AUTHOR INTERVIEW: ANTHONY CARTER REFLECTS ON A LOST ERA OF MOTOR RACING

Motor Racing - Reflections of a lost era
By Anthony Carter

A defining era in motorsport documented in words and intimate photographs, both black and white and colour, from the mid-1950s through the 1960s, when motor racing was still accessible to all, and the 1970s when overt sponsorship and television changed the sport for ever.

More info.

BRM - a mechanic's tale
By Dick Salmon. In collaboration with Anthony Carter.

Probably for the first time, criticism is leveled at both Louis Stanley, and the introduction of the H16 engine as contributory factors to the failure of British Racing Motors. Louis Stanley for his freeloading extravagance, and the rather foolish decision by the management to specify such a complicated and bulky power unit. More info.

Motor Racing – The Pursuit of Victory 1930-1962
By Anthony Carter.

Previously unpublished, stunning photographs from motor racing history, in a book that examines the many facets of Grand Prix racing before the dominance of television.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

More info.

Coming soon! Motor Racing – The Pursuit of Victory 1963 to 1972 By Steve Wyatt. In collaboration with Anthony Carter.
Picking up where the first volume left off, this is a beautifully illustrated journey covering a period of ten years in motor sport. Moving year by year, this book is written from the perspective of a passionate motor sport enthusiast of the day. Features many previously unpublished photographs. More info.

"A LOVELY BOOK ..."

Our recently published book Russian Motor Vehicles – The Czarist Period: 1784 to 1917, by Maurice Kelly, has been well-received in Old Glory magazine this month.

Click below to read the full review:

"A lovely book covering a little-known subject." – Old Glory

"Former military engineer Kelly has done an expert job, as his impressive bibliography of Russian books confirms. Alexandr Zakarov's colourful artwork draws you into marque histories, such as Russo-Baltic racer, Dux vee-twin cyclecars and Mercedes-inspired Lessner Edwardian tourers." – Classic & Sports Car

CASTING A LOOK OVER TOY CARS

-PRESS RELEASE-

Diecast Toy Cars of the 1950s & 1960s, a new book by Andrew Ralston provides a comprehensive overview of vintage diecast toy cars and the companies that made them during the 1950s and 1960s. A collectors guide on what has become an increasingly popular hobby over the last 25 years.

As well as examining the major names such as Dinky Toys, Corgi Toys and Matchbox (Great Britain), Solido (France), Tekno (Denmark) and Tootsietoy (USA), this book is unique in its coverage of many smaller and more obscure brands, not only from Europe or the USA but from countries as far afield as Japan, Israel and Argentina.

The book provides fascinating insights into the history of individual companies, accompanied by 300 photographs of rare examples, most of them with their original boxes. A further unique feature is the inclusion of a large selection of colourful and evocative illustrations from catalogues and period trade advertisements.

For the newcomer to the hobby, this volume will provide an ideal introduction to the history of the manufacturers active in this field, while experienced collectors will make many new discoveries.

The 128-page book is available now from bookshops or from www.veloce.co.uk.

THE AUTHOR
Andrew Ralston received his first Dinky Toy car, a Riley, when he was about five years old, and ever since has been passionately interested in anything to do with cars. He has built up an extensive collection of models, with a preference for the more unusual items, and has written many articles on the subject for magazines in Britain and the USA. Educated at the Universities of Glasgow and Oxford, Andrew is a teacher by profession and has also published numerous textbooks on the English language. He lives in Glasgow with his wife, Hazel, and daughter, Miranda.

GET YOUR KICKS ON TWO WHEELS?

-PRESS RELEASE-


Three brand new Motorcycle books from Veloce!

