by Graham Robson is the complete history of British international rally events, starting with the very first RAC rally of 1932, which included 1000 miles of road motoring, when a mere three driving tests were needed to produce a result. By 1951 an international permit had been achieved, a speed element was included, and the ‘Rally of the Tests’ ran until 1960. From 1961, the event took on a number of high-speed, loose-surfaced Special Stages, the Scandinavian influence became clear, and the event took on a World Championship qualification in 1973. In that time, competing cars had progressed from having perhaps 50bhp to at least 300bhp, and even more high-tech machines with 500bhp and four-wheel-drive would follow.

The latest title from Porter Press takes readers behind the scenes at Aston Martin to witness the resurrection of the DB4 G.T., one of the most desirable cars ever made. Aston Martin DB4GT Continuation – History in the Making by James Page is due out this month in the UK with sales in the US shortly thereafter with a cover price of $60usd. When the Aston Martin announced in early 2017 that it would build 25 Continuation examples of this model, first made from 1959 to 1963, author James Page was granted exclusive access to key people involved in the project and to the Aston Martin Works factory where the cars took shape.

Some books in this hobby are just must-haves. MGB: The Illustrated History by Jonathan Wood and Lionel Burrell is one of those books. And frankly, most of us already have it. It seems to be the first book a person gets when they buy an MGB, sometimes even before they get a repair manual.  So why are we talking about it here? Because there is a newly expanded 4th edition, that’s why. With this new edition, Veloce Publishing has taken over the job of publisher from Haynes. Veloce is known for putting out quality books in both the content and the actual construction of the volume. I have often commented on how you can count on books coming from Veloce to have beautiful covers, high-quality paper, and excellent printing. This new edition of the MGB work is no exception.

Our friend David Townsend over at Sportscar Art pointed out the photography of Bill Pack to me, and I am blown away. If you’ve never seen Bill Pack’s automotive art you owe it to yourself to take a look at one of the most unique photographers practicing the craft. His technique of “painting with light” brings a completely fresh look to vintage and classic cars. Presently, Bill is working on publishing a curated collection of some of his finest work into a leather bound, 12″ x 12″ coffee table book—truly a must have for any car guys automotive library. Bill’s Kickstarter campaign is getting near the end (just 8 days to go) and is still a bit short of the goal. V12 Automotive Art would make a handsome gift for any car enthusiast. It’s a self-funded effort and he has about […]

A landmark new history from design journalist Nick Hull, Land Rover Design – 70 years of Success offers a detailed insight to the company’s design story, from the early days of Land Rover in Solihull to the latest generation of the Range Rover Velar in 2018. The Land Rover was born from a desperate need by the Rover Company to develop a stop-gap model to provide cash flow in the post-war years. The original aim of a simple 4×4 agricultural tool soon developed into a multi-purpose vehicle that became the mainstay of the British Army and produced numerous offshoots for the emergency services, police, forestry and aid agencies worldwide.

A historic and nostalgic look at the role of the Land Rover in the emergency services over the last 70 years. Land Rover products have been used by the emergency services almost from the moment the first model left the factory in 1948. The agility and size of these vehicles made them an immediate hit with fire services, where they initially became popular as factory fire tenders. Police forces were also attracted by the cross-country ability and versatility of Land Rovers, especially outside Britain, and, when long-wheelbase models provided extra space, they also became favorites for ambulance conversions. Some emergency-service conversions required very little adaptation and were carried out in the workshops of the end-users. Others – such as six-wheel Range Rover fire tenders – required major alterations from the factory-standard vehicle. Meanwhile, specialist companies developed dedicated ambulance and fire […]

Aston Martin achieved its greatest pre-war racing successes with the 1.5-litre Ulster model and the example carrying registration plate CMC 614 is one of the finest of the 28 surviving today. Recently restored to its 1935 Le Mans specification after more than four decades of post-war track action, CMC 614 is also the most-raced Aston of all time. Aston Martin Ulster – The remarkable history of CMC 614, the fifth title in Porter Press’ Exceptional Cars Series, tells the story of this particular car and, more broadly, Aston Martin’s first 20 years. Early Aston Martins gained credibility and prestige by participating in tough long-distance races such as the Brooklands Double-Twelve, the Le Mans 24 Hours, and the Tourist Trophy on the Ards circuit in Ulster where Aston’s 1-2-3 class success in 1934 gave this model its name. CMC 614 was built […]

Veloce Publishing has announced a new book that may be for interest to our readers, “How to Restore & Improve Classic Car Suspension, Steering & Wheels“. This comprehensive manual provides professional but easy-to-follow know-how on how to restore, improve and maintain your classic car’s suspension, steering and wheels. This book will familiarize you with the components of your car’s suspension and steering systems and their construction, it also takes a detailed look at refurbishing wheels and the choice of tires. The relevant restoration techniques are fully explained and illustrated with detailed step-by-step photography. The book is a new title in Veloce’s Enthusiast’s Restoration Manual series, and is based on articles from Europe’s leading classic car magazine OLDTIMER MARKT. The translator of this work is Julian Parish. Parish is a motoring writer and translator, and is a member of the Guild […]

Englishman David Hobbs – Hobbo to his friends and fans – is one of motor racing’s most remarkable all-rounders. In a 31-year driving career he raced in almost every imaginable category: endurance sports racers, touring cars, Formula 1, Formula 5000, Indycars, IMSA, Trans-Am, Can-Am and even NASCAR – he has done the lot. And on top of that, he has been a television commentator in America for nearly 40 years, bringing wit and wisdom to the screen most recently as part of NBC’s Formula 1 team. Now, at last, he has put down all his experiences in this highly readable memoir that will be welcomed by racing enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic. • Early racing years: from his mum’s Morris Oxford in 1959 to Jaguars and a Lotus Elite – and coming to the notice of the racing […]