Monday, October 12, 2009
TWO TRIUMPH TOMES
A couple of great reviews from Triumph World for the two new Veloce books Triumph TR2, 3, 3A, 4 & 4A - Enthusiast's Restoration Manual and How to Improve Triumph TR2-4A (Updated & revised edition!).
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
HIGH PRAISE FROM VICE CHAIRMAN OF GENERAL MOTORS
Bob Lutz - Vice Chairman of General Motors comments on his great pleasure at receiving his copy of André Lefebvre, and the cars he created at Voisin and Citroën in this letter addressed to the author. He remarks on Lefebvre as being a man who made tremendous influence on car design and reads with huge interest. Bob Lutz is also the enthusiastic owner of a six cylinder Citroën Traction Avant – one of the cars featured in the book.
André Lefebvre, and the cars he created at Voisin and Citroën
By Gijsbert-Paul Berk.
BOOK OF THE MONTH – Classic & Sports Car
This biography of André Lefebvre gives a revealing insight into the work of a practically unknown aeronautic engineer who, after building and racing competition cars for Gabriel Voisin in 1933, created for André Citroën the revolutionary front wheel drive Traction Avant (light fifteen in the UK). He was responsible for the minimalist 2CV and the Citroën DS, which was the sensation of the automotive world in 1955, and is still an icon of original automobile engineering and avant-garde design today.
More info.
André Lefebvre, and the cars he created at Voisin and Citroën By Gijsbert-Paul Berk.
BOOK OF THE MONTH – Classic & Sports Car
This biography of André Lefebvre gives a revealing insight into the work of a practically unknown aeronautic engineer who, after building and racing competition cars for Gabriel Voisin in 1933, created for André Citroën the revolutionary front wheel drive Traction Avant (light fifteen in the UK). He was responsible for the minimalist 2CV and the Citroën DS, which was the sensation of the automotive world in 1955, and is still an icon of original automobile engineering and avant-garde design today.
More info.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
NEW REVIEW OF AUTODROME
Thanks to Chris Jenkins from Motorsportcircuitguide for this new review of Autodrome – The lost race circuits of Europe.
It's astounding to think that in these times of high land prices enormous, historic and much loved sporting venues are left to go derelict.
But it is a sad fact that Europe is littered with the derelict remains of motor racing circuits that for one reason or another have fallen into disrepair.
Autodrome takes the reader on a nostalgic trip around Europes greatest "lost" motor racing venues of all types - street circuits, great high speed bowls and winding parkland courses.
The author SS Collins has selected circuits that are now completely disused, and it's an even sadder fact that this is a non-exhaustive list of the more famous ones. Brooklands, Monza Oval, Reims-Geaux, Nurburgring Sudschleife, Crystal Palace, Keimola, Masarykring, Avus and Linas Monthlery are the featured circuits, the authors most readable narrative giving the reader a "then and now" background of each circuits history, a sense of the speeds and challenge of the circuit and the kind of cars and drivers that raced on them.
A selection of black and white & colour photographs of historic race action from the fabulous LAT archive help illustrate the circuits when they were alive, and diagrams detail how the circuit layout changed over time.
The main feature of the book is the stunning atmospheric photography of Gavin D Ireland, showing the circuits as they stand today in their state of faded grandeur.
Crumbling concrete, banked sections of track, faded advertisements, the remains of a poster, some old armco poking out of the undergrowth - the real sense of abandonment really comes across as you leaf through the pages. It's fascinating stuff, no doubt inspired by the series of short articles along similar lines published in Motor Sport magazine called "Track Visit". The book does a good job of expanding on the popular theme, and the excellent original photography really makes the book.
It's a shame that there aren't more photos taken from the same position as the older pohotgraphs, so that you can see exactly how time has aged the circuit, but this is a small criticism on what is a very enjoyable read. Autodrome will undoubtedly inspire visits to some of these amazing remains, and the more fans that make their own pilgrimmage, the better are the chances of survival for these wonderful temples of speed.
Visit them before it's too late.
Coming soon! Speedway – Auto racing’s ghost tracks
Around the world languish a number of long-forgotten raceways; windswept and abandoned, the derelict pit roads and crumbling concrete are all that remain of once great race tracks. From the NASCAR heartland of North Wilkesboro and Middle Georgia to the great European super speedways at Monza and Brooklands, these faded circuits are now monuments to the victories, defeats, triumphs and tragedies once played out before excited crowds.
With roots as diverse as Nationalist Socialism and Prohibition-era bootlegging, the histories of these places offer an insight to different times and attitudes, as well as the evolution of motor racing. Many of the characters who raced on these circuits had a profound impact on their sport; these circuits, which fostered and occasionally destroyed such great drivers, are revisited here – photographed as they are now, but also remembered in their prime by word and picture.