The Fine Art of the Motorcycle Engine – The Story of the Up-N-Smoke Engine Project (ISBN 978-1-84584-174-4)
By Daniel Peirce
Professional photographer Dan Peirce presents 64 stunning pictures from his popular ‘Up-n-Smoke’ engine project. The book also tells the story behind the project and how it took years to bring it from an inspired idea to a tangible reality. “Pornography for Gearheads” – Cycle World magazine
• Hardback • 25x25cm • £19.99 • 144 pages • 64 colour photos

Motorcycle Apprentice: Matchless – in name & reputation (ISBN 978-1-84584-179-9)
By Bill Cakebread
Gives a unique insight to the atmosphere and excitement of working in the AMC (Matchless/AJS) motorcycle factory. An inspiring story, supported by a host of period photographs and rare documents, providing a fascinating record of life within the British motorcycle industry from its heyday and on into decline and oblivion.
• Hardback • 25x20.7cm • £19.99 • 128 pages • c. 100 mainly b&w photos

Off-road Giants – Heroes of 1960s Motorcycle Sport (ISBN 978-1-84584-190-4)
By Andrew Westlake
A fascinating and nostalgic compilation of rider profiles written over a three year period, that originally appeared in Classic Motorcycle magazine, now accompanied by a new set of over 100 photographs. This book beautifully captures a much-loved time in motorsport.
• Hardback • 25x20.7cm • £19.99 • 128 pages • 115 period b&w photos

All available now! (UK & USA)
Each £19.99 UK / $39.95 USA

BRM BRAND REVIVED IN ITS 60TH YEAR

Electric racing car to enter Speed Hillclimb Championships in 2010 and revive BRM marque in its 60th anniversary year

On 16 October, Bee Automobiles Ltd announced that the Bee Four electric racing vehicle (ERV) designed by Martin Ogilvie, would participate in the British Speed Hill Climb Championship, with Graeme Wight Jr as the driver. Bee is now delighted to announce that the ERV will race as the BRM Bee Four ERV, reviving the BRM brand in its 60th year.
The BRM Bee Four ERV - code-named the 'Watt 4' - is an all-electric 4WD vehicle, capable of producing 700hp or 520kW. The ERV uses motor technology developed at Oxford University. Bee is a partner with Energy Efficient Motor Sport - EEMS.
The BRM Bee Four ERV will revive the famous BRM brand. BRM is a previous winner of the British Speed Hill Climb Championship, the F1 world Drivers' and Constructors' championships and a total of 17 F1 Grands Prix, with Graham Hill and Sir Jackie Stewart as two of the winning drivers.

2009 is the 60th anniversary of BRM, so it is very appropriate to revive the brand in an innovative new car. BRM was founded just after the Second World War by Raymond Mays, who had built several hillclimb and road racing cars under the ERA brand before the war, and Peter Berthon, a long-time associate.

Fantastic BRM books available from Veloce. Click covers for more info!

ANDY WESTLAKE - BBC RADIO DEVON INTERVIEW (PART 2)

Interview courtesy of BBC Radio Devon.



Off Road Giants! - Heroes of 1960s Motorcycle Sport by Andy Westlake.

- An affectionate and warm insight to a truly great era of motorcycle sport

- Profiles of 17 famous riders of the 1960s

- Contains photographs by Gordon Francis, one of the UK’s leading sports photographers: most have never been published before

- Will appeal to both male and female readers

- 126 evocative, period photos

Click here for more info about the book.

ANDY WESTLAKE - BBC RADIO DEVON INTERVIEW (PART 1)

Interview courtesy of BBC Radio Devon.



Off Road Giants! - Heroes of 1960s Motorcycle Sport

- An affectionate and warm insight to a truly great era of motorcycle sport

- Profiles of 17 famous riders of the 1960s

- Contains photographs by Gordon Francis, one of the UK’s leading sports photographers: most have never been published before

- Will appeal to both male and female readers

- 126 evocative, period photos

Click here for more info about the book.

LAMBORGHINI MIURA BIBLE NOW IN STOCK!

Very pleased to announce the much anticipated Veloce book the Lamborghini Miura Bible by Joe Sackey is now in print.

