Archive for Items Categorized 'US', only excerpts shown, click title for full entry.

Chrysler 300: America’s Most Powerful Car

by Robert Ackerson

The “banker’s hot rod” was not an ordinary car. The 300 has a deservedly proud history, which is why Chrysler keeps bringing the nameplate back. To learn how it all started check out this book.

HOT ROD Magazine: 75 Years

by Drew Hardin

Aside from, obviously, the hot rod/drag racing/muscle car theme HRM is noteworthy as a cultural phenomenon. Its success became the template for a host of other niche magazines that would build a veritable publishing empire.

Steve Magnante’s 1001 Corvette Facts

by Steve Magnante

On the lighter but by no means lightweight side of the large body of Corvette literature, this book will entertain and educate for a long while. Written by someone who is a sponge around all things automotive!

The Tom Mix Cord: Saga of a Western Film Star’s Classic Motorcar

by Bob M. White

The “King of Cowboys” was the Hollywood action hero of his day and the highest-paid actor of the silent film era. He did his own stunts so of course he loved fast cars—and this 1937 Cord is the one in which he had that fatal crash.

The Women of General Motors, A Century of Art and Engineering

by Constance A. Smith

Profiles of and interviews with female GMers in design, engineering, manufacturing, and administration. In a 2019 report, GM finished first out of 200 companies in gender equality and is the first—and still only—automaker with a female CEO.

The Ford Dealership, Volumes I, II, and III

by Henry L. Dominguez

Three volumes strong—and with two more planned—this is surely the most voluminous coverage of the subject. Ford did not only invent standardized mass production but also the system of franchised dealers. The Blue Oval’s lasting success rests on both of these.

Fin Tales: Saving Cadillac, America’s Luxury Icon

by John F. Smith

Cadillac, used to being the name in American luxury cars, once dropped back far enough to resort to inflating year-end sales reports to edge out Lincoln for the top spot, requiring an official apology from the top brass. The author was there for the soul searching and the corrective action.

Auto America, Car Culture 1950s–1970s

by Linda, Greg and Darryl Zimmerman

Despite the “car culture” part of the title, this book casts a wider net. You’ll probably be surprised by how many of the images you recognize from period magazines and advertising without knowing anything about the photographer’s whole, wide-ranging body of work.

The History of GM’s Ramjet Fuel Injection

by Kenneth W. Kayser

Ramjet fuel injection has been around since the 1950s—and you can still order it straight out of the current Chevrolet Performance Parts catalog. But the new electronic version has only visual similarities to the old mechanical system—and none of its problems. This book by a long-time GM engineer has the whole story.

Early Kustom Kulture: Kustom Cars and Hot Rods Photographed by George Barris 

by Brett Barris

Hundreds of photos of cars, and a few motorcycles, that caught Barris’ eye as he roamed the streets. See what he saw, and wonder how it influenced his work.

Field Guide to Aftermarket Parts, 1946–1948 Dodge

by Robert K. Riley

Ever brought home a car part that ends up not quite fitting? Unless you have hundreds of parts catalogs from all sorts of sources lying around this parts and interchangeability guide written by an AACA Master Judge will make your life a lot easier.

Secret Fords, Volume Two

by Steve Saxty

You don’t have to be a car snob to think FoMoCo has nothing important to say or show. This book moves the needle in a big way and also offers a look into the high-stakes, unseen world of car designers and product planners.