APRIL BOOK OF THE MONTH

My 1001 Cars, Reference Edition

By Gabriel Voisin

“A splendid copiously-illustrated translation, which not only captures the idiosyncratic nature of Gabriel Voisin’s highly opinionated prose but includes a host of explanatory footnotes which add greatly to the original text. Highly recommended!”

- David Burgess-Wise (The Automobile)

PICK OF THE WEEK

The Admiralty and AEW. Royal Navy Airborne Early Warning Projects

By Chris Gibson – Paperback, 48 pages
The Admiralty, until 1964 the Office of the Lord High Admiral, has been the guardian of all things naval in Britain since the 17th century. Amongst the Admiralty’s tasks has been to ensure that the Royal Navy was provided with the best available equipment. However, over the years various events have conspired against the Admiralty’s stated aims.
One example of this is the provision of an airborne early warning capability to the fleet and this story is told in "The Admiralty and AEW". From the pre-war airborne radar experiments using an Avro Anson to the numerous studies for the CVF carriers in the early 21st century it is a fascinating story.
his Project Tech Profile examines the numerous project studies from the British aviation industry since the role was first considered in 1941. Using newly released archive material and specially commissioned illustrations, "The Admiralty and AEW" tells the story of Avro, BAC, Blackburn, Fairey, Hawker Siddeley and Westland‘s efforts to provide the Royal Navy with an eye in the sky throught the Fifties and Sixties.
The story culminates with the Sea King AEW.2 of the Eighties and the ongoing search to equip the Royal Navy’s new carriers with that "must-have" of modern warfare: an airborne warning and control system.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Team Lotus : My view from the pit wall

By Peter Warr
Hardback, 234 x 156mm, 240 pages, 30 colour & 30 b&w illustrations

Peter Warr was best-known for his management of the Lotus Formula 1 team, where he was one of Colin Chapman’s closest allies as well as the man who nurtured the early Formula 1 careers of Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell. Frank, informative and beautifully written, his memoir remained unfinished at the time of his death in 2010, but the bulk of his work was done and thankfully can be published. This long-awaited inside story, which is of particular interest for its author’s thoughts on Chapman and all the drivers he worked with, will be relished by all motor racing enthusiasts.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Great Locomotives Series : Bulleid Pacifics

By John Scott-Morgan
Hardback, 250 x 250mm, 160 pages, 150 colour & 100 b&w illustrations

When O.V.S. Bulleid’s ‘Merchant Navy’ class 4-6-2 appeared on the Southern Railway in 1941, it was controversial. As well as looking unlike any previous steam locomotive, it was full of innovative and untried ideas, and this during the height of the Second World War. A total of 140 such locos were built over the next ten years, 110 of which were a lighter version, the ‘West Country’/'Battle of Britain’ class. This is the intriguing story of these locos in their original ‘air-smoothed’ form.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Rolls-Royce and Bentley : The Crewe years
By Martin Bennett – Hardback, 280 x 230mm, 480 pages, 78 colour & 1022 b&w illustrations
The names Rolls-Royce and Bentley have long been synonymous with engineering excellence, longevity, luxury and beauty of line. This re-designed and modernised third edition of a best-selling classic traces the remarkable story of these automotive aristocrats, examining all the post-war models manufactured at Crewe, bringing the story right up to date. More recent developments include the marques’ acquisition in 1998 by rival German manufacturers, the last Crewe-built Rolls-Royce Corniche in 2002, and the 2007 Continental GT coupe and Bentley Arnage Diamond Series unveiled to mark 60 years of production at Crewe.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Motor Racing : The Pursuit of Victory 1930-1962

By Anthony Carter – Foreword by Jack Sears.
Hardback, 176 pages, 218 pictures, 250 x 250 mm

Previously unpublished, stunning photographs from motor racing history, in a book that examines the many facets of Grand Prix racing before the dominance of television. A beautiful look at a fascinating time in motor racing.