The ONLY book on the Lamborghini Miura to be published in the past twenty six years – and enthusiasts agree it is long overdue. Written by a world-renowned authority on the subject, featuring, among other things, a never-before-published factory chassis production register, technical illustrations, studio-supplied images and exclusive interviews with the designers of the car: this is essential reading for any Lamborghini fan.

and what better way to celebrate the release of this book than to enjoy the opening sequence from the cult movie The Italian Job from 1969 with Matt Munro singing "On Days Like These" as a Lamborghini Miura glides through the Alps. Unfortunately, it can't be said that 'No Miuras were harmed during the making of the film' and the squeamish may want to look away at the end of this clip!

The Miura used in the Italian Job may have been ill-fated but the new Veloce book provides a must have companion at a much more affordable price than the real thing!



click here for more info about the book

GOING...GOING...GONE!

The recent auction sale held by Dorset Vintage and Classic Auctions, based in Stalbridge, North Dorset, proved that enthusiasts and collectors of all types of historic vehicles, motorcycles, automobilia and railwayana are still willing to invest in their interest, despite the well-publicised credit crunch. The glorious early autumn day helped to attract some eight hundred people to the Gartell Light Railway in Yenston, five miles from Wincanton in South Somerset. The motor car which became the most sought after on the day was a 1972 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 1600 Saloon (pictured top right), in restored condition and prepared for historic rallying. It sold eventually for a staggering £7,260. Motorcycles also sold well: a 1966 Lambretta Li 150 (pictured left) sold for £1,485.

Dorset Vinatge and Classic Auctions are now inviting entries for their Spring sale in 2009, which will be held on the 26th of March.



Great titles from Veloce! The Lambretta Bible By Pete Davies. An in-depth look at the world’s finest scooter, from the Model A to the GP 200. The Lambretta story doesn’t end there though, with the focus moving onto machines prepared and built by Lambretta Concessionaires. The book ends with a look at the main British dealer specials of the 1960s.



Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe GT & GTA By John Tipler. Here is a fact and picture-packed book dedicated solely to the Giulia GT in all its forms including the fabulous lightweight GTA racer. Packed with illustrations, the book tells the story of the Giulia from Giugiaro's drawing board to the roads and racetracks of the world. Also included is practical advice from leading experts on buying, restoring and caring for Alfa's classic Coupé together with production figures, road test data, homologation papers, addresses of clubs and specialists, reproductions of contemporary ads and brochure pages and much, much, more.

BUD EKINS STUNT DOUBLE FOR STEVE MCQUEEN IN THE GREAT ESCAPE

Although Steve McQueen did his own motorcycle riding, there was one stunt he did not perform: the hair-raising jump over a fence to escape the Nazis in the famous scene in the cult classic The Great Escape. This was done by McQueen's friend Bud Ekins. Bud is one of the many stars mentioned in the new Veloce book Off-Road Giants! – Heroes of 1960s Motorcycle Sport by Andrew Westlake.

In stock! Off-Road Giants! – Heroes of 1960s Motorcycle Sport by Andrew Westlake.

If you can recall watching motorcycle scrambles and trials on your black and white TV during the 1960s, then this is the book for you. It’s a trip down memory lane as the author recalls boyhood journeys in his big brothers ex-GPO van to watch the stars in action, some of the world’s best, including scramblers like the Sharp brothers, Badger Goss and Ivor England, trials riders Gordon Jackson, Max King and the Kendalls, and great all-rounders like Ken Heanes, Johnny Giles and the American Bud Ekins. Not only does it include the star riders, but also the main British manufacturers of the time like BSA, Triumph, James, Greeves, Metisse, Cheney and Wasp, the latter two of which are still in existence to this day. However, the book isn’t just about bikes – it’s about the people and their stories from illustrious and successful careers on two and three wheels, which makes for a thoroughly interesting and captivating read.

click here for more info

Take a Ride in a 1934 Ford Woody

The latest book in the 'Those were the days...' series entitled British Woodies from the 1920s to the 1950s by Colin Peck published by Veloce Publishing in stock now!



here's what one happy customer had to say about this book,

'I received this book (British Woodies) today and I must tell you I am VERY pleased with it. My compliments to the author of the book, and my thanks to Veloce for making it available!'

