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Green Car Journal

If you think a magazine devoted entirely to environmentally-friendly transportation can appeal only to preachy tree-huggers and alarmist ozone scientists, then you haven't seen Ron Cogan's "Green Car Journal." A longtime auto journalist and enthusiast, Cogan has infused this slick quarterly magazine with enough excitement and driving fun to rival any of the mainstream buff books. The only difference here is that everything's flavored with a green twist. Driving impressions, tech articles and well-balanced editorials share space with a thorough look at what's coming over the environmental horizon. Automotive times are changing and "Green Car Journal" is now a Must Read for anyone who holds a driver's license.

Soul on Bikes

In today's Harley-happy America, biker books are a dime a dozen, and most are pretty much the same, except, that is, for Soul on Bikes by Tobie Gene Levingston and co-authors Keith and Kent Zimmerman. It's the story of the East Bay Dragons, one of California's oldest and best known African-American motorcycle clubs and the vibrant black biker culture that they helped to create. But this book is about much more than just motorcycles. Granted, there's plenty of the bragging, rowdy behavior and road stories that one expects from hardcore bikers, but there's also a deeper story of family, from the Levingston's roots as Louisiana sharecroppers to the close-knit family of modern African-American motorcycle clubs. This book belongs in every serious biker's library.

Can-Am Challenger

Auto racing has a long and exciting history, but for serious sports car fans no era can match the excitement of the Can-Am Series of the 1960s-70s. If you are a fan of road racing, then Can-Am Challenger is the perfect pass to get you behind the pit wall and right into the excitement. Author Peter Bryant traces his personal experience as an innovative racecar designer, working with many of the Can-Am series' fastest teams. He discusses everything from his pioneering work with titanium to the excitement and challenges of working with Carroll Shelby's legendary Cobra team. The writing is heavy on technical details but it's still easy to read, and is broken up by plenty of humorous stories and black and white photos. It's an informative and entertaining addition to any racing history library.

Ultimate Garages II

While the spotless rooms shown in Ultimate Garages II may look like exquisite museum displays, they are actually privately-owned garages, housing some of the finest four-wheeled machines to ever be parked indoors. In his follow up to the first Ultimate Garages book, author Phil Berg hits the streets again, lifting garage doors everywhere to find the best four walls for keeping classic cars pampered and protected. The book details twenty-three pristine garages; from warehouses to wood-paneled lounges. Large color photos show every corner and detail of the immaculate floor spaces. So if you need the inspiration to get your own "car clubhouse" cleaned up, or just want to check out other drivers' dream-come-true garages, look no further than these fine pages.

Chevy SS: 50 Years of Super Sport

Every real Chevrolet fan knows what the initials SS stand for. And every Chevy fan will surely want a copy of Chevy SS: 50 Years of Super Sport. This very large format 348 page book by Robert Genat traces the Super Sport blood line from it's origins in the 1950s, to the NASCAR-inspired SS models of the 21st century. And all along the way, photographer David Newhardt delivers gorgeous photographs of some of the hottest cars ever to wear that big bow tie. It's a quick read but one you'll come back to on a regular basis. There are more detailed books available on many of these cars, but few find such a nice balance between history and hardware. Bow-tie groupies will surely want this plus size volume out on their coffee table. Just make sure that it's a super strong table.

’32 Ford Deuce

If one were to draw up a short list of automotive icons, then the 1932 Ford Deuce would definitely be on it. And thanks to author Tony Thacker, we now have '32 Ford Deuce, the definitive history of an American automotive achievement almost as significant as the Model T. This massive volume chronicles the origins, developments, history and even the society that produced this most memorable car. It goes on to chronicle its second life as the basis for America's ultimate hot rods, presenting 75 astounding examples of the coolest '32 Fords ever to be chopped, channeled, hopped-up, or high-boyed. It's well-written, extremely informative and superbly illustrated. You'd be hard-pressed to find a cooler car or a better book about it.

Up in Flames: The Art of Flame Painting

Nothing makes a cool car look hot like a flame paint job. And no where will you find more information on the history and heroes of this unique style of auto adornment than in Up in Flames: The Art of Flame Painting. Author Tim Phelps examines the origins of the flame job and introduces readers to 18 of the greatest artists to ever apply this fantastic fire to a hot car. The photos are superb and there's even a do-it-yourself section.