Best automotive history books according to redditors

Outstanding achievement by Ed Bolian. Definitely recommend reading his book; For the Record: 28:50 - A journey toward self-discovery and the Cannonball Run Record.

If you are into this sort of stuff, you might also find the account of Alex Roy. Roy set the previous record in his M5, breaking a long dry spell in this arena and likely egged Bolian on to try, worth a read or watch. Roy's book is The Driver: My Dangerous Pursuit of Speed and Truth in the Outlaw Racing World. The film, 32 HOURS 7 MINUTES, is also worth a watch.

And for all those couch pilots saying how easy this record would be to break; let us know how it goes!

I do engine design for FSAE so I'll throw in a bit more info that may be relevant. Okay, first step I can advise a pair of books that will be very helpful. A Graham Bell's Four Stroke Performance Tuning does a good job of introducing science to engines and engine theory. The book that puts Science with a capital S into engines is Design and Simulation of Four Stroke Engines by Gordon P Blair.

But I'll give you a little primer on this to save you from reading. You can do a lot of nice calculations with intake tuning because speed of sound through air is relatively constant. Selecting exhaust resonances is a bit trickier because of the whole really really hot exhaust gases thing. Blair writes about 15 pages on this, in which he says, "yeah just simulate it". I wound up doing just that with Ricardo Wave and attempting to validate the results back to EGTs but you also have a temperature gradient that changes drastically through the engine cycle.

As far as resonancies, I tuned the intake hoping to see a secondary resonance. I tuned primarily for the third resonance but you can see a secondary resonance in the fourth. So I was looking at a primary resonance around 10500 RPM with a potential secondary resonance in the 8500 range, if memory serves. Deciding which resonances to go after was largely about packaging for us, 1st and 2nd resonances require such short headers we couldn't fit them in a reasonable way.

If you PM me your email address I'll send you a few good papers on organ pipe length resonance.

Http://strassenversion.net . thats me! haha thanks very much. ill just jump in here and also give a shout out to pJ Tierney who re released his F1 posters.
http://pjtierney.net/#2323544/Formula-1-Print-Series


also I own a bunch of F1 books this one being my favorite: http://www.amazon.com/Formula-Camera-1980-89-Quentin-Spurring/dp/1844251098/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1322597995&sr=8-20


another book i am going to either get for myself or ask for is this concept work from Dan Simon http://www.amazon.com/Cosmic-Motors-Spaceships-Another-English/dp/1933492279/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322598044&sr=1-1



edit**

i have some new stuff coming out in a week or so if you want to wait to check that out. its going to be different from other stuff that i offer

Yeah the biggest change is of course the addition of the stats and story of the 2012 season. Also, as far as I know it's only available in hardback and somewhat hard to find. Here's the Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/085733350X?pc_redir=1410492462&robot_redir=1


EDIT: That price though, wtf

don't be lazy, man...

http://www.amazon.com/Art-Formula-Race-Car/dp/0760346070/

He's written three books. If you liked whichever one it was that you've read, then I suggest you get the other two.

EDIT:

Brundle, EJ, and DC have all written books too.

First of all, the best to your dad and you. In answer to your question, I'm confident he will like the most part of the team Williams documentary as it covers the era you describe. I bet your dad would also love Weekend of a Champion about F1 legend Jackie Stewart (1970s) and 1: Life on the Limit about the very dangerous years of F1 until modern era, which covers the time period you describe. These, and the already mentioned Senna doc and Rush movie would be suitable.

If your dad struggles reading, maybe photobooks could be an idea. Grand Prix: Fascination Formula 1 and 50 Years of F1 Photography by Rainer Schlegelmilch is amazing and might bring back memories.

You haven't really looked at all have you?

Art of the Formula 1 Race Car
http://amzn.com/0760337314

McLaren M23: 1973 onwards (all marks) (Owners' Workshop Manual)
http://amzn.com/0857333127

Lotus 72 Manual: An Insight Into Owning, Racing and Maintaining Lotus's Legendary Formula 1 Car (Owners' Workshop Manual)
http://amzn.com/0857331272

Red Bull Racing F 1 Car: An Insight into the Technology, Engineering, Maintenance and Operation of the World Championship-winning Red Bull Racing RB6 (Owners' Workshop Manual)
http://amzn.com/0857330993

The Golden Age of Formula 1
http://amzn.com/3832794360

Formula 1 in Camera 1950-59
http://amzn.com/1844255530

Formula 1 in Camera 1960-69
http://amzn.com/1844252183

Formula 1: The Roaring 70s (English, German, French, Spanish and Italian Edition)
http://amzn.com/3832795375

Formula 1 in Camera 1970-79
http://amzn.com/1859609600

Formula 1 in Camera 1970-79: Volume Two
http://amzn.com/0857330748

Formula 1 in Camera 1980-89
http://amzn.com/1844251098

this right here is the starting point. if you can read and UNDERSTAND the basic fundamentals of how it all works you will have no problem becoming a master tech.