Warm regards,

A. J,

CA, U.S.A

Features

• The first book on the subject of British Woodies

• Details of all main chassis builders

• Details of many previously little known coachbuilders

• Contains many unique and previously unpublished photos

• Explores the rise and fall of this iconic form of transport

• Examines the role Woodies played in supporting British forces in WWII

• Looks at the challenges involved in restoring Woodies



Description

Wooden-bodied shooting brakes, station wagons and estate cars, collectively known as Woodies, were the original SUVs (sports utility vehicles). While they were initially created for a specific purpose, their versatility, adaptability and load-carrying abilities meant that they quickly found favour with British buyers from all walks of life. In their heyday, they were built on virtually every make of car and light commercial chassis, and could be seen on every road in Britain. Sadly, today they are a rarity due mostly to the fact that their wooden bodies were not built to last – and most didn’t! Thousands were built by hundreds of coachbuilders, both large and small, and with the passage of time it may never be possible to record all of their details with any accuracy. The work of hundreds of small coachbuilder firms is highlighted and illustrated with 99 rare and previously unpublished photos of these wooden wonders.



click here for more info

Calling all Mods, Skinheads, Skaheads and Scooter Boys

Cast your mind back to 1960s cult move, Quadrophenia

This film version of The Who's rock opera Quadrophenia makes a few tentative stabs at "explaining" the alienation of 1960s British working-class youth, but its major selling point is its nonstop rock-and-R&B musical score, including the hit single "Love Reign O'er Me." Phil Daniels (replacing the original opera's Roger Daltrey) plays Jimmy, a member of a well-dressed, drugged-up teen-aged gang called the Mods, forever duking it out with the cycle-punk Rockers. The rivalry between the two gangs comes to a head during three tempestuous days in the seaside town of Brighton. Here Jimmy makes love to lovely local Leslie Ash, and forges a strong friendship with unofficial Mod leader Sting. A series of disappointments and setbacks in his own London neighborhood convinces Jimmy to return to Brighton to pick up the pieces.

Whilst we are on the subject of vintage scooters and the mod lifestyle, enthusiasts might be interested to know Veloce Publishing are releasing a new book this month entitled THE LAMBRETTA BIBLE by Pete Davies.


A year-by-year, model-by-model, change-by-change record of the world’s finest scooter from Model A to the GP 200. The story doesn’t end there, though, the focus moves to machines prepared and built by Lambretta Concessionaires. The book ends with a look at the main British dealer specials of the 1960s. Essential reading for Lambretta enthusiasts.


Features
• Complete model history for each Italian machine
• New, previously unpublished photographs
• Frame number information
• Anecdotal information (where relevant)
• 1960s British dealer specials covered
• Coverage of specially prepared machines from Lambretta Concessionaires
• Full machine specifications and production changes
• Paint code information included
• Publicity & promotional material used where relevant
• Detailed information from dealer special staff and Lambretta Concessionaires staff

Description
An in-depth look at one of the world’s greatest scooter marques, including detailed information on the main Italian-built models, the Lambretta Concessionaires machines and British dealer specials.

Synopsis
An in-depth look at the world’s finest scooter, from the Model A to the GP 200. The Lambretta story doesn’t end there though, with the focus moving onto machines prepared and built by Lambretta Concessionaires. The book ends with a look at the main British dealer specials of the 1960s.


Click here for more info

Car nuts get their own film archive - Drive - The Press

Car nuts get their own film archive - Drive - The Press

awesome collection! some very amusing ads etc and all very interesting. Normally £199 plus delivery. Soon to be EXCLUSIVELY available from us , plus a £34.99 book for £199.99

Woodie Cars & Trucks - Old Woodies

Woodie Cars & Trucks - Old Woodies

we've got a book about these coming up...