Special Cars: Illustrated History Books & Guides

A-Z of European Coachbuilders, 1919-2000

Coachbuilding is a subject of great fascination for many automotive enthusiasts, even though the golden age of individually coachbuilt bodies is now long in the past.

From ACB of Paris (1934-91) to Zschau of Leipzig (1878-1939), by way of great names like Ghia, Erdmann & Rossi, Kellner, Pininfarina, Saoutchik and Zagato, this is an alphabetical reference guide to the major coachbuilders of western continental Europe - Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland.

Pages of the book "A-Z of European Coachbuilders, 1919-2000"

The A-Z entries provide details of the history, activities and specialities of each coachbuilder, including the marques they bodied, while the book's broad time span encompasses both the great era of hand-crafted bodies and the more recent field of conversions and special bodywork. More than 450 illustrations are included, tracing the evolution of car body design though most of the twentieth century

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Author:	James Taylor
Details:	240 pages, 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.87 in (28.5 x 22 x 2.2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	450 b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2017)
ISBN:	9781906133788

The A-Z of Three-wheelers - A Definitive Reference Guide Since 1769 (Nostalgia Road)

Love them or loathe them the 3-wheeler, Cycle-car or even Tri-car, has had an important impact in the development of the present day motor car. From the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution to the Concept cars of the future, these vehicles can hold their headlamps up with pride. They were present at the birth of motoring and possibly may be the answer to the future with the constant depletion of the Earth's energy resources.
The first self-propelled vehicle in the world was a steam powered 3-wheeler developed by Frenchman Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot in 1769 with, over a century later in 1885, a Benz 3-wheeler being the first recognised machine to be powered by a gasoline engine.

From pioneering machines such as John Knight's 1896 Petroleum Tricycle and Nazi scientist Count S. von Teleki's WWII Bubble Puppy to the modern sporting vehicles of Razor Cars and the iconic Morgan 3 wheeler, this fascinating chronicle covers over 1000 models from more than 450 manufacturers.
Vehicles from such varied manufacturers as Allard Clipper, Brütsch, Heinkel, Singer and Zundapp, combine with the innovative 1933 Dymaxion built streamlined 3-wheeler, Daihatsu delivery trucks, the 1938 USA built Trimobile and Reliant's much-loved Robin to bring to light the story of hundreds of remarkable 3-wheeled vehicles.

Organised by manufacturer including full details of all models and over 470 photographs, together with an introduction by Charles Morgan of the Morgan Motor Company, The A-Z of Three-Wheelers is a comprehensive guide to this classic mode of transport.

Product details

Author:	Elvis Payne
Details:	304 pages, 10 x 9.8 x 0.87 in (25.5 x 25 x 2.2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	470 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Crecy Publishing (GB, 2013)
Series:	Nostalgia Road
ISBN:	9781908347169

The Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile: Coachbuilding

This reference work on the automobile should be of interest to all car enthusiasts. This volume explores the art of coachbuilding, paying tribute to the skills and traditions of the coachbuilder. It follows the art of coachbuilding from its roots in the late 19th century, through to the 1950s.

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Author:	Nick Georgano
Details:	424 pages, 11 x 8.5 x 1.34 in (28 x 21.5 x 3.4 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	extensively illustrated
Language:	English
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis Ltd (GB, 2001)
ISBN:	9781579583675

The Straight Eight Engine - Powering the Premium Automobiles

This is the first book specifically about automobiles with straight eight engines that have become amongst the most sought-after, collectible, and valuable vehicles of all time. In Britain and Europe, the straight eight was always a rare, expensive car, but in the United States, the engine also found its way into the mainstream 'midrange' market in basic side-valve form.

First appearing in a road car in the 1920s, the engine grew quickly in popularity, and flourished throughout the 1930s and the early 1940s, but by the 1950s only a small handful were available, including some Packards, Pontiacs and Daimlers, as well as the exclusive Rolls-Royce Phantom IV. New straight eights will almost certainly never again be seen on the road, replaced today by the V8 engines.

Within these pages is a comprehensive survey of the different cars that were produced and the variations in the many styles of engines. Each model is illustrated with contemporary and period photographs.

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Author:	Keith Ray
Details:	404 pages, 8.7 x 11.4 x 1.3 in (22 x 29 x 3.3 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	479 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Dalton Watson Fine Books (USA, 2020)
ISBN:	9781854433060

Three-Wheelers A-Z - The definitive encyclopaedia of three-wheeled vehicles from 1940 to date

This essential A-Z reference book profiles every single three-wheeled vehicle - no fewer than 1,122 different types - with over 1,600 illustrations, many of them never seen before in print.
The fascinating story of a hugely diverse branch of the motoring world details a whole myriad of captivating and unusual three-wheelers, including:
- Trikes, bubble cars, microcars, tuk tuks
- High performance trikes, exotics & prototypes
- Kit cars, flying cars, amphibious cars
- Cabin scooters, invalid carriages.