This question has been asked a bunch of times, but the one post I've found the most helpful was /u/that_video_art_guy's response in this post. For quick reference, here's the copy/paste:



I've read many of these books, I'm partial to the mechanics and team member books but find all of them to be very enjoyable.


The Super Collective Super list of Super Good F1 Books:

Mechanics/Team Members


[Life in the Pit Lane: Mechanic's Story of the Benetton Grand Prix Year](
http://www.amazon.com/Life-Pit-Lane-Mechanics-Benetton/dp/0760300267/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356716346&sr=1-5&keywords=steve+matchett) - Steve Matchett

[The Mechanic's Tale: Life in the Pit-Lanes of Formula One](
http://www.amazon.com/Mechanics-Tale-Life-Pit-Lanes-Formula/dp/0752827839/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356716346&sr=1-1&keywords=steve+matchett) - Steve Matchett

The Chariot Makers: Assembling the Perfect Formula 1 Car - Steve Matchett

Team Lotus: My View From the Pitwall - Peter Warr

Jo Ramirez: Memoirs of a Racing Man - Jo Ramirez

Art of War - Five Years in Formula One - Max Mosley, Adam Parr, Paul Tinker

Tales from the Toolbox: A Collection of Behind-the-Scenes Tales from Grand Prix Mechanics - Michael Oliver, Jackie Stewart


Technical Books

Red Bull Racing F1 Car: Haynes Owners' Workshop Manual

McLaren M23: 1973 Haynes Owners' Workshop Manual

Lotus 72: 1970 Haynes Owners' Workshop Manual

Tune to Win: The art and science of race car development and tuning - Carroll Smith

Engineer to Win - Carroll Smith

Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners and Plumbing Handbook AKA: Screw to Win - Carroll Smith

Race Car Vehicle Dynamics: Problems, Answers and Experiments - Doug Milliken

Chassis Design: Principles and Analysis - William F. Milliken, Douglas L. Milliken, Maurice Olley

The Racing & High-Performance Tire: Using Tires to Tune for Grip & Balance - Paul Haney


Technical Driving

Ultimate Speed Secrets: The Complete Guide to High-Performance and Race Driving - Ross Bentley

Going Faster! Mastering the Art of Race Driving - Carl Lopez

Working the Wheel - Martin Brundle


Drivers and Rivalry's

Senna Versus Prost: The Story of the Most Deadly Rivalry in Formula One - Malcolm Folley

The Limit: Life and Death on the 1961 Grand Prix Circuit - Michael Cannell

Winning Is Not Enough: The Autobiography - Sir Jackie Stewart

Shunt: The Story of James Hunt - Tom Rubython

Alex Zanardi: My Sweetest Victory: A Memoir of Racing Success, Adversity, and Courage - Alex Zanardi, Gianluca Gasparini, Mario Andretti.

It Is What It Is: The Autobiography - David Coulthard

Flat Out, Flat Broke: Formula 1 the Hard Way! - Perry McCarthy The Black Stig, Damon Hill

F1 Through the Eyes of Damon Hill: Inside the World of Formula 1 - Damon Hill, Photography: Sutton Images


People Of F1

Life at the Limit: Triumph and Tragedy in Formula One - Professor Sid Watkins

Beyond the Limit - Professor Sid Watkins

I Just Made The Tea: Tales from 30 years inside Formula 1 - Di Spires

Bernie: The Biography of Bernie Ecclestone - Susan Watkins


Picture Books

McLaren The Cars: Updated 2011 Edition

Art of the Formula 1 Race Car - Stuart Codling, James Mann, Peter Windsor, Gordon Murray

Mclaren: The Art of Racing is a beast. bought it my dad for his birthday and it sits very proudly on the coffee table.

All photos are from Darren Heath so every single page is quality.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/McLaren-The-Racing-Darren-Heath/dp/3791351958

Hey thanks, that means a lot!

I'm going from memory of things I've read from the past, but when it seems a bit dubious or if I think I might have misremembered (the Matra gearbox story, for example, or the dead bugs showing the 917's lack of downforce), I'll do a quick Google search to see if I can find some reliable sources. What I'm using for race results is this great site, while I'm also relying a bit on wikipedia articles.

