Over a 40-year period the Pontiac Firebird earned a unique place amongst speedy American domestic cars, and what began as just another contender in the pony car race, ended up a true American classic. The Firebird’s tale is a reflection of the development of the mainstream domestic car in the modern era: V8s, turbo V8s, turbo V6s, HO V6s, overhead cam I6s, and even a Super Duty four banger. If there’s a performance avenue to be explored, then the Firebird has been there. Popular in the sales charts, the Firebird has also been high profile both in television and movies, cementing its legendary status in pop culture and beyond. From the go-faster 1960s, gas mileage- and pollution-controlled 1970s, performance renaissance of the 1980s, through to the indifference of the 1990s, the Firebird was always there. This is its story.Close attention is paid to both regular models and high level variants such as Formula and Trans Am, and an appendix featuring model highlights from the Firebird’s 35 year span details the specifications and statistics covering sixteen notable models, from the 19671/2 Firebird 400 Coupé, to the 1999 30th Anniversary Firebird Trans Am Convertible. Revealing all aspects of the Firebird story, from social, to economic and beyond, Cranswick shows how Pontiac made the Firebird unique.

The story of Ford’s original, home-grown small cars, the Mustang II and Pinto. Follow their progress through a difficult decade when Henry took on the imports, battled bureaucracy and gave America the economy and sports luxury subcompacts they wanted.This book details the successful design, building and sale of these small American Fords that faced domestic and foreign rivals. Mustang II and Pinto went through many permutations, appearance and performance packages – options that have helped the cars become collectible classics, and are prime examples of the decade the pony car survived.Going beyond stock standard were the customizers and racers that pushed the cars and their designs to the limit. Mustang II and Pinto graced enthusiast car magazine covers, and became stars in TV and films. They were small cars that made a big impact, and kept the Mustang galloping.Marc Cranswick draws on his lifelong passion for iconic American cars and this book delivers another unique insight into these models. His other books include Ford Midsize Muscle – Fairlane, Torino & Ranchero; MOPAR Muscle – Barracuda, Dart & Valiant; and Pontiac Firebird – The Auto-Biography.

Before yesterday's dream car became today's SUV, the reputation of Porsche as a manufacturer of fine sports cars was established. It started with the ideas of Dr Ferdinand Porsche, and a world best seller that spawned a revered line of sports cars. The Porsche 356 and 911 dominated their classes in international racing, leading to more specialized designs that brought glory to the marque, most famously at Le Mans.Porsche's success was based on excellent engineering. The firm's design consultancy has brought automotive innovation. Such excellence has been centered upon Weissach, the go to place for companies needing a high tech helping hand. Commercial achievement is based on image too. Here, Porsche has carefully chosen its models, and the way they have been sold and promoted. The result, is a unique position in public perception and media coverage.Even during the golden air-cooled era, Porsche wasn't afraid to experiment. The Square Porsche and front-engined coupés, all courted controversy. However, Zuffenhausen believed a Porsche was a Porsche, and soon others did too. The company's tremendous influence in design and engineering has even inspired artistic creation. Like the cars, these artworks represent an inseparable combination of style and substance.

A description of the development history of Mazda''s rotary power plant, and the model timelines of the vehicles these engines powered - how one small Japanese automaker remained independent and became famous using a unique engine. Examines the commercial ups and downs in North America, using rotaries to become a high performance icon and V8 alternative, and charting the racetrack achievements of Mazda rotary racers around the world including in home-country Japan. Also reveals the pollution control and fuel economy challenges facing Mazda as they strove to keep rotary engines in production to satisfy high performance fans globally.

Chevrolet was Number One in the sales race. If you needed a car, chances are Chevrolet made it. However, in 1964 there arose a problem. Some guy at Ford came up with a car called the Mustang, maybe you’ve heard of it? But don’t worry, Chevrolet had a solution called the Camaro.In racing, where you are on lap one, isn’t nearly as important as your position when the checkered flag falls. By 1981, Camaro was so far in front of Mustang, Henry needed binoculars to see the Z28’s taillights! Camaro was part of the speed shop scene, modified by the most famous names of the muscle car era. In racing, Chevrolet’s pony left no stone unturned, inside and outside America.With the fuel crisis, insurance, and inflation, America sought a new kind of coupe. The Bowtie boys even outsold Mustang, with that Z28 having the upper hand in the Chevrolet versus Ford rivalry. Chevrolet’s dedicated coupe even outfoxed Ford’s sedan based Mustang. If the Corvette is the King of American Sportscars, then ‘The Hugger’ must be the Prince of Ponies!

