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drakkie
06-15-2007, 06:50 AM
I'm sure most of you read some kind of literature about cars. So what is your favorite one ? With which can you really forget time and dig into something...

For me it is either the AMT magazine (Auto, Motor& techniek) or the German Vieweg Handbuch Fahrzeugtechnik... I both love them, the AMT because it provides so much info and not just the stupid stuff presented in every other car magazine.. The Vieweg one is a very thick one. I can basically find everything abou a car in there, including technical stuff, drawings, explanations and technical design guidelines. Basically everything im interested in :)

Curious to see your guy's choice !

Cyco
06-15-2007, 07:34 AM
As to books I love Ferrari Formula 1 (http://www.amazon.com/Ferrari-Formula-Under-Championship-Winning-F1-2000/dp/0768013410/ref=sr_1_4/103-4727278-7978208?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181917773&sr=1-4), The V12 Engine (http://www.amazon.com/V12-Engine-Technology-Evolution-Performance/dp/1844250040/ref=sr_1_2/103-4727278-7978208?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181917914&sr=1-2) and how could any fanboy ignore Aston Martin (http://www.amazon.com/Aston-Martin-Hartmut-Lehbrink/dp/3833110589/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/103-4727278-7978208?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181918005&sr=1-2) and Aston Martin: A Racing History (http://www.amazon.com/Aston-Martin-History-Anthony-Pritchard/dp/1844252418/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/103-4727278-7978208?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181918005&sr=1-3)

For mags I tend to get EVO and Racecar Engineering

jediali
06-15-2007, 07:43 AM
all you need to know:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Advanced-Engine-Technology-Heinz-Heisler/dp/0340568224/ref=sr_1_1/202-2418914-9505453?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181918527&sr=8-1
and to accompany it, more indepth look at gas flow etc:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Engines-Introduction-John-L-Lumley/dp/0521644895/ref=sr_1_8/202-2418914-9505453?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181918600&sr=8-8

McReis
06-15-2007, 09:39 AM
I've read this one (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rally-Cars-Reinhard-Klein/dp/3829046251/ref=pd_bowtega_2/203-4443767-9906358?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181925437&sr=1-2)from 1st to last page.
Amazing book with an incredible amount of info and fantastic pics from the great Richard Klein.
I bought it for 30€. Check how much they are asking there.

Ferrer
06-15-2007, 09:44 AM
I've read this one (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rally-Cars-Reinhard-Klein/dp/3829046251/ref=pd_bowtega_2/203-4443767-9906358?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181925437&sr=1-2)from 1st to last page.
Amazing book with an incredible amount of info and fantastic pics from the great Reinhard Klein.
I bought it for 30€. Check how much they are asking there.
I have it too and it's brilliant. I also have "Rally" from the same autor.

Knuto
06-15-2007, 01:43 PM
As to books I love Ferrari Formula 1 (http://www.amazon.com/Ferrari-Formula-Under-Championship-Winning-F1-2000/dp/0768013410/ref=sr_1_4/103-4727278-7978208?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181917773&sr=1-4), The V12 Engine (http://www.amazon.com/V12-Engine-Technology-Evolution-Performance/dp/1844250040/ref=sr_1_2/103-4727278-7978208?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181917914&sr=1-2) and how could any fanboy ignore Aston Martin (http://www.amazon.com/Aston-Martin-Hartmut-Lehbrink/dp/3833110589/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/103-4727278-7978208?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181918005&sr=1-2) and Aston Martin: A Racing History (http://www.amazon.com/Aston-Martin-History-Anthony-Pritchard/dp/1844252418/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/103-4727278-7978208?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181918005&sr=1-3)

For mags I tend to get EVO and Racecar Engineering

I've just read half the V12 book. Amazing! I'm finally a sucker for twelves. Also the Classic Racing engines by the same author, Karl ludvigsen was really good. Many fantastic engines.

EVO and RE is also the magazines i tend to read!:)


all you need to know:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Advanced-Eng...1918527&sr=8-1

Read that earlier this year. Quite a good read, but i also like this alot:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Science-Technology-Materials-Automotive-Engines/dp/1855737426/ref=sr_1_4/026-5154028-3462811?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181940111&sr=1-4

motorsportnerd
06-16-2007, 01:11 AM
I have it too and it's brilliant. I also have "Rally" from the same autor.

Likewise - I've got it as well. It is brilliant. Also good to see that its worth considerably more than what I paid for it if the 300 pounds used copies are selling for on Amazon is any guide.

henk4
06-16-2007, 02:43 AM
this is a difficult subject. It totally depends on the category you are looking for. It looks to me that "Rallye" is a general subject, but "Alfa Romeo 8C2900" very specific. Both books command premium prices at Ebay, but can anybody say what is the best?

