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Cord Complete

While its run of production was a short one, Cord automobiles have always struck a “chord” with collectors and designers alike. The 1930’s were an exciting time in the automotive industry, with American carmakers spread throughout the land. Like, in Indiana, where the Cord Corporation was putting together their front-wheel-drive V8-powered Model 810. You can read all about its development and entire lifespan in Cord Complete by Josh B. Malks. To say it’s an exhaustive count of all things Cord is an understatement. A Must Read, whether you’re a fan of Cord automobiles or just want to learn more about this important time in America’s motoring history.

Via Corsa Car Lover’s Guide to Northern California

Everyone knows that California is car heaven. And if you’ve ever thought about heading to the golden coast for a vacation on wheels pick up a copy of Via Corsa Car Lover’s Guide to Northern California. From author Ron Adams, you’ll get route tips; a rundown of car museums, wineries of course, popular hot rod shops, and race tracks. As well as strategies to navigate the big Northern California car events like the Monterey Historics, Good Guys Hot Rod Week, and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. There’s even a section on movie locations from well-loved car flicks. All accompanied by some unique photos, photography tips, and even some interviews with heavyweights in the local automotive scene. If hitting the road in California is a must for you, than this book is Must Read.

1967: Chris Amon, Scuderia Ferrari and a year of living dangerously

The times they were a-changin’ in 1967, and so was the international racing scene. Thanks to John Frankenheimer’s movie Grand Prix, released the year before, celebrity sightings were now a common thing in Formula One paddocks. Unfortunately death was becoming an ever more common one as well. It’s this clash of celebrity and fatality that is the backdrop to John Julian’s book 1967: Chris Amon, Scuderia Ferrari and a year of living dangerously. Chris Amon is a name often overshadowed by his contemporaries such as Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark, and John Surtees; but at the time he was known as a driver’s driver. This Must Read masterfully chronicles Amon’s first year as a factory Ferrari driver and how 1967 was a major turning point for both motor racing and for the world at large.

Firehawk – Fiercest of the Firebirds

If you’re a long time MotorWeek viewer, you know that over the years we’ve tested a lot of SLP performance cars, and it all started with the Firehawk. We know that Mac Logan is a huge fan of that car, and he’s turned his passion into 200-plus pages, with the book SLP Firehawk – Fiercest of the Firebirds. It’s not only a complete history of how the Firehawk came to be, but you’ll get to know the folks who made it happen; as well as get a complete listing of every year of Firehawk production, including sales numbers. There are plenty of great pictures, and even an appendix that lists which SLP Firehawks have been featured on MotorWeek. If you share Mac’s devotion to Street Legal Performance, we highly recommend you pick up one of the 1,000 available copies of this very Must Read.

Bentley: A Motoring Miscellany

If you’re looking for the complete history of Bentley Motors, well this book is not it. Bentley: A Motoring Miscellany is instead a volume full of trivial tidbits and water cooler fodder for anyone who is a fan of the famed British brand. From a background of W. O. Bentley’s first customer, to a listing of some of the more exotic custom pieces that have rolled out of the factory over the years, with just about everything in between. It’s a quick and fun Must Read that’s guaranteed to teach you a thing or two about the brand with the winged B.

Form Follows Function: The Art of the Supercar

While very few of us ever get to actually own a supercar, just about everyone can appreciate the often striking beauty of their design. Stuart Codling certainly does, and with the help of some exquisite photography by James Mann, he brings us the 20 supercars that he thinks are the finest ever, in his book Form Follows Function: The Art of the Supercar. From classics to modern, these cars are without a doubt some of the most beautiful automotive machinery to ever hit the road. So, whether it’s the form or the function you’re into, you’ll find plenty to like in this Must Read.

Austin-Healey: The Bulldog Breed

If you tend to refer to automobiles as “motor cars” and often check under the bonnet or store things in the boot, you’re obviously a fan of British cars. Well, here’s a Must Read for you. Austin-Healey: The Bulldog Breed, by Jon Pressnell. It’s a full history of the famed British marque; with details on every model produced and even some behind the scenes stories about some that didn’t quite make it to the sales floor. There are lots of historical photos to go along with those stories and even some advice on what to look for if you’ve got your sights on purchasing one of these British beauties.