The Ford Maverick was a horse of a different color – four different colors, in fact. It was America’s first modern subcompact; as ‘The Simple Machine’ it combined rugged Ford durability with looks that belied its bargain basement starter sticker.Secondly, the Maverick was an attainable junior supercar. When ponies got pricey, the Maverick Grabber stepped in to fight inflation. And if the Mustang had the Cougar as an upscale cousin, the Grabber could have the Comet GT as its partner in crime. Indeed, it was in the third area of small car luxury, that Maverick LDO (Luxury Décor Option), and Mercury Comet with Custom Option, were truly innovative. Ford was the first domestic to break the previously accepted tenet that luxury went with size. Still, all plush and no sport makes Henry a dull lad. In Super Stock and Pro Stock, the Ford Maverick was raced by Dyno Don Nicholson, Fast Eddie Schartman and Gapp & Roush to victory! Overall, the Ford Maverick was a winner on the track, and in the showroom. Thanks a couple of million Henry!Marc Cranswick’s homage to the small US Fords of the 1970s is essential reading for all Maverick and Comet enthusiasts.

American Motors was the little company that made a big impact. Maker of the Rambler family car, the Kenosha-based AMC offered an antidote to the excess of Detroit''s Big 3. But when America decided it wanted sporty, rather than econocars, AMC got groovy with the Javelin, AMX, Scrambler and Rebel Machine. American Motors was a proven performer in showrooms and on the track, with success in drag and road course racing. However, through it all came solid Rambler value, and a different approach from Detroit. An accent on consumer protection, along with brand label special editions. And when it came to blue sky thinking, AMC surpassed all with the Gremlin and Pacer small cars. Off road, Kenosha truly made Jeep ''The One & Only,'' popularizing the brand and making it the sales success it is today. Beyond that, AMC created America''s first crossover, the Eagle. It all proved that America''s smallest ... was its biggest surprise!

Over a 40-year period the Pontiac Firebird earned a unique place amongst speedy American domestic cars, and what began as just another contender in the pony car race, ended up a true American classic. The Firebird''s tale is a reflection of the development of the mainstream domestic car in the modern era: V8s, turbo V8s, turbo V6s, HO V6s, overhead cam I6s, and even a Super Duty four banger. If there''s a performance avenue to be explored, then the Firebird has been there. Popular in the sales charts, the Firebird has also been high profile both in television and movies, cementing its legendary status in pop culture and beyond. From the go-faster 1960s, gas mileage- and pollution-controlled 1970s, performance renaissance of the 1980s, through to the indifference of the 1990s, the Firebird was always there. This is its story. Close attention is paid to both regular models and high level variants such as Formula and Trans Am, and an appendix featuring model highlights from the Firebird''s 35 year span details the specifications and statistics covering sixteen notable models, from the 19671/2 Firebird 400 Coupe, to the 1999 30th Anniversary Firebird Trans Am Convertible. Revealing all aspects of the Firebird story, from social, to economic and beyond, Cranswick shows how Pontiac made the Firebird unique.

An in-depth look at the development history of Mazda’s rotary power plant, and the model timelines of the vehicles these engines powered. You will discover how one small Japanese automaker remained independent and became famous by using a unique and pioneering engine.This book examines the commercial ups and downs in North America, using rotaries to become a high performance icon and V8 alternative, and charting the racetrack achievements of Mazda rotary racers around the world, including in home-country Japan. The story also reveals the pollution control and fuel economy challenges facing Mazda as they strove to keep rotary engines in production to satisfy high performance fans globally.

American Motors was the little company that made a big impact. Maker of the Rambler family car, the Kenosha-based AMC offered an antidote to the excess of Detroit’s Big 3. But when America decided it wanted sporty, rather than econocars, AMC got groovy with the Javelin, AMX, Scrambler and Rebel Machine. American Motors was a proven performer in showrooms and on the track, with success in drag and road course racing. However, through it all came solid Rambler value, and a different approach from Detroit. An accent on consumer protection, along with brand label special editions. And when it came to blue sky thinking, AMC surpassed all with the Gremlin and Pacer small cars.Off road, Kenosha truly made Jeep ‘The One & Only,’ popularizing the brand and making it the sales success it is today. Beyond that, AMC created America’s first crossover, the Eagle. It all proved that America’s smallest ... was its biggest surprise!

