New book releases for December 2021. Jalopy Magazine selects the latest available books that we want to read.
Formula 1
Formula 1 has been the pinnacle of four wheel motorsport since 1950 and has a global following.
Peter Nygaard, a motoring historian, photographer and collector has used his extensive archives to produce this decade by decade guide. Over four hundred images are used for the story, now spanning more than seventy years. The champions, the biggest victories and famous incidents along with the technological developments that have changed things almost beyond recognition.
It’s a big and expensive book, but the amount of information make it a must for the true fan. Set for release on 27 Jan 2022 you can pre-order it, as it might sell out.
Hardcover: 480 pages
ISBN-10: 1854433202
BMW M: 50 Years of the Ultimate Driving Machines
Book Reviews
Land Rover: The Story of the Car that Conquered the World
Apparently the first vehicle seen by half of the world’s population is a Land Rover Defender. Now a global icon, and out of production unless you count the new one, it has become not just desirable but collectable.
Ben Fogle has travelled the British Isles in one to spend time with other Land Rover enthusiasts who range from Darien Gap crossing Colonel Blashford-Snell, to some that have turned them into hearses and coffee shops. He even took a tour of the island of Islay, which was used by Spencer Wilks in 1947 to test the early prototype.
Over the 67 years of production more than 2 million Land rovers were produced and there is an even bigger following.
Paperback: 20 x 13 cm, 336 pages
ISBN-10: 0008194254
The Big Book of Tiny Cars: A Century of Diminutive Automotive Oddities
I have to admit to being a fan of micro cars. The rather odd ways in which manufacturers addressed the problem of personal mobility has produced some very odd vehicles.
This book goes back as early as 1901 and starts with the Curved Dash Oldsmobile, takes a look at the Austin Seven and Bond Microcar and of course the BMW Isetta.
The Microcar trend disappeared by the 1970s with subcompacts looking totally conventional, but the modern era has seen a return to form with EVs.
Definitely one for the bookshelf.
Hardcover: 28 x 27, 176 pages
ISBN-10: 0760370621
Under the Bonnet: Confessions of a 1970s & '80s Car Mechanic
Sounding like something Robin Askwith would have starred in this looks to be rather amusing.
Tales from a bygone era of fixing cars and the difficulty in making sure they stay fixed. Scams, dodgy characters and interesting old cars.
Some of those tales may have been embellished somewhat, but that’s probably to be expected.
Paperback: 23 x 16 cm, 160 pages
ISBN-10: 0750995661