With over 175 images, this a unique and evocative look at some of auto racing’s ghost tracks.
Note that some of these circuits featured in the much acclaimed Autodrome – The lost race circuits of Europe, but in this edition are illustrated by many new photographs. More info.
It's astounding to think that in these times of high land prices enormous, historic and much loved sporting venues are left to go derelict.But it is a sad fact that Europe is littered with the derelict remains of motor racing circuits that for one reason or another have fallen into disrepair.
Autodrome takes the reader on a nostalgic trip around Europes greatest "lost" motor racing venues of all types - street circuits, great high speed bowls and winding parkland courses.
The author SS Collins has selected circuits that are now completely disused, and it's an even sadder fact that this is a non-exhaustive list of the more famous ones. Brooklands, Monza Oval, Reims-Geaux, Nurburgring Sudschleife, Crystal Palace, Keimola, Masarykring, Avus and Linas Monthlery are the featured circuits, the authors most readable narrative giving the reader a "then and now" background of each circuits history, a sense of the speeds and challenge of the circuit and the kind of cars and drivers that raced on them.
A selection of black and white & colour photographs of historic race action from the fabulous LAT archive help illustrate the circuits when they were alive, and diagrams detail how the circuit layout changed over time.
The main feature of the book is the stunning atmospheric photography of Gavin D Ireland, showing the circuits as they stand today in their state of faded grandeur.
Crumbling concrete, banked sections of track, faded advertisements, the remains of a poster, some old armco poking out of the undergrowth - the real sense of abandonment really comes across as you leaf through the pages. It's fascinating stuff, no doubt inspired by the series of short articles along similar lines published in Motor Sport magazine called "Track Visit". The book does a good job of expanding on the popular theme, and the excellent original photography really makes the book.
It's a shame that there aren't more photos taken from the same position as the older pohotgraphs, so that you can see exactly how time has aged the circuit, but this is a small criticism on what is a very enjoyable read. Autodrome will undoubtedly inspire visits to some of these amazing remains, and the more fans that make their own pilgrimmage, the better are the chances of survival for these wonderful temples of speed.
Visit them before it's too late.
Coming soon! Speedway – Auto racing’s ghost tracks Around the world languish a number of long-forgotten raceways; windswept and abandoned, the derelict pit roads and crumbling concrete are all that remain of once great race tracks. From the NASCAR heartland of North Wilkesboro and Middle Georgia to the great European super speedways at Monza and Brooklands, these faded circuits are now monuments to the victories, defeats, triumphs and tragedies once played out before excited crowds.
With roots as diverse as Nationalist Socialism and Prohibition-era bootlegging, the histories of these places offer an insight to different times and attitudes, as well as the evolution of motor racing. Many of the characters who raced on these circuits had a profound impact on their sport; these circuits, which fostered and occasionally destroyed such great drivers, are revisited here – photographed as they are now, but also remembered in their prime by word and picture.
With over 175 images, this a unique and evocative look at some of auto racing’s ghost tracks.
Note that some of these circuits featured in the much acclaimed Autodrome – The lost race circuits of Europe, but in this edition are illustrated by many new photographs. More info.
BONNEVILLE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH FOUR WORLD SPEED RECORDS
Press release & image source: Triumph
The 50th anniversary of the iconic Triumph Bonneville was marked in spectacular style when four officially-recognized FIM world land speed records were set. The quadruple records were recorded at the 2009 edition of the event that gives the bike its name: the Bonneville speed trials.
The original Bonneville, introduced in 1959, was named after the record breaking streamlined Triumph that set numerous records at the Utah Salt Flats venue during the 1950s. To pay tribute, the internationally syndicated journalist Alan Cathcart took two highly-tuned examples of the latest Bonneville back to its spiritual birthplace at this year’s event, held between August 30 and September 3.
Riding a street-legal Thruxton Bonneville prepared by Matt Capri, owner of South Bay Triumph in California, Cathcart broke the 150mph barrier to set a new two-way FIM World Record for the flying mile at 152.678mph, and another for the flying kilometre at 152.770mph, with a best one-way speed of 153.150mph. These speeds set new marks for the FIM’s 1000cc Normally-Aspirated Twin-Cylinder Unstreamlined category.
In addition, Cathcart established two more new FIM world records for the 1000cc Forced Induction Twin-Cylinder Unstreamlined class, riding a turbocharged South Bay Triumph Bonneville with a two-way speed for the flying mile of 165.405mph, 165.672mph for the flying kilometre and a best one-way speed of 171.624 mph. The mile speed qualifies as a new AMA record too, with all records set by the air/oil-cooled parallel-twin British bikes subject to ratification by the relevant authorities.