I'm also planning on re-reading this excellent book by Peter Morgan for the 1980's Group C period. I think he also wrote one on the 917 that's just as good, but I haven't found a copy yet.

I'll admit my love of Le Mans has mainly come through my love of Porsches but you're right, every team small or large would have plenty of stories like this. It's an amazing and cruel race.

Martin Brundle - Working the Wheel.

I hate to link to amazon but here.

Everything from Spa to Monaco, Winning Le Mans, nearly beating Senna in F3, his huge crash in Melbourne 1996, commentating with Murray Walker, team-mates with Schumacher - Go buy it!

Please note none of these are affiliate links. Just trying to be a good dude and help a brother out!

There's a great book called "Tales from the Toolbox" which is stories from mechanics etc... from that era. That's a really fun read. https://www.amazon.ca/Tales-toolbox-Michael-Oliver-ebook/dp/B009RUC638/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550261258&sr=8-1&keywords=tales+from+the+toolbox

There's also "The Last Road Race" which is a fascinating read. https://www.amazon.ca/Last-Road-Race-Williams-2004-03-01/dp/B01K144S6Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550261297&sr=8-1&keywords=pescara+last+road+race

I really enjoyed "The Limit: Life and Death on the 1961 Grand Prix Circuit" even though if you know your racing history you know how it's going to end. https://www.amazon.ca/Limit-Life-Death-Grand-Circuit/dp/0446554731/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550261323&sr=8-1&keywords=the+limit

The best though for me was "Cars at Speed" by Robert Daley. At a time when racing was very romanticized and the carnage and loss of life was glossed over, he covered the sport honestly. It's harsh reading in spots but captures the era beautifully. https://www.amazon.ca/CARS-AT-SPEED-Grand-Golden-ebook/dp/B0091XMXJI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550261411&sr=8-1&keywords=cars+at+speed+robert+daley

And if you want something a little different, "Go Like Hell" is about Ferrari vs Ford at Le Mans, and that's a great read as well. https://www.amazon.ca/Go-Like-Hell-Ferrari-Battle-ebook/dp/B003K16PBY/ref=pd_sim_351_6/132-9271315-8602668?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B003K16PBY&pd_rd_r=b3ff6727-315d-11e9-acf9-71fc83dc301e&pd_rd_w=GnFre&pd_rd_wg=bQUij&pf_rd_p=29a85b27-a36a-4f8d-94ca-61aa962c5f39&pf_rd_r=R7RP2WR2JFDKZGV00V91&psc=1&refRID=R7RP2WR2JFDKZGV00V91

And Sid Watkins (former F1 doctor who is a big part of why the death rate dropped in F1) has a great autobiography. https://www.amazon.ca/Life-At-Limit-Triumph-Tragedy-ebook/dp/B00BQF6RBO/ref=pd_sim_351_4/132-9271315-8602668?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00BQF6RBO&pd_rd_r=b3ff6727-315d-11e9-acf9-71fc83dc301e&pd_rd_w=GnFre&pd_rd_wg=bQUij&pf_rd_p=29a85b27-a36a-4f8d-94ca-61aa962c5f39&pf_rd_r=R7RP2WR2JFDKZGV00V91&psc=1&refRID=R7RP2WR2JFDKZGV00V91

Hope this helps you out. I've read all these and they're all great. (Actually I did The Limit via audiobook. It's on Audible.)

​

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Kool man :) Since you were asking it got me interested to know what books are out there and I found this link on amazon. also look below for more books.

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Formula-One/dp/0760334560

Here are some good ones by Reinhard Klein and others

https://www.rallyandracing.com/en/McKlein-Store/Books/?ldtype=&_artperpage=48&pgNr=0&lang=1&cl=alist&searchparam=&cnid=be446588749ddde78.39867157

Also a book on Group B

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/3927458562/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YNoTBb58ZNJ3Z

I would recommend signing up to some classic mini forums, the best one I have found is The Mini Forum lots of great advice also lots of projects and ideas to read about.

I would recommend 'The Yellow Bible' (as it is know to classic owners) for excellent information about all the 'A' series engines.

I own a copy of this which has some excellent and interesting information about the models.

Haynes also do a 'restoration' manual that you might find interesting if you decide to persue ownership.

Where abouts are you from? It could be worth looking up a local club and trying to meet up with owners to get some infomation - I've always found this useful as most of them are very knowledgeable and very willing to help!