Ferrer
06-16-2007, 03:07 AM
this is a difficult subject. It totally depends on the category you are looking for. It looks to me that "Rallye" is a general subject, but "Alfa Romeo 8C2900" very specific. Both books command premium prices at Ebay, but can anybody say what is the best?
For me it would have to be both, because as a car enthusiast I'd like to have a bibliography as big as possible. Therefore I'd want both, because they cover different subjects.

henk4
06-16-2007, 03:47 AM
For me it would have to be both, because as a car enthusiast I'd like to have a bibliography as big as possible. Therefore I'd want both, because they cover different subjects.

this is not about what you want, but what is best.....

Ferrer
06-16-2007, 04:03 AM
this is not about what you want, but what is best.....
Best depends on personal preference, so it will be almost impossible to come to a valid conclusion.

henk4
06-16-2007, 04:05 AM
Best depends on personal preference, so it will be almost impossible to come to a valid conclusion.

read the first sentence of my first post in this thread:)

Ferrer
06-16-2007, 04:07 AM
read the first sentence of my first post in this thread:)
Then the thread is about what we want (like), so my original post made perfect sense... ;)

092326001
06-16-2007, 06:15 PM
not very technical but The Gold Plated Porsche is good read
much better than Snake Bite in my opinion

kingofthering
06-16-2007, 10:51 PM
The Cobra in the Barn was a pretty interesting read.

It was a book about various barn finds in various states of dissassembly, how they were discovered, and what happened to them.

cmcpokey
06-17-2007, 09:53 AM
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

not a car book. not even really a motorcycle book. not even about vehicle maintenance. but it is a great philosophical book that connects with the mind of a car/motorcycle guy.

henk4
06-17-2007, 09:56 AM
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

not a car book. not even really a motorcycle book. not even about vehicle maintenance. but it is a great philosophical book that connects with the mind of a car/motorcycle guy.

I have often seen that but never got myself to buy a copy....

cmcpokey
06-17-2007, 10:01 AM
it wasnt what i expected when i read it, but i ended up making my wife read it, and trying to convince my father to read it... im not sure if he did ever read it though.

nota
06-17-2007, 10:07 AM
Castrol Racing Drivers Manual isn't a bad read

Sauc3
06-17-2007, 06:26 PM
To cover a wide range of subjects, I've found the Automobile Year series unbeatable. I have a 1957 edition, and the pictures and information available is incredible. You can pick up more recent books for very little, the first ones can be very expensive.
For books focusing on single cars, there's really nothing that stands out as the best...
Driving Ambition (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Driving-Ambition-Official-Inside-McLaren/dp/1852278412/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/203-4511786-4055165?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182128319&sr=8-1http://www.amazon.co.uk/Driving-Ambition-Official-Inside-McLaren/dp/1852278412/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/203-4511786-4055165?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182128319&sr=8-1)
Talbot Lago (http://www.collectorscarbooks.co.uk/shop/2159.html)
Bucciali (http://www.motorbooks.co.uk/review.asp?bookid=67670)

derekthetree
06-25-2007, 01:10 PM
Motor racing - the golden age

Some truly stunning photography from when men were men and cars were Automobiles

taz_rocks_miami
06-25-2007, 01:45 PM
About 15 years ago, I bought a book by Jackie Stewart about driving / racing techniques. God I loved that book, taught me a lot. I lost it a few years ago, I don't remember the exact name of the book. Anyone know what it's called? I want to get it again.

Matra et Alpine
06-25-2007, 03:09 PM
About 15 years ago, I bought a book by Jackie Stewart about driving / racing techniques. God I loved that book, taught me a lot. I lost it a few years ago, I don't remember the exact name of the book. Anyone know what it's called? I want to get it again.
Principles of Performance Driving.

If you can't find one then I could scan mine for a dram per page :D

taz_rocks_miami
06-25-2007, 04:03 PM
Principles of Performance Driving.

If you can't find one then I could scan mine for a dram per page :D

Why am I not surprised you know the book I'm talking about but also have it Peter? :D Knowing the title I'll look for it again, if I can't find it I'll let you know. How much is a dram?

Who is the publisher BTW? Never mind: Hazleton Publishing.

