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Ford Bronco: A History of Ford’s Legendary 4X4

Duncan Brown thinks those long-gone dealerships need a little credit as well, and has given you the full story on almost 20 of them in this “Must Read,” “Lost Muscle Car Dealerships.” Whether through backdoor deals with GM or custom work in their own performance shops, all of these dealers were responsible for putting some serious horsepower on the street. Better yet, Duncan also hit the road all across the country to photograph what these dealerships look like now, or take pictures of whatever condos or strip malls currently occupy these hallowed grounds of muscle car history.

Lost Muscle Car Dealerships

With SUVs taking over the automotive world, it only makes sense that classic utilities would become a lot hotter in the collector car market. That has certainly been the case with Ford’s Bronco; not to mention with Ford bringing their original Jeep-fighter back to market, Bronco-mania has never been higher.

Having been around them most of his life, author Todd Zuercher knows a thing or two about original Broncos, and his book “Ford Bronco: A History of Ford’s Legendary 4X4” is a “Must Read” that will insure that you do too.

Ford Mustang II & Pinto: 1970 to 1980

Some people never get the credit they deserve in life, and there are few cars that know that feeling, too. That’s certainly the case for Ford’s Mustang II and Pinto. Looked down upon by many gearheads and most safety-nicks over the years, their significance in automotive and, yes, even racing history should not be ignored.

Don’t believe us, get a whole new appreciation from Marc Cranswick in his book “Ford Mustang II & Pinto: 1970 to 1980.” You’re sure to learn something about this often-maligned pair of ponies that you didn’t know. And if that weren’t enough, there’s even a foreword written by someone you just might recognize, making it a Must Read perfect for both Ford and MotorWeek fans.

1001 Steve McQueen Facts: The Rides, Roles and Realities of the King of Cool

We’ve read so many books about Steve McQueen over the years, we thought we knew everything there was to know. Turns out, that wasn’t the case, as 1001 Steve McQueen Facts: The Rides, Roles and Realities of the King of Cool taught us much more about his movie roles, motoring exploits, and even personal life. Author Tyler Greenblatt does indeed list 1,001 facts about McQueen’s life in chronological order, accompanied by plenty of candid black and white photographs. So, whether you’re a fan of McQueen the actor, McQueen the racer, or just a gearhead wanting to learn more about all of the cars and motorcycles he owned; this Must Read has all the facts you need to know!

Cobra Jet: The History of Ford’s Greatest High-Performance Muscle Cars

If you’re tired of hearing about Ford’s new all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and feel that real Mustangs have 2-doors and big V8s, have we got a Must Read for you; Cobra Jet: The History of Ford’s Greatest High-Performance Muscle Cars. The original 428 Cobra Jet Mustang was the product of Ford’s 1960s Total Performance racing program; but Cobra Jet quickly became synonymous with drag racing success, and was the Mustang to have if you lived your life a ¼-mile at a time. Authors Rob Kinnan and Diego Rosenberg tell not only how it all got started, but where Cobra Jet went from there; with lots of great photography along for the ride. It’s a high-performance Must Read for any fan of the blue oval.

McQueen’s Motorcycles

There is no shortage of books out there about Steve McQueen. But while most are focussed on his movies, cars or racing exploits, Matt Stone’s McQueen’s Motorcycles keeps the topics to just that; his motorcycles. McQueen reportedly owned around 200 of them in his lifetime. The first half of the book gives some backstory and into how he developed his love affair with two wheelers. While the second half goes into more detail of some of the more significant motorcycles that he owned. It’s a quick Must Read perfect for both fans of motorcycles and the ultimate King of Cool.

Chevelle Restoration and Authenticity Guide 1970-1972

At its essence, restoring a car is very simple. Take it all apart, clean and repaint what you can, replace what you can’t, and put it all back together. But, as many of you know, the reality is far more complex. Well, if restoring a Chevrolet Chevelle is something you’ve always had on your to-do list, this book is a good first step; Chevelle Restoration and Authenticity Guide 1970-1972. A Must Read by Dale McIntosh and Rick Nelson. It takes you step-by-step, from how to pick out the best candidate for restoration, through complete disassembly down to the frame, to reassembly; including chassis, powertrain, body work, interior, and even wiring. We can’t promise you’ll have perfect results, but your odds are certainly much better following the advice in this Must Read