General Automotive Reviews

i collect books on cars and this is one of my favorites. it gives the reader a good look at rally car construction including safety, engine and transmission design. with very good photography and well written text the book covers just about every rally car ever made from the modern subarus, puegots and mitsubishis all the way back to the old audis, minis and saabs. i highly recomend it.

By far, the best rally book ever published. I'm not crazy about the format. I would have preferred a more chronolgical approach (other than what happened to be mentioned in the brief one page summaries at the beginning of the chapters). That way, the sense of competion is better conveyed. But, the material covered more than makes up for this. A very necessary book about a sport that gets so little press, especially in the States. A must-have, for the enthusiast.

Richard Klein has done it again. A superb book and a must for rally fans. It's huge and has many detailed color and B&W pictures. Great for historical reference.

I have always had a great interest in WWII bombers and fighters. In addition to this my, step-uncle was a 1st Lt. Co-pilot on a B-17 stationed in Deenethorpe, England and flew 30 missions between 6/44 & 11/44 in the 615th B.S. of the 401stBG (H). I purchased this book after reading the good reviews it had. I was very impressed with the book. There are B&W pictures of nose art on B-17's, B-24's, B-29's, B-26's, B-25's, A-26's, P-51's, C-47's, C-87's, P-38's, P-47's, P-61's. There are also some color pictures and also there are some pictures of the back of a few flight jackets. The pictures are 99% bombers. This is a picture book with info below the pictures if available.

Anyone who truly understands what the men and women of this country did for us so that we may live like we do today, will appreciate this book. The pictures of the planes, the crews, and the flight jackets, are astounding. Anyone knowing of the existence of any authentic flight jackets please email me. My eyes welled with tears the first time I looked through this book - the men who flew in these planes defined bravery, as did so many of the men who saw combat in any service. I wish I could thank them all personally. Here is a "thank you" to any person who served our country then. My DOB: 1957.

Phenomenal book for the ages. Valant does an incredible job not only preserving the rich history of WWII nose art, and whenever possible, he also list Bomb Groups and Squadrons to accompany the photographs. THIS IS A COLLECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS, not a lot of written material on the history of WWII pinups. This is a great collection for the collector as it also has some pictures of the old A-2 Leather bombers with the pin-up art painted on them as well. Easily worth the money. Get it before it goes out of print.

This is a great book with many stunning photographs. There are lots of rare and old BMWs featured, and each one is represented with multiple photographs, including large photos spanning two pages. A really great book for the price. Informative text in three languages.

BMW is simply a classy tribute to the art and science of automotive design. The photographs (contemporary and archival) are beyond compare; any photographer could learn about lighting and design by studying the photos that "make" this book. The historical narrative is engaging and extremely well organized. The book itself is of solid construction and well bound; the dust jacket is magificently simplistic in rich blue with the distinctive roundel as the focal point. Paper quality is top grade, heavy-weight with gloss finish. A perfect gift for any car enthusiast!

This is one of the best books I have seen on BMWs and is a steal for the price. Pictures range from the first BMW made forward to 1999. Very professional and gorgeous scenery. A must have for BMR enthusiasts.

Buzz Doering's, "The Buzz on Leasing" is terrific! While many articles on car leasing seem to lean toward the negative, Mr. Doering clearly describes how leasing can be much better than purchasing.

I like the idea of pocketing the difference in payments and investing or utilizing that amount over the term of the lease. I also like having a new car that is in warranty. If you purchase, your warranty would expire in the third year with perhaps 2 more years to go on the financing.

Thanks Mr. Doering for your easy to understand ideas!

Angelo Stalis

I have had the pleasure of attending a seminar given by BUZZ. I am a car salesman. I learned more about LEASING in 1 hour than all the leasing classes I have taken in the last 4 years. Easy to understand. His book is for the buyer as well the salesperson. My sales have increased as a DIRECT result. My customers have complete understanding AND they are very happy. Many say they will NEVER pay cash or buy a car again!! Leasing is the way to go!! Thank You BUZZ

My wife and I both read this book -- and we both learned how to lease a new family car correctly! The book is written to the audience of private consumers. The author explains the pluses and minuses of leasing and compares leasing vs. buying. I'll read it again before I lease our next car.

Eric C Orleman has produced a superb collection of photos and written a great text to tell the story of the greatest construction equipment manufacter on earth. The only possible hangup is the book is so big, it won't fit on a standard shelf. You'll just have to leave it on the coffee table to torment the misses!