Matra et Alpine
06-25-2007, 04:17 PM
if I can't find it I'll let you know. How much is a dram?
It's a variable amount -- but always of Scotch Whisky :) "a glass of whisky" :D

1/2 gill is the norm for us real men :D ( about 90ml )

taz_rocks_miami
06-25-2007, 04:21 PM
It's a variable amount -- but always of Scotch Whisky :) "a glass of whisky" :D

1/4 gill is the norm for us real men :D

Just a 1/4 gill? I'll have to teach you Scotts how to really drink. :D

Rockefella
06-25-2007, 04:27 PM
Just a 1/4 gill? I'll have to teach you Scotts how to really drink. :D

Bwahaha, he edits to 1/2. Tsk tsk Matra.

drakkie
06-26-2007, 05:29 AM
Just a 1/4 gill? I'll have to teach you Scotts how to really drink. :D

In two weeks time there is a party here. Come over and some of the farmers will really learn you drink. 25 beers is not extraordinary for them, they take it with ease :eek:

By the way, i just got a very old book from the 80's called Achter de hekken van de autosport. The text is kinda lame, but the pictures are great :) Lots of 80's F1 cars and other classes ! Lovely stuff.

Matra et Alpine
06-26-2007, 05:32 AM
Just a 1/4 gill? I'll have to teach you Scotts how to really drink. :D
damn you got in just as I realised and changed it to a "double" :)
only ONE "T" in Scots :D

acsalmeida
09-22-2008, 07:01 AM
Tourenwagen History, I am a racing cars fan.

P4g4nite
09-25-2008, 10:49 PM
I just got back from Japan and found my auntie had sent me a present she'd found in an op shop.
http://i.biblio.com/b/169m/50400169-0-m.jpg
Covers all sorts mostly grand prix and F1 from 1914 up to the early 70s...which is the best periods all done excepting group B rally..
Photos are of good quality considering the printing era (1972) and while it lacks the detailed car specs many people enjoy memorising there is enough detail to keep it from being vague and plenty of interesting stories and histories.

I'd highly recommend you part with $5 if you see it in a used book shop, a modern printing with this much to offer would ask $70.


Edit to add, The great racing cars and drivers - Charles Fox.

HANNAARAN
09-25-2008, 11:02 PM
Fascinating individual histories and striking color studio photography of the 1962 through 1967 cars in the Shelby American Collection. Includes original
street 289 Cobra, significant early racers, Dragon Snake, Gurney’s Sebring Cobra, USRRC/FIA Cobras, Ken Miles’ personal race Cobra, Daytona Coupe (4th at Le Mans), Willment Coupe, street 427, 427S/C, oldest surviving GT40, GT40 Mk.

morego
12-23-2008, 05:56 PM
i still think that the good old mags still are the best documents about cars, simply because cars are all about driving, and magazines usually focus exactly on driving.

csl177
12-24-2008, 04:36 AM
I've got that Charles Fox book, too... got it at a jumble for $2, good stuff. I also collect old Motorsport and R&T's for the reasons morego suggests. A serious library listing would run into many pages, this list is abbreviated! Books are wonderful things, offering something the www simply can't: knowledge and low-tech entertainment at leisure. It may reveal my age and sensibilities but these are all great books worth adding to your library. Guaranteed, you'll never tire of them. :)

Technical History: LJK Setright's The Grand Prix Car and Some Unusual Engines, or any of the other 9 books he wrote.
Veddy British but fun to read. Long Lane with Turnings was his last title.
Also, Excellence Was Expected and Four for the Road by Karl Ludvegsen. No disappointments in any of those.

Race History: Targa Florio by Pino Fondi, Mille Miglia: The World's Greatest Road Race by Anthony Pritchard, The Bahamas Speed Weeks by Terry O'Neil, Sebring by Ken Breslauer, and Le Mans 24 Hours by Brian Laban.

Non fiction: Piero Taruffi's The Technique of Motor Racing. Classic. Things are a little different with modern suspensions and rubber but the principles haven't changed. Still have the original copy I got as a kid racing karts. Also, everything by Denis Jenkinson.

Photography: George Monkhouse's Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Racing 1934-1955. Also Pete Lyons, Can Am Photo History and Formula 1 in Camera 1970-79 and Sportscar Racing in Camera by Paul Parker. Speed Addicts by Mark Hughes, and 1950s Motorsport in Colour by Martyn Wainwright. These are all far more than coffee-table books.

Auto-biography: The Unfair Advantage... Mark Donahue explains his and Penske's dominance during a tumultous period in motorsport. Still in print, originals sell for $200+. RIP, Mr. Donahue; unfortunately he didn't live to reveal a longer life in motorsport.

Biography: Graham Gauld, Jim Clark Remembered. Story of a true racing champion, when driving risks truly meant someone's life.

Fiction: The Last Open Road by B.S. Levy... very entertaining, and the first of a trilogy about sportscar culture in the US during the 50-60s. Montezuma's Ferrari,The Fabulous Trashwagon and Potside Companion should be on any gearhead's bookshelf. :D

Comedy: Road & Track on Henry Manney at Large and Aboard. The original and still the best motorsport correspondent, period. Without him as a model of automotive-journalist-at-large, the likes of the pikers of Top Gear wouldn't have a job. Too bad he's no longer around to show them how it's done properly. :D