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Books
This is part of the ItalianCar.net archive - go to ItalianCar.net now
A selection of books, old and new, of interest to lovers of Italian cars...
TITLE: FERRARI Published in updated form by Konemann in 2004 this is the
best-value Ferrari book available at a retail price of only AU$59.95.
400 glorious large-format [27x32cm] colour pages with photographic and
pen sketches of the eight and twelve cylinder cars from the Barchetta
by Touring of 1948 up to the 612 Scaglietti of 2004... road cars, sports
racing but not "pure" racing cars all beautifully photographed [mainly
by Schlegelmilch] and briefly described. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
Previous months
TITLE: FERRARI BY PININFARINA...
technology and beauty This is a lot of book for what seems a lot of money; but,
like all Nada productions it is beautifully done... and the fifty years
of cars in it... from the 212 Inter of 1952 to the Rossa of 2000... are
the result of the enduring partnership between Pininfarina and Ferrari.
This is a story well worth reading, well written by a respected journalist
who has studied engineering; and who had the advantage at the time of
writing that he was a Director of Publications at Fiat.It appears to have
all the Pininfarina bodies Ferraris in detail and pictures. A
coffee table book that should be on the wish list of every enthusiast. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
no image TITLE: FERRARI MONOPOSTO CATALOGUE
RAISONNE 1948-1997 All the race [but not sports-racing]
cars in one comprehensive, beautifully presented book..conveniently divided
into the following eras: Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
TITLE: ZAGATO FULVIA SPORT COMPETIZIONE If you think the Fulvia Sport is one
of the iconic cars of the late 1960's; this is the book for you... information
on the development of the car, accompanied by marvelous photos [of variying
quality, but all interesting] and line and exploded drawings; all beautifully
reproduced. An interesting chapter has the details all thirty Fulvia Sport
Competitons, with their competition results. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
no image TITLE: MEMOIRS OF ENZO FERRARI'S
LIEUTENANT During much of Ferrari's racing history there has been
one man who is always there... Franco Gozzi was adviser, consultant, press
officer, motorsport director and intereted observer. This book has 70
stories told in a style that involves the reader, there is a bit of irony,
a lot of history, vignettes of the cars, the drivers and the other personalities...and
just under the surface one finds out that being so close to Enzo Ferrari
over 40 years must have been a constant challenge. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
TITLE: FERRARI 328 348 MONDIAL 1986-1994
ULTIMATE PORTFOLIO This is one of the numerous Brooklands compilations of
contemporary roadtests; taken in this case from Autocar, Road&Track,
Car and Driver, Motor, Car etc. The result? All the tests in one handy
place, [a big advantage over a stack of magazines] the minus, lack of
colour, and patchy reproduction of what were originally colour photos.
Recent paper quality and reproduction quality improvements have lifted
these Brooklands compilations significantly. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
TITLE: CAR MEN (series) This is a series of books which includes: All are in English, French and Italian and typically
contain both colour and black and white photos and drawings of the work
of the designers. In the case of the Centro Stile book, development of
the 145,146,156 and 166 is analysed in depth. The Pininfarina book showcases
a range of works, interestingly some of it beyond cars, for example trains,
trams and tractors and even boats have been styled by the studio. Giugiaro's
work includes the early Golf, the Lotus Esprit and numerous Italians and
concept cars including even a L300 style Alfa Romeo Taxi. The I ..DE .A
Institute's work is different [they are mainly "behind the scenes"]
for example they worked on modular car concepts for families of cars within
the modern Fiat/Lancia group, but a better known outcome would be the
Mercedes Vito. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books
Sydney
August 2005
TITLE: ABARTH,THE MAN,THE