Product details

Author:	Chris Rees
Details:	240 pages, 11.8 x 8.7 x 0.87 in (30 x 22 x 2.2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	1600+ b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Quiller Print (GB, 2014)
ISBN:	9780992665104

Supercars, le culte de la performance (Autofocus)

A true synthesis of aesthetics, refinement and high performance, supercars have represented the elite of automobile production for decades. For generalist manufacturers, but also other brands from competition, the race for performance has never been so complicated and therefore exciting.

This book features the latest generation of cars. Some have the main objective of making the rev counter needle go crazy. Others tackle the lap times.
The best combine pure performance and unique driving pleasure thanks to naturally aspirated engines and manual gearboxes. In any case, they all have their own interest and each one is intended to make you dream.

Product details

Author:	Arnaud Taquet
Details:	160 pages, 11.4 x 9 in (29 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	300 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2018)
Series:	Autofocus
ISBN:	9791028302801

Décapotables (Vitesse)

In this book, Dennis Adler introduces us to over 50 American, English, German, Italian, French and Japanese convertibles through a collection of superb colour photographs, including full technical specifications and production figures, as well as historical facts and anecdotes about each model.
He places particular emphasis on their innovations in styling, performance, interiors, engines, etc.

Dennis Adler takes us to the heart of the original style of the automobile in its purest form. Why original? Because, Adler explains, "in the beginning, there were only convertibles and cabriolets."

Product details

Author:	Dennis Adler
Details:	240 pages, 8.25 x 6.5 in (21 x 16.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	many b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2013)
Series:	Vitesse
ISBN:	9782726897409

Supercar Revolution

You know the brands Ferrari, Lamborghini, Jaguar, McLaren, Aston Martin, Maserati, Bugatti, Porsche and Pagani.
From 0 to 100 km/h in a flash. Over 320 km/h. Visceral and sophisticated. Supercars are redefining the realm of possibilities in the automotive world.

Pages of the book "Supercar Revolution"

Supercar Revolution showcases the fastest supercars on the planet, from the origins of the species - Lamborghini Miura and Ferrari Daytona - to the most modern iterations, like the Bugatti Chiron, Pagani Huayra and Porsche 918.

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Author:	John Lamm
Details:	240 pages, 8.5 x 11 in (21.5 x 28 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	220 color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2019)
ISBN:	9791028303693

Superlights, de la piste à la route (Autofocus)

"Light is right". This recipe from Colin Chapman has been taken up over time by all car manufacturers wishing to design a model dedicated to the pleasure of driving.

This book deals with machines approved for the road but intended for the pleasure of driving, rather on the circuit. They thus allow passionate amateurs to join the track by road, or even to have fun at leisure at the wheel of their machine on our road network in complete legality.

The choice of the authors, assumed in all subjectivity, takes you through exclusive original photographs of quality, from the famous "Seven", now Caterham, to the prestigious and elitist McLaren P1.

"Adding power makes you faster in a straight line. Removing weight makes you faster everywhere", this will be the final word, signed once again by Colin Chapman. It sums up the spirit of this fascinating book, a true tribute to the know-how of these automotive wizards.

Summary of models:
- Alfa-Romeo 4C
- Ariel Atom
- Caterham 485S
- Ktm X-Bow
- Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superlegger
- Lotus Exige S Type
- McLaren MSO P1
- Mini Cooper JCW GP II
- Morgan ThreeWheeler
- Porsche 997 GT3RS Mk II
- Radical SR3SL.

Product details

Author:	Philippe Taquet, Arnaud Taquet
Details:	160 pages, 11.4 x 9 in (29 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	300 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2015)
Series:	Autofocus
ISBN:	9791028300685

Tricycles, Quadricycles and Light Cars 1894-1907 - A Forgotten History

This book illustrates with rare, vintage photographs the birth of three- and four-wheeled internal combustion, steam, and electric motor vehicles from the years 1894-1907. These superb quality images depict the large and unusual variety of vehicles in the United States, France, England, Germany, Austria and Italy.
The book shows in detail the vehicles, people and the spirit of the era, and also reveals a period in history full of genius ideas, brave bikers and a romanticism long gone. English, German, and Italian text.

Product details

Author:	Aldo Carrer
Details:	176 pages, 12 x 9.1 in (30.5 x 23 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	300 photos
Language:	German
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2013)
ISBN:	9780764343476