Art of the Muscle Car

by David Newhardt & Peter Harhold

This book surveys 47 some of the more emblematic specimens along with a few surprises. Philosophically, muscle cars of course harken back to hot rods: small car/BIG engine. You may recall a book with a similar title and done by the same photographer but one is very different in scope.

Via Corsa Car Lover’s Guide

by Ronald Adams

For the traveler with automotive interests, the specificity of these books far surpass the generic tourist guides. The first two releases in this new series cover Arizona and Southern Germany. Having lived in both of these places, this reviewer can say with conviction that they are thorough enough to surprise even the locals with their level of detail.

Sänger: Germany’s Orbital Rocket Bomber in World War II

by David Myhra

Everyone knows NASA’s Space Shuttle. Many know the X-15 and -20. But few outside the rocketry community know the craft or the man that provided key theoretical underpinnings for their propulsion systems and the principle of the lifting body, Eugen Sänger.

Survivor: The Unrestored Collector Car

by Kris Palmer

Yes, “it’s original only once.” But when is fading paint hallowed patina and when is it ugly “car acne”? What is the dividing line between benign neglect and being just cheap? Is a Bugatti more deserving of restoration than a bread and butter first-generation Honda Accord?

Flying Cars, Amphibious Vehicles and Other Dual Mode Transports

by George W. Green

This book lists just about everyone from 1900 to 2010 who has ever publicly stated an intention to build either a flying car, a car/boat combination, or any other land/sea/air multi-use vehicle. Green briefly summarizes what is known about each effort and in rare cases, its success or failure.

The British at Indianapolis

by Ian Wagstaff

The race that bills itself as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” turned 100 in 2011. This book celebrates the British contribution to the race, not just the drivers but the mechanics, engineers, designers, and even officials.

From Balloon to Boxkite: The Royal Engineers and Early British Aeronautics

by Malcolm Hall

It’s not for nothing that the British Royal Engineers’ motto is “Ubique” (Everywhere). In their 900-year history they have been involved in every major conflict the British Army has fought in the far-flung British Empire, here and there and—everywhere.

Gotha de l’Automobile Française

by Claude Rouxel and Laurent Friry

To cut a long story short, this is THE book to have on French car manufacturers if you have an interest in the upper crust cars of the Twentieth century.

Chrysler Engines 1922–1998

by Willem L. Weertman

Even if you have only a vague awareness of cars you’ve surely heard of the “Hemi.” And you probably know there is such a thing as a “Viper” with its snarling aluminum alloy V-10 (modified by Lamborghini, then Chrysler-owned). Or the exotic Chrysler Turbine Cars of the 1960s. . . . This book puts it all in context.

Building Chris-Craft: Inside the Factories

by Mollica & Smith

The quality and appeal of the boats made by “America’s oldest manufacturer of powerboats” was such that a large number of buyers subscribed to the advertising slogan “Without a Chris-Craft, life at a shore resort or summer home cannot be called living.”

The Art of the Airways

by Geza Szurovy

Award-winning aviation journalist Geza Szurovy has had a life-long love affair with airplanes and he’s even a pilot himself. And because he thinks about the world and the place of everything in it, he connects some interesting dots.

Alfa Romeo & Mille Miglia

by Andrea Curami

Published in the year of Alfa Romeo’s 100th anniversary, this book follows the Porsche and Mercedes Benz volumes in a series of books by the late Andrea Curami (d. 2010) about the Mille Miglia efforts of specific marques.