Caterpillar Chronicle is another Eric Orlemann book that has hit the mark with pinpoint precision. Using his usual perfection and attention to small detail, Eric will take from the start with Holt and Best through today. To any person interested in the big iron this book will not disapoint.

The section on the development of the hi-drive D10 is full of information on how it was done and just what a gamble it was for Cat.

Prototypes-What an assortment. It's amazing to see all the different things that go on in product development, from the hi-drive D9G test machine to the mobil-trac batmobiles. Included in this section are numerous pictures of things that Cat tried and scrapped. Some of these contraptions make the hi-drive idea look tame.

Each turn of the page brings a new treat of Cat yellow. Some models you may have seen or even operated, and others you may never see but in pictures. A true pleasure.

If heavy equipment is your hobby, and Eric's name is on the cover, BUY THE BOOK!

Once again, Eric Orlemann has come up with the goods. "Caterpillar Chronicle" is a superbly illustrated volume full of wonderful photographs of all kinds of Caterpillar Machinery. A fan of Caterpillar for years, I found it a joy to turn each page in anticipation, to be rewarded with another stunning photograph.

From the "Best Steamer" to the massive Caterpillar 797 dump truck, "Caterpillar Chronicle" contains something for everyone who ever loved Caterpillar machinery. I found the photographs of the prototypes and pre-production machines especially interesting. To trace the history of the famous Cat D10 tractor through its development is one of the highlights of the book. I am sure that one could write a whole book devoted to the prototypes, one offs and the concepts that never made it to production.

The text is well written and tells the story of the history of these machines well, with lots of detail. The large format of the book is great, as well as its quality. Well bound and protected by its hard cover, it will be the centre of my collection for many years, and last as long as these wonderful machines.

chrisf@nextbyte.com.au

I am a NC State student, and I cheeked this book out from the library here at school. I just have to say this is the best book I have ever read. I have had it only a few days now and I have already read around 150 pages. I can't put it down. I wish I had to read this in school instead of something like Withering Heights (It was a good book too, no car stuff though). But hey, what am I doing this for I need to get back to reading... So my suggestion is that you buy this book, or at least check it out like me. Who ever said that a library was not a cool place? I would also recommend buying and MGB.

I bought this book back in 1979, a year after I got my driver's license, 4 months after I bought my 396 Chevy, and about a month after a buddy of mine dropped a Car Craft Magazine on my desk in open class in High School, thus starting a life-long passion with cars and motorsports.

At that time I was thirsty for "true" knowledge about engines, especially high-performance engines, and quickly came to the conclusion I wasn't going to get that from my buddies who inanely swore that their 2-barrel 350 Novas were turning 10-second 1/4-miles ("I'm certain of it man, I clocked it myself"). This book was reviewed in a Road & Track issue, I picked it up, and became truly educated about all facets of basic engine design and the physics and principles behind true horsepower production.

I found the text easy to read and understand, and the delivery of information, although technical, certainly not above anyone's understanding. This is not a "get out your slide rule" type of book; but it does lay things out in a clear, direct manner, making it easy to absorb and understand, even as a newby 17 year-old gearhead.

Even though we've seen a tremendous advance in engineering regarding the internal combustion engine since 1979, to this day the principles delivered in this book ring true. You cannot go wrong, nor do I think you can do better, than starting here on your quest for horsepower knowledge--learn the basics first, and go from there. (For real slide-rule stuff, consult the book Scientific Design of Exhaust and Intake Systems, to learn where the heart of any internal combustion engine resides.)

I still have guys my age swearing that they're doing truly unbelievable things with a certain engine and car; the crazy stories never fade, but you'll do better than tell stories after learning what this book has to say.

Absolutely awesome book! A book that is a must, for the library of every mechanic or racer. Even if you are just a enthusiast, the book is incredibly informing, whether you are a certified mechanic or just an everyday driver, that wants to know what's going on inside the engine. I've owned the book for years, and I plan on buying a new copy, to give to my son, when he hits the driving age. This book is a must, for any engine builder, from the weekeng warrior to Nascar or the IRL. This book is a must!

How To Rebuild Big-Block Mopar Engines by Don Taylor is a very informative book. It covers everything from inspection of your old engine, removal from vehicle to disassembly and reassembly. Also includes proper cleaning techniques as well as machining recommendations. This detailed book includes casting numbers for blocks, cranks, rods, cylinder heads, intake manifolds and water pump housings for those who want an accurate restoration or those needing help with identification of parts. This book is more detailed about B/RB disassembly/reassembly and problem areas and tips to make the job easier than other general engine rebuilding books. Don gives step by step instructions on reassembly with plenty of pictures to help. This book will help the novice or experienced engine builder do a better job on his Mopar.

