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

Reid Railton, Man of Speed

by Karl Ludvigsen

In its award presentation, the Royal Automobile Club called this book “magisterial.” No argument. A Railton obit referred to him as “an exceedingly capable engineer and designer.” No argument. Finally here’s a book to tell the full story.

WO Bentley Rotary Aero Engines

by Tom Dine

Yes, we already posted a review of this book here but it wasn’t written by us. The book, and the circumstances of its publication, are important enough to re-review it once more but with more detail.

How to Build a Car

by Adrian Newey

If only really smart people can design race-winning cars then just how smart must someone be whose designs have won over 150 Grands Prix? An unexpectedly gifted writer, Newey reveals the man behind the cliché of the geeky designer in his ivory tower.

The Perfect Car

by Nick Skeens

If volatility of temperament is a measure of competence then Barnard should be counted a genius. And he is, because he really was. The exasperating perfectionist who cut down anyone and anything in his way makes for an intense story.

The Cadillac Northstar V-8, A History

by Anthony Young

First seen in the Pininfarina-designed Cadillac Allante, the technically complex Northstar has powered cars as diverse as grocery-getters and a Le Mans prototype. Phased out in 2011, without a direct replacement, this long-serving powerplant gets a good look here.

Classic Grand Prix Cars

by Karl Ludvigsen

Why and how—and when—did F1 shift from front- to rear-engined racers? Back in print now this book offers the sort of in-depth analysis that has made Ludvigsen’s name.

Some Unusual Engines

by L.J.K. Setright

You don’t need to be an engineer to appreciate this book but after reading it, you’ll feel as if you are one! Engines, mostly British, for pretty much anything that moves are discussed here by an author with a sharp tongue and a sharp mind.

Hurst Equipped: More Than 50 Years of High Performance

by Mark Fletcher & Richard Truesdell

Don’t pass this book by just because it has muscle cars on the cover! Hurst was so much more than performance parts and racecars. This is the first-ever look at the company and its many products and, at least a little bit, the man himself.

Recaro – Seating in Motion

by Frank Jung

Synonymous with seats, Recaro is a whole lot more—no wonder considering the firm is now 110 years old. This book takes a colorful look.

Forghieri on Ferrari: 1947 to the Present

by Mauro Forghieri & Daniele Buzzonetti

The youngest, the longest-serving, and the most successful Ferrari engineer to date speaks candidly of his life working on some of the most iconic sports and racing cars. A long-overdue and much-needed book.

Physics For Gearheads

by Randy Beikmann

Unless you believe a hamster in his wheel—or that tiger in the tank—is what makes your car move, why not explore the science behind it all? This book makes it—almost—easy!

Classic Racing Engines

by Karl Ludvigsen

A reprint of an important book makes it available to new readers. Not an easy read but the science/art of building a competitive race motor is enormously complicated so this book does help to appreciate the intricacies.