This book is a virtual time machine to the past. It presents stunning – previously unpublished – photographs from motor racing history, and examines the many facets of Grand Prix racing before the dominance of television and commercial advertising. Here are stories of derring-do and racing that constantly pushed the boundaries of technology. The story begins in the 1930s when the German Auto-Unions and Mercedes were heavily subsidised by the Nazi regime to strengthen their engineering might. This produced the most powerful racing cars ever (at least until the turbocharged cars of the 1980s), and which was followed by the postwar era that saw the BRM V16 bringing prestige to Great Britain. Altogether a nostalgic look at a fascinating time in motor racing’s development.

Features:
• Photographs from 1933-1939
• Photographs from 1950-1962
• The Germans and Grand Prix racing before WWII
• The story of the BRM V16 1948-1955
• The postwar rear-engined revolution (including 500cc)
• The emergence of the Lotus marque
• The emergence of Jimmy Clark
• Early career of Jimmy Clark at Lotus
• Bob Dance – his early life pre-1960
• Bob Dance – his Lotus years up to 1970, in his own words

PICK OF THE WEEK

The Brighton Belle : The Story of a Famous and Much- Loved Train

Stephen Grant and Simon Jeffs
Hardback, 96 pages

To travel on the Brighton Belle was to travel in style, a style more closely associated with the Orient Express on extended ventures overseas than a journey between London and Brighton that took less than an hour. Businessmen used it, but so too did many people in radio, television and the theatre. Indeed it was a campaign to keep it running organised by a group of celebrities that saved it (albeit not for long) from the axe in the mid-1960s. It last ran in the spring of 1972, by which time its magic had faded to some extent, but it is still remembered with affection today.

Almost all of the fleet has survived in one form or another and one may still enjoy these Art Deco masterpieces on the VSOE British Pullman train and, excitingly, the Belle may run again as the 5Bel Trust seeks to restore a unit to main line service.

PICK OF THE WEEK

The Battles for Monte Cassino Then and Now

Jeff Plowman, Perry Rowe Hardback, 408 pages, 12"×8½", Over 1,000 Colour and B&W Illustrations

The Battles for Cassino encompassed one of the few truly international conflicts of the Second World War. A strategic town on the road to Rome, the fighting lasted four months and cost the lives of more than 14,000 men from eight nations. Between January and May 1944, forces from Britain, Canada, France, India, New Zealand, Poland and the United States, fought a resolute German army in a series of battles in which the advantage swung back and forth, from one side to the other. From fire-fights in the mountains to tank attacks in the valley; from river crossings to street fighting, the four battles of Cassino encompass a series of individual operations unique in the history of the Second World War. Authors Jeff Plowman and Perry Rowe have spent several years studying the conflict together and walking the battlefield to take the hundreds of comparison photographs which are the raison d’etre of all After the Battle publications. Photographs have been selected from archives and private collections around the world to present a balanced view, combined with maps, orders of battle, citations and detailed captions. The Cassino battles, epitomised by the controversial bombing of the monastery which towers menacingly over the battlefield, stand at the centre of the Italian campaign. The dogged defence by a 100,000 men of the German XIV. Panzerkorps under General Frido von Senger und Etterlin, facing a greater multi-national force, was only routed in the end by a gallant French flanking manoeuvre, with the Poles marking the final victory by hoisting their national flag over the ruins of the Monastery.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Swift : From the Cockpit No.14

Initially seen as the great rival to the Hawker Hunter, the Supermarine Swift F.1 and F.2 proved to be unsuited to the rôle required of an interceptor fighter but the design was recast, resulting in an efficient low-level fighter-reconnaissance aircraft that gave valuable service during the Cold War. This latest title in the ‘From the Cockpit’ series traces the evolution of the Swift and offers first-hand recollections and assessments from those who flew the aircraft, both in the early days with Fighter Command and in later years with 2TAF over Germany , together with the usual feast of photographs and colour artwork. Author : Nigel Walpole 210 × 297mm, 104 pages, 136 photographs, 14 artworks. Square-backed card covers, sewn binding