I have rebuilt many engines of many different brands, I have read MANY books on rebuilding these engines, and this book by FAR is the best book I have seen, It gives step by step instructions and it makes doing it SOOO easy, even if you have never picked up a wrench, with this book you can rebuild a Big Block Mopar. This book actually makes doing work fun and easy. This book is a MUST for any person who wants to rebuild a BB Mopar and build it right.

Eric

I have not worked on cars for 20 years but then I bought a 76 Dodge Pickup that needed engine work. I knew that I would be over my head when I removed the valve covers. That is when I decided to get a book on Mopar engines. When I received the book I started reading expecting a book for mechanics, but what I found was a how-to rebuild a big block Mopar. It is written as if the author was telling you step by step just exactly how to remove, disassemble and repair the engine. He told what to look for and how to fix it. Then step by step how to re-assemble the engine and put it back in the vehicle. All of the while passing informative tips and a few tricks. The book helped me avoid several costly mistakes. It is a must have for anyone considering rebuilding a big block Chrysler.

As a reader who is obsessed with books, orchids, and technology -- it is not hard to imagine how one can be obsessed about cars. In fact, at a younger age I would have categorized myself as such, until I read this book. Now I know what it really means to be "obsessed!"

Campbell uses these essays to enlighten, tease, rant and mostly entertain. It is a thoroughly American journey that runs the spectrum from Angst to Zen. Highly recommended.

For the non-car obsessed a facinating, introspective journey. For those who's cars are a bodily extension, a must-read. The first chapter, 'Sun, Fun, Stay, Play' really captures all the searing pain of growing up in Bakersfield, inside and outside of your cruising car.

A lovely book that does a satisfying job of blurring the lines between memoir, journalism, and quirky meditation. Expresses the ineluctable emotion we all feel for our cars, past and present that we sometimes mistake for materialism.

A great book,cars from all round the world, not just european snob cars. We need a follow up please, there are many more classic Australian and american cars that could be written about, and some more european of course.

It seems Quentin Willson has made the ideal coffee table book. The Ultimate Classic Car Book groups together all shapes and sizes of classic cars from DeLoreans to Datsuns and Vegas to Volkswagens, and all with original and beautiful photographs wrapped in concise and precise text equavalent to about a page of novel. Willson does a very consistent job of presenting each car with basic facts and statistics along side special traits or other interesting items that make each car unique. One example of an interesting fact is the mention of the "Autronic Eye" available as an option on the 1959 cadillac convertible that would dim the headlights when an oncoming car approached. Willson also gives us insight into the cars by adding his own commentary. Examples of this can be found in his reference to the "Autronic Eye" as a mere marketing gimmick that never took off and his accusal that the stainless steel of the delorean was a "cynical marketing ploy." Even if you aren't interested in reading about the many classic cars of the world, this book is worth a purchase just for the full color meticulously crafted photographs and trivia. I would recommend The Ultimate Classic Car book to anyone interested in learning about automobiles of the past

What diferentiate this book from the others are the photos. We can see that all of them were taken exclusively to this book. For all the cars there are front/side/rear view photos. For some of them there are also top-views, that is hard to find in other sources.

The text is consice, yet informative, and includes summarised technical specifications.

This book is very educational about the topic, but it mentions the same supplier of materials an average of twice per page. I learned quite a bit from it and will continue to use it as a valuable reference, but expect to read about aerosol products and specialty tools from the same company throughout the book. The author doesn't stick with the most authentic of repairs and restorations, but he does do a good job of showing the authentic level of repairs as well as the not so authentic. Overall, worth the money but a tad annoying.

After being frustrated with countless titles on auto restoration, this book is a God send. It covers everything in concise detail and includes large Color photographs. No other books Ive seen comes anywhere close to the quality of this one. The information in here is priceless. The author has obviously restored many cars and researched many techniques.

I've got a 53 Studebaker to restore, so I checked out all the books available at the library on car restoration. This one was by far the best. In fact I liked it so much, I'm buying my own copy. It told me everything I wanted to know and more. For example, the chapter on removing rust explains and illustrates several ways to go about it, then makes recommendations complete with which is the best for the environment.