Feel free to AMA - I'll try to help as much as I can!

Got this one a while back...nice coffee table book. https://www.amazon.com/Art-Formula-1-Race-Car/dp/0760337314

Rather than overcomplicate your question, how about an answer.

Link

Is it really $650?

If you are interested in more information and or history of the Beetle, I highly recommend a copy of Small Wonder.

Originally named the "Kraft durch Freude" or "Strength through Joy" -wagen.
KdF-wagen.

Designed by Ferdinand Porsche...yes, that Porsche.

Source: Small Wonder a book on the history of the VW beetle.
http://www.amazon.com/Small-Wonder-Amazing-Volkswagen-Beetle/dp/0837601479

The Art of the Formula 1 Race Car by Stuart Codling (Author), James Mann (Photographer), Peter Windsor (Foreword), Gordon Murray (Commentary)

CFD is a drop in the bucket when it comes to Intake and Plenum Design.

Look at the top 5 teams design try to understand why they run that. By looking at current designs you can learn why they do something, the way they do then improve on it for your design.

Search the FSAE Forums, lots of info there. Maybe not always directly but its helpful.

Google FSAE Intake Paper, use other key terms there are a few papers that you can find that talk about plenum design. Also before buying or complicating your self google the SAE Papers name you can find many of them for free.


Tip: Just because something flows better does not mean it will perform better. You might get higher power but throttle response suffers.

Reccomended book
http://www.amazon.com/Design-Simulation-Stroke-Engines-R-186/dp/0768004403

A used one, any generation will do. (Although I wouldn't recommend the tip-tronics)

In the meantime Peter Morgan's books on the 917 and 956/962 are both great reads and offer an interesting insight into why the company are so successful in Motorsport.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Autocourse-1998-99-Serial-Alan-Henry/dp/1874557438

I got my Dad Formula 1: All the Races last year. He loved it!

Nice, would make a good companion to a book I picked up nearly a decade ago (can't believe it's been that long already!). Don't have it right next to me at the moment, so can't recall the exact title. But basically it's a big book that covers all the teams, all the drivers, seasons, and tracks that have been in F1 up until 2003. Every entry is just a page long except for the really big names like Ferrari and such, and so it while it covers tons of material, it's all a bit condensed. So while not very in depth with the material, it does make great for a great coffee table, page through randomly, type of book, in part because it has awesome pictures from the whole history of F1.


I think this is an updated edition that covers up to about 2009 or so as well. I think mine has the same title but not sure.

Nooooooooooooo I made a typo in the title! Seeing as I deleted it twice, once because the pictures were shit and once because I gave up and used Minus since Imgur kept timing out, I'm going to both rock and roll with it.

If you want a copy yourself, they're cheap!

This may not be what you're looking for but I'm a gearhead. I've read a number of pretty good books about the auto industry that center in and around Detroit:

1. Iacocca
   
   
2. The Delorean Story
   
   
3. Glory Days
   
   
4. All Corvettes Are Red
   

I have a book of photographs by the photographer of that Johansson shot. I must have stared at that photograph for five minutes when I arrived on that page.

Here's the book that I have.

[Lamborghini Cars]
(http://www.amazon.com/Lamborghini-Cars-ebook/dp/B00796MY2U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331217590&sr=1-1&tag=bookforyoudm-20)

>Delorean wasn't ultra rich. He had to get funding somewhere and allstate was the one who funded it and they wanted to build an ultra safe, cheap car because obviously that benefits themselves.

Allstate was not "the one who funded it", John Delorean secured multiple investors, Bank of America being one of the primary ones. That article you linked is from 1975, I don't know how much Allstate ended contributing, but they were not the primary investor. And the prototypes developed ended up being scrapped, the car was completely redesigned by Lotus. The bulk of the funding, however, came from the British Government in the amount of £100 million.

>Which Delorean didnt get in a contract and never actually received those incentives. Including the ability to avoid any export/import tariffs but they actually got fucked big on those.

Yes, he did. As I already stated, the British government contributed £100 million to the company. You are completely wrong about this.

>You misunderstand. The delorean should be as per delorean's own documented design be as low as the ferraris and such in my video. Deloreans are obviously not.

As I stated, at the last minute higher springs were installed in the front to meet recently passed bumper height regulations, which the DeLorean would have failed in its as-designed form. Even in stock form, the car is still lower than a corvette, if not quite as low as a Ferrari, so I wouldn't exactly call it "high like a truck".

You might want to read some actual books on the history of the DeLorean, instead of regurgitating misinformation you heard from other people. You can start here and here.