Nothing says summer like driving a convertible. The car without a roof has always been a symbol for luxury and laissez-faire. And it still holds true today: everybody who’s anybody drives “topless.” The larger four-seater convertibles in particular have always been highly sought after—but they are difficult to build and have usually been made as coupés for this reason. Mercedes-Benz has always been a pioneer in this area. Mercedes-Benz: The Grand Cabrios & Coupés gives us a peek at the long-standing partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Stuttgart-based photographer, René Staud. Carefully-staged photos show graceful curves and precision down to the finest details that convey the company’s dedication to a very special kind of driving pleasure. This volume presents the most important convertibles and related coupés of Daimler automotive history. A special highlight is Daimler’s new flagship, a convertible based on the new S-class that is being rolled out at 2015. Even though summer eventually comes to an end, and sunny days can give way to showers, this book stands for everlasting convertible adventures.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 304

Dimensions: 290 x 370 mm

Publication Date: 30-10-2015

The first edition of "Richard Pearse" was published to coincide with the IATA conference held in Auckland in 1978. This centennary issue is the fourth edition, reprinted for the centennial of power driven flight, 2003. We do not know what inspired Richare Pearse to try to emulate the birds. From what little we do know of him, Richard Pearse would most probably have wished to remain unknown. Indeed, if he dreamed of aircraft of the future he could never have imagined where his beginnings and the work of other inspired pioneering aviators would lead.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 32

Dimensions: 300 x 214 mm

An ideal gift for lovers of fine photography, fast cars and a fascinating decade  A worthy tribute to one of motor sports’ most exciting eras The masterpiece of one of Formula One’s most important observers, Rainer W. Schlegelmilch’s book on the most fascinating era of car racing is now  available in a smaller format for a special price Few spectator sports generate such excitement as Formula 1. The name refers to the most advanced and competitive of the FIA’s racing formulae. It’s a raw combination of speed, skill, and that certain hint of daring. Journey back in time to the glory years of the 1960s. Marvel at the vintage cars, big-name champions and heart-stopping victories. All the big names are here: Jim Clark, Jacky Ickx, Jack Brabham—just to name a few. With Schlegelmilch’s compelling photographs, this exceptional volume takes fans so close they can almost smell the burning rubber and hear the engines roar! Rainer W. Schlegelmilch has been a motor sports photographer since 1962. His expert lens has covered all the great names in racing. His unique style captures the drama of this action-charged sport.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 216

Dimensions: 250 x 310 mm

Publication Date: 20-02-2017

Classics of automotive history, more exquisitely rendered than ever before  “Beetle,” “Black Widow,” and “Pony”—true gearheads don’t think of animals when they hear these names Please, no honking! Readers will be in seventh automotive heaven   Nicknames have to be earned. They are tokens of appreciation given only when people have built a special relationship to something (or someone). From the Chevrolet 3100 Pickup “Bubble Maker” and the Citroën DS “Goddess,” all the way back to Ford’s “Tin Lizzy,” this book presents ninety-nine classic cars and race cars, illustrated with great talent and affection by Helge Jepsen, with informative texts cleverly penned by Michael Köckritz. Just like the vehicles portrayed, this book will drive its way right into the heart of any car lover.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 208

Dimensions: 275 x 275 mm

These cars are futuristic, utopian, eccentric, and always ahead of their time. From models that were never presented to consumers to those produced as limited series, Fast Forward shows cars that pique people s interest and enthusiasm. From cars never shown to those models that see small production runs, Fast Forward presents vehicles that are just as much sculpture as automobile. Iconic winglets adorn models from the 50s. Automobiles of the 70s appear to be works of science fiction rather than modes of transportation. Classic interpretations and vintage prototypes that hinted at the future of yesteryear. Every decade has it own ideas of the future. The timeline of concept cars is narrated through an alluring pairing of project images and stories from inside studio walls. Designers discuss the catalysts behind their creations from the first scribble upon a blank page to a 3D model to the roadways. Fast Forward showcases the past, present, and, in the true spirit of concept cars, the future of this intriguing and diverse realm.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 288

Dimensions: 300 x 270 mm

Publication Date: 01-04-2017

When Ferdinand Porsche could not find a sports car he liked, he decided to build one himself. And now, the rest is history: Jerry Seinfeld drives it; Boris Johnson admires it; Steve McQueen loves it; and Jeremy Clarkson hates it. The Porsche 911 moves the world. Despised by many in Germany as a set of wheels for fat cats, it is the favorite car of free spirits and intellectuals in the U.S. and across the globe. The Porsche 911 was not just invented by one of the most fascinating and controversial families – it is also a technical meisterwerk. Since its launch in 1963, the 911 has built a reputation for itself as “the thinking man’s sports car.” Both a car and a cultural icon, it has earned a fan base that spans from young to old, East to West, connoisseur to enthusiast. Porsche 911: The Ultimate Sportscar as Cultural Icon explains how this German car became a global phenomenon and a symbol of aspiration, freedom, and the appetite for perfection, and even more, why, around the world, the 911 continues to fascinate gentlemen, ladies, and rogue drivers.  In this book, Ulf Poschardt sends Porsche drivers to the shrink and concludes that a little narcissim can be a healthy thing; he then takes them on an engaging journey through the checkered history that defines their pride and joy.  Not everyone can, nor indeed should, drive a Porsche, but Porsche 911: The Ultimate Sportscar as Cultural Icon lays bare the raw driving force behind the 911 for anyone intrepid enough to discover. 

