The Cars of American Motors


Book Description

Though American Motors never approached the size of Detroit's Big Three, it produced a long series of successful cars that were distinctive, often innovative and in many cases influential. This history examines AMC's cars from the company's formation in 1954 through its absorption by Chrysler in 1987. The Gremlin, Pacer and Eagle vehicles are examined in detail, as are the AMC custom cars of George Barris and Carl Green. The text details AMC's 1980s involvement with the French firm Renault and the design legacy of that joint venture, which includes the Hummer. The evolution of Jeep is covered from the 1960s through the 2000s. Features include some 225 photographs; a listing of AMC / Rambler clubs, organizations and business entities, with contact details; tables of detailed specifications and performance data; data on technical devices, trim packages and all model variations; a comprehensive account of AMC / Rambler appearances in film, television and cartoons.




The Cars of Harley Earl


Book Description

At 6-foot, 3-inches tall, Harley Earl was an imposing figure, but his true stature lies in his towering talent for automotive design and styling. Over his 50-year career, he created as well as collaborated on the most innovative, bold, technologically advanced cars made by General Motors. As a titan of American auto design, the cars he helped create are still celebrated today. And as an enduring legacy, he inspired a generation of engineers, designers, and stylists. Veteran automotive historian David W. Temple has researched and unearthed the complete story of Harley Earl’s cars, his notable design achievements, and many accolades. Working as a coachbuilder at his father's Earl Automotive Works in Hollywood, California, the young Earl learned his trade. After styling the 1927 LaSalle for GM president Alfred P. Sloan, Earl rose to prominence and ran the newly created department of Art and Color. Automobile design stagnated during the Depression and World War II, but the number of his contributions to the automotive world in the 1950s is staggering. When the jet age hit, he fully embraced aviation design and infused it into GM cars. The Buick Y-Job and GM Le Sabre featured many firsts in automotive design and hardware. The Y-Job's fender extensions trailing over the doors, disappearing headlamps, flush door handles, a metal cover over the convertible top were a few innovations. When General Motors needed to show off its cars and technology, Harley Earl-designed cars were the stars of the Motorama show that toured the country from 1949 to 1961. He led the team that created the 1953 Corvette, and this iconic American sports car is still going strong today. He was involved in the creation of the 1955-1957 Chevy Bel Air, otherwise known as the Tri-Five Chevy. Harley Earl's drive toward bold and innovative design spurred American car design during the mid-twentieth century. His distinctive designs defined the 1950s finned cars and set American automotive design on the path it has followed into the modern era. With this in-depth examination, you learn the inside story of these remarkable cars and the man behind them. It’s an essential addition to any automotive library.




The Cars of Trans-Am Racing: 1966-1972


Book Description

The legendary history of the pony car wars comes to life in this softcover edition of The Cars of Trans-Am Racing. The SCCA Trans-Am Racing Series launched in 1966 and was designed to showcase a new class of sporty domestic cars racing on road courses. Each major automotive manufacturer participated heavily in the Trans-Am Series, and in a few short years, it became the ultimate American automobile showdown. When the modified muscle cars of the series were seen performing well on the country’s finest tracks, fans wanted a model of their own in the driveway. These "pony cars" boasted a new look and style not seen before, and their all-around performance eclipsed anything accomplished by production-based American GT cars up to that point. This softcover edition of The Cars of Trans-Am Racing is unique in that it focuses on the cars used in this legendary series. These vintage Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, Barracudas, Firebirds, Cougars, and Javelins all are extremely popular with collectors and enthusiasts today. Seeing them in their “full-competition” versions when they were new will bring back many fond memories for those who were fans of this series. In addition, enthusiasts who enjoy these cars today look to the Trans-Am Series cars for styling inspiration and performance hints as part of the growing Pro Touring trend. Many of these historic cars have been restored to race-ready condition. Additional insight and interviews from the original builders and the teams that maintained the cars provide an insider’s viewpoint never before seen in print.




The Car Builder's Handbook


Book Description

Provides tips and techniques for constructing the body, chassis, powertrain and drivertrain, and interior, and covers all aspects of planning a project




The Art of Cars 2


Book Description

Cars 2 is a globetrotting, high-octane ride through the world of Lightning McQueen, his best friend Mater, and an international collection of completely new characters. The Art of Cars 2 follows the development of the second installment in the Cars series, from the first story concepts and the filmmakers' worldwide research to the intricate "carified" details that make up the unique Cars 2 universe. Featuring the behind-the-scenes concept art that went into the film's creation--including color scripts, storyboards, character studies, environmental art, sculpts, and more--as well as a forward by director and racecar-enthusiast John Lasseter, The Art of Cars 2 celebrates the art and intrigue of this amazing new Pixar film.




The Car


Book Description

Examines the evolution of the car, its design, and how vehicles affect today's world.




The History of the Car


Book Description

How fast did the first motorcars go? Why were cars hard to start in the past? When were seat belts invented? Take a journey through time and discover the amazing history of the car!







The Car Thief


Book Description

Alex steals another car and doesn’t know why. His father grinds out the night shift, looking forward to booze at the end. Alex fills his day juggling cheap thrills and depression, whilst needing the admiration of a particular girl in order to get by. Alex and his father face the realities of estrangement, incarceration, and even violence.




Atlantic Reporter


Book Description