PICK OF THE WEEK

The Book of the Standard Motor Company

Graham Robson Hardback, 208 pages, 262 colour and b&w pictures, 207x250mm

Starting with the original Standard prototype of 1903, this book covers the scores of Standard models built until the brand was discontinued in 1963 (Britain) and 1987 (India). It also covers the Ferguson tractor involvement, millitary aero-engine manufacture, military aircraft manufacturer (including Beaufighter and Mosquito fighter-bombers), Rolls-Royce Avon turbo-jet military engine manufacture, and Triumph cars. • This is the first complete book to cover this marque • Standard was one of Britain’s largest car-makers for many years • For years Standard was the largest motor industry employer in Coventry • Standard also rescued Triumph from oblivion in 1945 • Standard produced tractors (more than 500,000) on behalf of Ferguson • Standard was one of the biggest contributors to Britain’s WW2 efforts • The story is not merely technical, but financial too – how did Standard stay afloat • Personalities and products are covered in equal measure • How/why Standard was gradually overshadowed by Triumph • How/why Standard was taken over by Leyland in 1961

PICK OF THE WEEK

Ford versus Ferrari : The battle for Le Mans

Anthony Pritchard Hardback, 400 pages, 200 colour & 300 b&w illustrations, 280 x 230 mm

This new book shares the title of Anthony Pritchard‘s landmark book about the intense rivalry between Ford and Ferrari in the 1960s, played out above all at Le Mans. The original book, published in 1968, when the battle between these two great marques was still ongoing, forms the basis of the new project, but with rewritten and much-expanded text to include material that was not available at the time. The engaging text is accompanied by a stunning selection of photographs, portraying the two marques in atmospheric detail. A lavish book, packed with over 600 photographs, many of them previously unpublished, and including rare period colour. A prime piece of sixties motor racing nostalgia, featuring some of the most charismatic racing cars ever made. The evolution and development of Ferrari sports racing cars for the World Sports Car Championship from 1953 to 1961, including seven championship titles and abortive negotiations with Ford for the takeover of Ferrari.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Mille Miglia 1957 : Last act in a legendary race

Carlo Dolcini Hardback, 168 pages, 143 b/w and 26 colour pictures, Italian-English text

1957: the last Mille Miglia. It was the tragedy of Cavriana, the crash of the Alfonso de Portago-Ed Nelson Ferrari 335S and the 11 bodies on the asphalt that wrote the last page in the story of this fascinating yet dangerous road race. But the 1957 marathon was the most enthralling of them all, enlivened by the contentious battle between the drivers brought together in a single team by Enzo Ferrari and that culminated in victory for Piero Taruffi, who retired from racing after winning the “most beautiful race in the world”. A race the story of which is told mile after mile in this book, using the unfolding news of the Brescia-Rome-Brescia marathon, but also the testimonies of the protagonists, behind the scenes happenings, the cars, the men and women. And extraordinary pictures, many previously unpublished. All against a backdrop of Italy in the late ‘50s and an unforgettable era of motor racing. This is the first in a series of books which will tell the stories of all the post war Mille Miglias over the next few years, ranging from the 1947 race to the tragic 1957.

PICK OF THE WEEK

The Works MGs
Their story in pre-war and post-war races, rallies, trials and record-breaking (2nd Edition)

Mike Allison, Peter Browning Hardback, 270 x 210mm, 304 pages, 24 colour & 202 b&w illustrations

Ten years on from its original publication and now in a redesigned and better illustrated second edition, this is the authoritative story of all the MGs prepared for international competition events with the support of the MG Car Company. The coverage ranges from the classic trials of the mid-1920s, pre-war racing and record-breaking, to the post-war achievements of the works cars entered in races and rallies by the BMC Competitions Department. A classic book on a subject of enduring interest by expert authors with literally decades of relevant experience. Divided into two parts – pre-war and post-war – complete with detailed appendices covering results and biographies of key people. Pre-war coverage explores the birth of MG in competition in the 1920s before moving on to the highlight years of 1931-35 that saw giant-killing feats in motor racing with four-cylinder Midgets and six-cylinder Magnettes. Breaking speed records either side of the war with Goldie Gardner and the famous EX135 record car. Post-war the emphasis turns to rallying, particularly with the MGA of 1955-62, but the model is raced too. Into the 1960s, racing exploits of MGB and MGC GTS models at venues such as Le Mans and Sebring.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Vulcan’s Hammer : V-Force Aircraft and Weapons Projects since 1945