MACHINES This must be the definitive book about Carlo Abarth and his wonderful machines, about his dedication,,passion and perservence. It is the story of an individual with a passion for engines; of a factory, of different attitudes in the 1950's and '60s and of the motor industry in Italy. It is also a story touching many other other people, and of numerous motor racing and record succeses. First, however, a period of motorcycle racing; including the inevitable accidents as well as successes; and the famous challenge race with the Orient Express; then the effect of War as Abarth was living in his native Austria. Interestingly, Carlo's father had opted for Italian citizenship and the Italians offered an irriestable deal for Carlo to race under Italian colours.Another accident and the reality of living in Vienna under occupation led to a move to Yugoslavia.The end of the war saw him head back to his Father's home in Merano at the age of 37. He started a small business selling Bianchi motorcycles, but eventually made contact with the Porsche family. An agency agreement was negotiated, then came contact with Tazio Nuvolari and an industrialist and amateur racer named Dusio who was interested to produce a small Porsche designed tractor..and the design for a little racing car named Cistalia.The agreement included employment of Carlo Abarth. Whilst Cistialia had initial success, after a couple of years there were problems out of which grew Abarth and Co, at the time in 1949 when Carlo had just turned 40. Obviously this book focuses on the next two decades or more, in great detail and in a fascinating manner. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
TITLE: ALFAZIOSO This is a high quality, limited edition individual book of pictures,descriptions and brief comparisons between a dozen Alfa models and their competitors. Many of the cars are from the writers collection, or are from his fellow members of Alfa Team Blue. Alfa models are: GiuliaSS from 1957; AR 51 Matta dry sumped twin cam off roader; 2000 Saloon from 1957; the Giuletta Promiscua , a very rare estate from 1960; 2600 de Luxe with Michelotti body from 1967; Zagatto 2600 SZ from 1965; Giulia GTC from 1966; Alfa F12 minibus with raised roof [1972]; Montreal [1972]; Alfa 6 [this one is from 1980]; 75 Turbo Evoluzione 1987 and SZ from 1990. This is a wonderful book, chock a block full of great cars; and obviously put together by a true Alfa enthusiast. Admittedly personal observations lead to a good read about some models which have sometimes been ignored. Consider this introduction to the 75 Turbo Evoluzione: "Noisy as a brass band, as exaggerated as a late bet 'down the pub', red enough to make the church committee blanch, and as shocking as high heels under a miniskirt in Notre Dame:this was the 75 Turbo Evoluzione". Highly recommended for Alfaziosi. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
TITLE: ALFA ROMEO all-alloy twin cam companion 1954-1994...Four-cylinder
history, care and restoration. Giuletta, Giulia and Alfetta families Pat Braden [who passed away before this book was published] was the author of the earlier Alfa Romeo Owners Bible which this book compliments, rather than replaces...and like the earlier book, it is full of sage advice about living with these emotion inducing machines. Consider this extract… ..the most common carburetor fault is that it is defensless against owners who are convinced that they can improve performance just by fiddling with adjustments… There are many other advisories, based on ownership and playing with many cars of all models...the author has had many more than this reviewer, who stopped at 9; and he has therefore probably experienced everything. And he has taken advice from others, and recorded it here for us lesser mortals. But this is not just a petrol head book, [and it WILL stop you from spending money unnecessarily]; it is rather an albeit US-centric history of the most wonderful twin cam engine that was produced in thousands and the cars it powered, from the exceptional to the ordinary; from 1954 through to the '90's..the GTV's, the Berlinas, the Spiders and the trans-axle models. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
TITLE: DINO The Little Ferrari V6 and V8 Racing and
Road Cars-1957 to 1979 This is a very interesting book which chases the development of the small- engined cars named for Mr Ferrari's son. This engine produced three world champions,many sports /racing car victories and four series of road cars..and spawed Fiat and Lancia derivatives. Not only the technical details, which are extensive, but the personalities and the names.The story starts, as one would expect; with a chapter about father and son; and recognizes the enormous contribution that Enzo has made to modern motoring. It recognizes, too, the impact of the "little non-Ferraris" on this story...and there is of course recognition of the cars constructed for Tasman series races.the story is presented in a chonological form, and as Doug Nye is a professional writer one cannot say that this is another "and then they did that.." book. Rather it is clear, concise, motoring history at its best, the full story of the noble Dino accompanied by numerous illustrations, of which 8 pages are in colour. Highly recommended. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
TITLE: FERRARI This is a superb, coffee table all-colour book of excellent photographs of all the significant six, eight and 12 cylinder models; with descriptions , details and beautifully reproduced photos. Immaculate photos of immaculate cars in well chosen settings. This second edition starts with the 212 export, and goes to the 2004 612 Scagletti, so it is quite up to date.The book is full of studio quality photos by Schlegelmilch, taken over his 40 years.of interest in Ferrari. The text, mainly by Lehbrink is concise and accurate, this latter reflecting the input of one time F1 team manager von Osterroth. Whilst the first chapter is about the early racing history,and the second is about the company; the book is really about the cars, a task it undertakes admirably. Wonderful value at this price. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