Bind: hardback

Pages: 200

Dimensions: 210 x 260 mm

Publication Date: 01-01-2017

An Odyssey in Steam, David C Bell’s fifth book, is a product of two of his passions – paintings and steam engines. This work goes back many years with the author painting these engineering masterpieces. It is a unique look at the railway industry during the steam age – featuring the numerous engines from The National Railway Museum of York collection, the Flying Scotsman, NYMR, Carr Loco Doncaster and many more. This odyssey has been illustrated and annotated by the author to produce a book that will be coveted by any railway enthusiast. It is not only fascinating to read but a stunning marriage of words and pictures. *Beautifully illustrated and annotated by David C Bell, a railway and maritime artist of note *A unique history on the steam age from 'Rocket' to 'Mallard' *With an introduction from Ross Morell *Presents numerous engines from the resident collection at The National Railway Museum of York *Features the Flying Scotsman, NYMR, coronations, Carr Loco Doncaster and any more

Bind: hardback

Pages: 112.00

Dimensions: 300 x 260 mm

Publication Date: 20-04-2017

The exciting history of a major brand: from the legendary ŠKODA 935 DYNAMIC to stars from ŠKODA’s current portfolio – Driven by Design “Everything needs a soul - at least everything that’s supposed to have meaning.” This is one of the guiding principles for the ŠKODA Design team and the jumping-off point for Driven by Design, which takes the reader on an exciting and emotional journey into the DNA of the Czech auto manufacturer. Since its founding over 120 years ago, the company has successfully captured the spirit of every era while simultaneously creating vehicles of timeless beauty throughout its long, rich history. Driven by Design provides thrilling insights into the vehicle design and development process. We’ll look over the designers’ shoulders during the crowning moments of their long journey from a vision to a finished product, from idea to ideal: inspiration, sketch, sculpture. The bar is set high – to create cars with character that appeal to all five senses. This aspiration has been perfectly realized in the new KODIAQ SUV, a vehicle that combines breathtaking design, functionality, and comfort while remaining decidedly and distinctively a ŠKODA. Thanks to Driven by Design, we know how such masterpieces are made. ŠKODA is one of the world’s oldest auto manufacturers. The company was established in 1895 by Václav Klement and Václav Laurin and initially used the founders’ last names as the company name. The headquarters, however, have always been in Mladá Boleslav, northeast of Prague. ŠKODA vehicles have always been known for their emotional and contemporary design: from the hand-built ŠKODA 860 (1929–1933) and the ŠKODA POPULAR MONTE CARLO (1935–1938) to the ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI (1961–1971). On April 16, 1991, “ŠKODA Automobil AG” became part of the Volkswagen Group. But one thing has never changed: ŠKODAs do more than move people; they move dreams as well.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 176

Dimensions: 235 x 293 mm

Publication Date: 20-04-2017

Garden's career as both a yacht designer and builder spanned well over six decades and untold hundreds of boats. Garden's writing style is just as far-ranging and eclectic as his boats, whimsical and informative, light-hearted yet solidly grounded, serious, thought-provoking and thoroughly engaging. The original edition of Yacht Designs was published in 1977 and, after several printings, had gone completely out of print. Bill Garden revised and expanded the essays from the original edition and added over 30 more boats, many never before published, and even a few dream ships that were never built. Each essay is as different as the boat it describes, sometimes explaining the building process or a particular aspect of it in detail, or the events that led to a design, or the individuals involved, or the evolution of a yacht type, or Bill's own unique outlook on life and the boats he loved. Discover why Bill Garden has been an inspiration to succeeding generations of yacht designers!

Bind: paperback

Pages: 328

Dimensions: 217 x 280 mm

Publication Date: 25-04-2017

Great British Cars celebrates the cars commonly seen on the nation’s roads during a golden age of motoring. From the 1950s to the 1970s, Britons drove such models as the Ford Zephyr, Hillman Imp, Triumph Herald, Ford Capri, Vauxhall Viva and, of course, the Morris Minor 1000. While rarely seen now on our roads, the 40 models described here still have a special place in many drivers’ hearts. Join Stephen Barnett on a nostalgic road trip back in time, in this beautifully illustrated celebration of classic cars.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 246 x 186 mm

Publication Date: 12-10-2017