Chris Gibson Hardback, 176 pages, 297mm x 210mm, over 80 b+w/colour photos + over 140 b+w line drawings + 9 colour artworks

The development of Britain’s nuclear advanced weapons continued through the Cold War with projects like the Blue Steel stand-off missile and the development of the Handley Page HP.114 Victor. Projects on supporting types such as the Avro unmanned vehicle are described for the first time as Vulcan’s Hammer examines advanced weapons and the aircraft that were intended to carry them in post-war Britain. • Development of Cold War weapons, including Vulcan phase 6 and HP 114 Victor. • Examines V-bomber alternatives including TSR.2, VC10, English Electric P.10 and Vickers SP.4 • Insight into Avro’s Weapons Research Division • Specially commissioned artwork showing ‘might-have-been’ variants

Pick Of The Week

Porsche at Le Mans
Sixty years of Porsche participation in the world’s greatest motor race
Glen Smale
Hardback, 400 pages, 200 colour & 200 b&w illustrations, 280 x 230 mm

The Porsche marque is synonymous with Le Mans, having competed in every single running of the 24-hour race since 1951. The streamlined 356 model entered in 1951 ran like clockwork to 20th place, beating the coveted record for the shortest time spent in the pits. Since that memorable debut, Porsche has won outright at Le Mans 16 times, with a record series of seven consecutive victories from 1981 to 1987. This beautifully designed and extensively illustrated book provides the definitive history of Porsche‘s participation at La Sarthe, chronicling the exploits of both the works team cars and privateer entries.

• Published to mark the 60th anniversary of Porsche’s first participation at Le Mans with a streamlined 356 model in 1951.
• A definitive book on an important aspect of Porsche’s history.
• Packed with nostalgia and interest: Porsche’s greatest years at Le Mans were during the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.
• Featuring all of Porsche’s great sports racing cars: 550 Spyder, 718 RSK, 904, 906, 908, 910, 917, 936, 935, 956, 962 and GT1, plus the ubiquitous 911.
• Supported by full access to Porsche’s archives of photographs, data and technical information.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Harrier
Tim McLelland
Hardback, 336 pages, Illustrations, 282 x 213 mm

The Hawker Harrier is one of the most well-known and distinctive military aircraft produced in the last 50 years. This title forms a comprehensive study of the aircraft’s history, tracing the development and service deployment of this unique warplane, including coverage of combat operations, service with the United States Marines, and a first-hand detailed account of present-day Harrier operations as seen from the cockpit. As well as informative detail and descriptions the volume will be bundled with a variety of rare and unseen photographs, technical line drawings and colour artwork profiles.

Some of the areas covered include – Vertical Variables Background to the Harrier’s development, Manufacture of the prototype Service Coverage of the production of the first Harrier GR1 variants Introduction into RAF service at Wittering, Looking at the background, design and development of the Sea Harrier manufactured for the Royal Navy. Exploring present-day Harrier operations. A listing of Harrier production (serials, allocations and disposals) This will provide a detailed look at all aspects of the Harrier from development to present day to provide a detailed step-by-step description of a representative Harrier mission combined with from-the-cockpit photography.

PICK OF THE WEEK

The Western Corridor Driver’s eye view : Waterford – Limerick – Galway
Available on DVD and BLURAY
Written by Peter Middleton – Narrated by Henry Kelly

The catalyst for this Driver’s eye view was the relaying and reopening of the Western Rail Corridor from Ennis to Galway in 2010, enabling passengers to travel all the way from Waterford in southern Ireland to Galway in the north west with two changes. We travel on these three trains in the drivers’ cabs. All three are formed of 2-car 2700 DMUs.