TITLE: ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA 1954-2004 GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
The full history of the Giulietta model range 190 pages devoted to the Giuliettas..sedans, spiders, and sprints with the many variations, one offs and specials presented chronologically..the common thread, the beautiful alloy twin cam engine. Alfa Romeo was a company in trouble in the early post war period..no more aeronautical products, a truck range that did not seem to hit the mark and mounting losses…. And no doubt some difficulty in seeing the future. Before the war in 1937 designer Jano had projected a simple mass produced medium size car with a 1.5 liter twin cam engine, instead a 2.5 liter car was produced which cost heaps to build and sold in limited numbers, then a 1900cc saloon of which nearly 15000 were sold between 1951 and 1954. Contrast this with the 33,800 Giuliettas sold 1956-1958 after the Jano design became Typo 750..and was built by an almost broke company using taxpayers money.No doubt the Bertone sprint sports coupe's appearance at the 1954 Turin Motor show had an enormous impact on the long waiting public. After all, 'An Alfa Romeo is an Alfa Romeo" was an effective slogan; and the new range became known as a small four door grand tourer suitable for daily use. This anniversary book, which explores the subsequent 50 years of development of the small grand tourer concept is a valuable record, and a must for Alfa fans. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
TITLE: LAMBORGHINI 1964-2004 CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF
LAMBORGHINI CARS A hard cover Brooklands Portfolio of articles reproduced from many magazines covering the production Lamborghinis from 1964 to 2004 [also available as three separate soft cover books covering the periods 1964-1976;1977-1989 and 1990-2004 Whilst this is expensive, on a value for dollar basis given the quantity and quality, both in content and presentation; this one is fantastic value...all the important tests; all the worthwhile writers [and a few others thrown in for contrast!] on the whole range..350GT, 400GT, Miura [who could forget those eyes?],Espada, Islero, Jarama, Countach[in production for over 15 years], Uracco, Silhouette,Japala, Diablo, Murcielago and Gallardo, amongst others. Just wonderful stuff about just wonderful, even outrageous cars. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
TITLE: ORIGINAL FERRARI V8 The restorers guide to all
models 1974-1994 This "Original" restorers guide covers 308 GT4, 308/328 GTB/GTS, Mondial, 348, 288 GTO and F40..and as always has great photographs, production history, and useful details such as trim, options,identification. A must buy before you by a car for there is so much information. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
TITLE: ORIGINAL FERRARI V12 1965-1973 The definitive
guide to front-engined cars I love these "Originals" for their comprehensive coverage of their subject..in this case the 500 Superfast, 365 California; 275 GT Berlinetta; 275 GT Spider; 330 GT 2+2; 330 GTC/S and 365 GTC/S; 365 GT 2+2; 365 GTB/4 and 365 GTS/4; 365 GT4 2+2 and some "close relatives". As well as good photos there are details such as production numbers,chassis numbers, identification plate locations, trim and colour options etc Also included are useful things like suspension settings, gear ratios etc. A valuable resource before you buy and even more valuable during ownership. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
TITLE: DAVID McKAY'S SCUDERIA VELOCE The Autobiography David McKay was a long time motor racing enthusiast and motoring journalist who adopted and popularized the name "Scuderia Veloce"and had rather a large impact on racing..the subtle introduction of sponsorship, a famous Jaguar and the legendary 250LM are all well known, and this is the story of all those things and many more….interspersed with the best of his personal life and just a few regrets..after all, he was probably not one for confessions! As an untrained journalist David learned the art of putting
words together well and this book benefits from that well developed skill..it
is one of those rare books that is hard to put down because it is both
interesting and well written; and whilst it is not over illustrated, the
photos have been chosen with care for their interest. A
very good read, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for its coverage of both motor racing
history and the early years of the Ferrari agency in New South Wales. Reviewed by Peter Reynell, Marque Motor Books Sydney
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