American Cars of the 1980s


Book Description

This book describes American cars of the 1980s, such as the Chevrolet Camaro IROC Z28, the Dodge Dakota Shelby, the Ford Mustang LX, the Jeep CJ-7, the Pontiac Turbo Trans Am, and others.




American Cars of the 1950s


Book Description




American Cars


Book Description

Description, brief history, and specifications with front, back, side, and top views of 218 popular models from 39 manufacturers. Model years represented range from 1914 to 1999.




American Cars, 1973-1980


Book Description

The 1973 oil crisis forced the American automotive industry into a period of dramatic change, marked by stiff foreign competition, tougher product regulations and suddenly altered consumer demand. With gas prices soaring and the economy in a veritable tailspin, muscle cars and the massive "need-for-speed" engines of the late '60s were out, and fuel efficient compacts were in. By 1980, American manufacturers were churning out some of the most feature laden, yet smallest and most fuel efficient cars they had ever built. This exhaustive reference work details every model from each of the major American manufacturers from model years 1973 through 1980, including various "captive imports" (e.g. Dodge's Colt, built by Mitsubishi.) Within each model year, it reports on each manufacturer's significant news and details every model offered: its specifications, powertrain offerings, prices, standard features, major options, and production figures, among other facts. The work is heavily illustrated with approximately 1,300 photographs.




The Illustrated Directory of Greatest American Cars


Book Description

The Illustrated Directory series provide enthusiasts with an attractive, comprehensive hardcover reference book packed with timelines, historical facts and images designed to inform and excite. The Illustrated Directory of Greatest American Cars chronicles the greatest love story in history: the love affair between Americans and their cars. This volume tells the story of one of the true American epics, the rise of the automobile industry. Decade by decade, this book discusses 250 milestone models that exemplify the ebb and flow of style and utility. It catalogs big cars, small cars, beautiful cars, eccentric and practical cars. The beautifully formatted full-color book features ephemeral cars that were the fleeting essence of their time, alongside more durable models that have developed over decades. The Illustrated Directory of Greatest American Cars is a record of the fantastic creativity and determination that has driven American car design and technology for over a century. The story reflects American history itself over the last 105 years, and anticipates exciting models yet to be launched.




American Cars, 1946-1959


Book Description

From the resumption of automobile production at the close of World War II through the 1950s, the American auto industry would see the births and deaths of several manufacturers, great technological advances, and an era of dramatic styling as a prospering nation asserted its growing mobility. Cars of this period are among the most iconic vehicles ever built in the United States: the 1949 Ford, the remarkable Studebaker designs of 1950 and 1953, the 1955-1957 Chevrolets, the "Forward Look" Chrysler products, the ill-fated Edsel and many others. This comprehensive reference book details every model from each of the major manufacturers (including independents such as Kaiser-Frazer and Crosley but excluding very low-volume marques such as Tucker) from model years 1946 through 1959. Year by year, it provides an overview of the industry and market, followed by an individual report on each company: its main news for the year (introductions or cancellations of models, new engines and transmissions, advertising themes, sales trends etc.); its production figures and market status; and its powertrain offerings, paint colors and major options. The company's models are then detailed individually with such information as body styles, prices, dimensions and weights, standard equipment and production figures. Nearly 1,000 photographs are included.




American Cars Through the Decades


Book Description

American cars have changed dramatically over the decades. This high-interest series presents the major American makes and models, the features that made them unique, and the innovations that put them on the cutting edge of American culture and engineering.




American Cars, Trucks and Motorcycles of World War I


Book Description

Even before American involvement in World War I, motor vehicle manufacturing in the United States was widespread and diverse, though the war served to expand the market rapidly. Hundreds of companies were building vehicles for military as well as civilian use during this time. From their beginnings until their demise, the histories of 225 companies that manufactured cars, trucks or motorcycles for the civilian market are provided, along with illustrations and specs of representative models from each company that existed in 1917 and 1918.




Classic American Cars


Book Description

As the 19th century morphed into the 20th, the automobile was still in its infancy, yet more and more manufacturers were entering the burgeoning market. The first National Automobile Show was held in New York City’s Madison Square in 1900, with 51 exhibitors showing off their wares to almost 50,000 visitors. Many of these manufacturers dropped by the wayside or were merged into other companies so that by the end of the 1920s the industry was dominated by the Big Three of Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors. The vehicle that had the biggest impact was the Ford Model T (which arrived in 1908 and more than 15 million had been sold by the time production ceased in 1927), but many other American classics are covered in this book: legends such as the Ford Mustang and Thunderbird, the Chevrolet Bel Air and Corvette, Cadillac’s De Ville and Eldorado, along with names of a bygone era such as Packard, Studebaker, and the unrivaled opulence of Duesenberg.




American Cars, 1960-1965


Book Description

The automotive industry underwent great change in the 1960s. The continuing trend toward market consolidation, the proliferation of sizes and nameplates, and the "need for speed" characterized this period, loosely labeled as the muscle car era. This is an exhaustive reference work to American made cars of model years 1960-1965. Organized by year (and summarizing the market annually), it provides a yearly update on each make's status and production figures, then details all models offered for that year. Model listings include available body styles, base prices, engine and transmission choices, power ratings, standard equipment, major options and their prices, curb weight and dimensions (interior and exterior), paint color choices, changes from the previous year's model, and sales figures. Also given are assembly plant locations and historical overviews of each model nameplate.