General Automotive Reviews

This book describes the history of Alfa Romeo and all the cars and model from the begining of the century 'till the early 90's models as the 164 and 155. Very good for the one who wants to know the history of the legend!

This is the third book I have by the same authors. As with the previous 2 it follows the same formulae. A brief introduction of the marque, and then a model by model discription. If it's not in this book, then it's probable that Aston Martin never made it. The color pictures are superb and show off the cars perfectly. The photos of the DB4 Zagato are amazing and really show this car in all it's glory. Every car maker has one model that best exemplifies the marque, and the Zagato is it.
The background on the cars is printed in 3 languages, so it's not as detailed as you might think.
Overall, this is a great reference book and a must for any car lover.
Look out for the technical specs of each model at the back of the book.

The Aston Martin name became a legend due to the fact that the DB 5 was used in the James Bond movies Goldfinger, Thunderball and, later, Goldeneye. However, not many people outside the UK and the USA know much about the models covered in this book. These include the DBS V8, the V8, the Volante, the Vantage and the Virage. Also covered are the two V8-engined Lagondas. The later model, designed by William Towns was so idiosyncratic that one either loved or hated it, and its history makes for fascinating reading.

The book starts with a history of the company, featuring a short biography of the late Sir David Brown, who later became life president of Aston Martin. The origin of the V8 engine is also given in detail. A complete account of all the V8 models to date is also given, and one wonders how many people know that a Lagonda based on the V8 models, preceded the later William Towns-designed Lagonda by about three years. A fascinating chapter is the one about the Virage-based Zagato, which, unfortunately, was only built in small numbers.

If one can level criticism at this book, the first thing is that not even a photo is published of the Bulldog, which, admittedly, was only a concept model. However, the history of these cars is incomplete without information on this model. Secondly, there are not enough colour photographs, and those that are there, are only of the DBS V8, the Volante, the Lagonda and the Nimrod racing models. One only wonders why the other models, especially the V8 and the Vantage, which were proboably the best-known, are not featured.

In the final analysis, this is a good account of the history of the V8 Aston Martins, but it would probably have been better to concentrate on the V8, Volante and Vantage models. Having said that, this is a good buy for those who are not very familiar with these cars.

Paul Chudecki has filled this small book with just about everything anyone that is either an owner of , or just interested in , the V8 engined range of Aston Martin Lagondas. He covers the development and racing heritage with a wealth of illustrations and pictures of many wonderful examples of the marques , many of them quite unique . The thirteen chapters and six appendices cover every aspect of the various marques that the V8 engine was fitted to including the DBS & Vantages , Lagondas and even the Zagato & Bulldog specials and prototypes. He has a vast repository of information to pass on and manages it superbly in this concise and well laid out book , even managing a chapter advising on the points to look for when buying and a complete reference on chassis and engine numbers for easy identification of any model found ! I found this book to be both informative as well as very absorbing as the information is given in a very easy flowing style with no lapses into geek speak.

Well worth the money either as a definative reference book or a fascinating coffee table quick read .

I nead Auto Dictionary very much,I'm a auto crazy,please help me,my God

This book is good for students and new engineers who work in auto industry. The examples cover transmissions of big three auto makers, GM, Ford and Chrysler. I like this book also because it is easy to learn. I would suggest that the author put more more examples of new transmissions in the book.

I found this quite a good book, in that it covers forthcoming technologies such as CANBUS and drive by wire very well and gives a good overview of current electrical technology used in the Automotive sector. It is not intended as "workshop manual style" book to aid in repair or diagnostics of electrical problems but to give the reader a thorough understanding of advanced automotive electrical systems. One criticism is that it is lacking circuit diagrams that students might find useful in understanding certain systems, but this is probably to make the book more readable to all.

This book, though written some years ago, is a must for 'car-guys', experienced or not, who wish to understand how automotive ignition and fuel delivery systems work. The author begins with basic electrical theory and quickly proceeds through point operated ignitions, into HEI and computer controlled systems. Mystery disappears and one understands why modern automobiles can produce more power with less emissions, fuel and displacement. I have three projects underway; one a mid-fifties truck, which will now be ECM controlled, thanks to my new found knowledge,with enthusiasm. I clearly understand what the various sensors do for the ECM, and after about a hundred pages of reading, can troubleshoot engine problems on virtually any car, at least from a macro perspective.

I BOUGHT HIS BOOK AND THINK IT WAS WELL WORTH THE MONEY. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT REFERENCE. I DOUBT ANY OTHER REFERENCE HAS AS MUCH DATA. HOWEVER, IT LOOKS LIKE IT WAS CREATED ON A TYPEWRITER. THE OVERALL READABILITY IS BELOW AVERAGE. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE AN E-MAIL COPY OF THE BOOK TO CHANGE THE TYPE STYLE, TPYE SIZE, SPACING ETC.

YZARIN @ MSN.COM

There is no current book in the field other than this one, so the question is only if it is suitable, since there are no alternatives.

It is a good book. Some of the design process stuff is a bit lightweight, but that is only a minor quibble.

If you work in automotive powertrains or teach a course in automotive engineering, you need this book.