The entire trip from Waterford to Galway is followed by a helicopter, showing us the train and the terrain. Such attractive rural scenery shouldn’t be missed, so, unusually, this Driver’s eye view runs for over 2½ hours – ‘though still at the standard price!

Bonus footage: Barrow Bridge, the longest railway bridge in Ireland, filmed during the last months of operation but since closed.

Pick Of The Week

Harnessing Horsepower : The Pat Moss Carlsson Story
Stuart Turner
Hardback, 160 pages, 150 illustrations, 254 x 203 mm

Forewords By Sir Stirling Moss and Erik Carlsson

This book covers the life of one of the greatest women rally drivers of all time: Pat Moss Carlsson. Pat had a highly successful show-jumping career before moving into motorsport, going on to become European Ladies Rally Champion no fewer than five times. In 1960, with her co-driver Ann Wisdom, she won the Liege, the toughest rally of all, a win as iconic in motorsport terms as her brother Stirling’s famous one on the Mille Miglia.

Stuart Turner is uniquely qualified to write about Pat because he not only navigated for her on British rallies – they took the first win by a Mini together – but was then her team manager at BMC. Pat later moved from BMC to Ford before having a successful rally programme with Saab, competing in the same team as her husband, Erik Carlsson. She also drove Renault Alpine, Lancia and Toyota rally cars before retiring in 1974, going on to help her daughter Suzy with her show-jumping career.

Pat never lost her zest for life, and was once even stopped for speeding…while towing a horse box. Featuring 150 evocative pictures, this is an intimate and unique account of one of motorsport’s most formidable women.

• Pat Moss Carlsson was one of the greatest women rally drivers of all time

• She was also an accomplished horsewoman and a member of the British Show-Jumping team

• This is her story, as told by navigator, team manager, and friend, Stuart Turner

• Forewords by Sir Stirling Moss (Pat’s brother) and Erik Carlsson

• 2010 marked the 50th anniversary of Pat’s win on the Liège-Rome-Liège rally

Pick of the Week

OSP RAID 18: The Zeppelin Base Raids, Germany 1914
Ian Castle
Paperback, 80 pages, Illustrations (some col.), 248 x 184 mm

In the summer of 1914, as Europe teetered on the brink of war, the spectre of immediate Zeppelin raids on London and other major British towns and cities loomed large. When Winston Churchill accepted responsibility for the defence of London, he realised that Zeppelins were most vulnerable when on the ground. Despite limited resources, he believed that attack was the best form of defence. In the final four months of 1914, the RNAS launched four separate air attacks on Zeppelin bases in Germany: Düsseldorf/Cologne twice, Friedrichshafen and Cuxhaven. Author Ian Castle presents the full story of Britain’s first strategic bombing campaign and the results it achieved.

Contents

• Introduction
• Origins and Initial Strategy
• Planning the Düsseldork and Cologne Raids
• The Düsseldork and Cologne Raids
• Planning the Friedrichshafen Raid
• The Friedrichshafen Raid
• Planning the Cuxhaven Raid
• The Cuxhaven Raid
• Analysis
• Conclusion

Pick of the Week

Francis-Barnett : The Complete Story
Arthur Gent
Hardback, 208 pages, 58 colour illustrations 177 black & white photographs, 246 x 189 mm

Francis-Barnett was central in the two golden eras of the motorcycle industry, the 1930s and the 1950s. The company was founded in 1919 by Gordon Francis and Arthur Barnett, and based in Lower Ford Street, Coventry, England. Francis-Barnett played a key role in the motorcycle industry with the production of it’s ‘home to work’ commuting two-stroke motorcycles. The author looks at the key role these innovative and unique bikes played in the glory days of the British motorcycling industry.

This fascinating book is primarily intended to be an authoritative work of reference for those wanting to establish the authenticity of a machine, particularly as the company’s early records were lost during the bombing of Coventry during World War II and the post-war records appear to have been destroyed with the collapse of the parent company AMC (Associated Motor Cycles).