Cathcart commented: “We’ve been coming to Bonneville since 2007 in preparation for this, the model’s 50th birthday year. Breaking the 150mph barrier with the standard bike was always our main objective, and when the FIM established the new twin-cylinder category for speed records, it was great that we could claim official world records by doing so. Maybe we’ll be back next year to try to join the 200mph club with it!”
The South Bay Triumphs were shod with Pirelli rain tyres supplied by the Italian tyre manufacturer’s road racing division, giving the riders the great traction which was key to achieving such record breaking speeds.
The best in Bonneville books from Veloce!
Click covers for more info.
The 50th anniversary of the iconic Triumph Bonneville was marked in spectacular style when four officially-recognized FIM world land speed records were set. The quadruple records were recorded at the 2009 edition of the event that gives the bike its name: the Bonneville speed trials.
The original Bonneville, introduced in 1959, was named after the record breaking streamlined Triumph that set numerous records at the Utah Salt Flats venue during the 1950s. To pay tribute, the internationally syndicated journalist Alan Cathcart took two highly-tuned examples of the latest Bonneville back to its spiritual birthplace at this year’s event, held between August 30 and September 3.
Riding a street-legal Thruxton Bonneville prepared by Matt Capri, owner of South Bay Triumph in California, Cathcart broke the 150mph barrier to set a new two-way FIM World Record for the flying mile at 152.678mph, and another for the flying kilometre at 152.770mph, with a best one-way speed of 153.150mph. These speeds set new marks for the FIM’s 1000cc Normally-Aspirated Twin-Cylinder Unstreamlined category.
In addition, Cathcart established two more new FIM world records for the 1000cc Forced Induction Twin-Cylinder Unstreamlined class, riding a turbocharged South Bay Triumph Bonneville with a two-way speed for the flying mile of 165.405mph, 165.672mph for the flying kilometre and a best one-way speed of 171.624 mph. The mile speed qualifies as a new AMA record too, with all records set by the air/oil-cooled parallel-twin British bikes subject to ratification by the relevant authorities.
Cathcart commented: “We’ve been coming to Bonneville since 2007 in preparation for this, the model’s 50th birthday year. Breaking the 150mph barrier with the standard bike was always our main objective, and when the FIM established the new twin-cylinder category for speed records, it was great that we could claim official world records by doing so. Maybe we’ll be back next year to try to join the 200mph club with it!”
The South Bay Triumphs were shod with Pirelli rain tyres supplied by the Italian tyre manufacturer’s road racing division, giving the riders the great traction which was key to achieving such record breaking speeds.
Monday, October 5, 2009
ON THE GRID IN OCTOBER
Issue 34 of On the Grid is now available! On the Grid is Veloce Publishing's monthly email newsletter – THE place to find out which books are on the starting line of publication. Other features include videos, articles, photos and last but not least, exclusive offers and generous discounts!
Sign up now and find out how you can take advantage of a huge discount on all Veloce books this month. An offer that could get you an Essential Buyer's Guide for a reduced price of £5.99 + p+p! Everything you need to know about old bangers from now until bonfire night!
Click here to visit the On the Grid sign up page
Friday, October 2, 2009
A TRUE PLEASURE TO READ
A glowing review by a reader of the much-acclaimed Veloce book The Lamborghini Miura Bible by Joe Sackey.Mr. Sackey,
My name is Nick. I'm an 18 year old college student, and a lifelong car fanatic. The first time I layed eyes on a Lamborghini Miura, I was hooked. I knew right then and there that I had to have one some day.
Earlier this year, I ordered your book, the Lamborghini Miura Bible, and I absolutely loved it. So much thought and detail was put into the book, and I learned so much about the history of the car, and all of the thought and engineering that went into its development over the years. Until that point, I had never encountered a book that so thoroughly detailed every aspect of the car, from its origins as a prototype, to its final embodiment as the Miura SV, my favorite car of all time. The book was a true pleasure to read.
As an expert on the car itself and automobile collecting in general, what advice can you give to someone who wants to one day tap into the world of automobile collecting himself? Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thank you very much,
Nick
Nick:
I'm glad you enjoyed the book!
I would say patience is a key factor in waiting until the right car comes along. Also, you really want to do your own homework and know the individual cars as much as possible. It helps you enjoy the search more, and it helps ensure that you end up with a good car.
Very Best,
Joe
Click here for more info about the book.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
GROUND-BREAKING BOOK REVIEW
Very positive words from Octane in this recent review of Russian Motor Vehicles – The Czarist Period: 1784 to 1917 by Maurice Kelly.
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Click here for more info about the book.
Click here for more info about the book.
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