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and, similarly, the dream of developing a world class American sports car took time and effort. Harley Earl and Ed Cole gave Corvette a push start, and Zora Arkus Duntov took the Plastic Fantastic into orbit, based on the combination of excellent design and hardware, as well as the racing achievements that followed.Once established, the Corvette became a Chevrolet icon, utilised by Bow Tie and GM marketing to benefit the automaker. However, Corvette was no loss leader, it earned its keep and the respect of industry commentators. The Corvette maintained all these qualities despite the triple whammy of insurance rate hikes, emissions controls and fuel crises, and survived into the ’80s with a fresh design that took on all sports car competitors.Archive images, independent testing, and the viewpoints of Chevrolet and auto industry personalities illustrate the rise and rise of America’s only sports car, including a substantial mid-engine genesis. Marc Cranswick’s original commentary pays homage to the Corvette as an enduring glamor icon and the ultimate dream machine!

This book details the evolution of Ford's family car through the golden era of Detroit.See how Henry took the no-frills Fairlane, added more zing to create the Torino, and then satisfied America's luxury desires with the LTD II.Relive the showroom and racetrack battles fought in the evolution of Ford's midsize muscle cars, and witness the creation of the first car-based pickup – the Ranchero.Above all, this book is an account of Ford being ahead of the game.Through formal study of the postwar American car market, Marc Cranswick brings valuable insight to the topic of muscle cars. His other books include Pontiac Firebird – The Auto-Biography, MOPAR Muscle - Barracuda, Dart & Valiant, and Ford Mustang II & Pinto.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and, similarly, the dream of developing a world class American sports car took time and effort. Harley Earl and Ed Cole gave Corvette a push start, and Zora Arkus Duntov took the Plastic Fantastic into orbit, based on the combination of excellent design and hardware, as well as the racing achievements that followed.

Once established, the Corvette became a Chevrolet icon, utilised by Bow Tie and GM marketing to benefit the automaker. However, Corvette was no loss leader, it earned its keep and the respect of industry commentators. The Corvette maintained all these qualities despite the triple whammy of insurance rate hikes, emissions controls and fuel crises, and survived into the ’80s with a fresh design that took on all sports car competitors.

Archive images, independent testing, and the viewpoints of Chevrolet and auto industry personalities illustrate the rise and rise of America’s only sports car, including a substantial mid-engine genesis. Marc Cranswick’s original commentary pays homage to the Corvette as an enduring glamor icon and the ultimate dream machine!

Over a 40 year period the Pontiac Firebird has earned a unique place amongst speedy domestic cars. What started out as another contender in the "me too" Mustang pony car race ended up becoming so much more. Only Pontiac could have come up with a coupe like the Firebird, and it was the Firebird that kept the performance fires burning once the mighty GTO was gone. The Firebird has garnered a reputation for being larger than life and many have come to view it as a large car, but that was not always the case. Pontiac''s Firebird was originally a small US car, classified as a sport compact. In the days when people used the terms personal car and specialty car the Firebird wasn''t even all that big. However, after the first major gas crunch viewpoints altered. One thing that didn''t change was Pontiac''s commitment to keeping their Bird flying high. Rather than trade on past glories or play games with nameplates, the Firebird stayed true to form and never gave up. Perhaps it''s that persistence that has caused many to view the Firebird as a model in a certain mold. The truth is that over its life the Firebird has altered significantly, reflecting general changes and trends in the auto world at large. The Firebird''s tale reflects the development of the mainstream domestic car in the modern era. V8s, turbo V8s, turbo V6s, HO V6s, overhead cam I6s and even a Super Duty four banger. If there''s a performance avenue to be explored then the Firebird has been there, and Pontiac never quite gave up on the hope of using a transaxle. So it isn''t just a story about V8s, or even Pontiac for that matter, icons always seem to have a wide influence. Popular with car fans and in the sales charts, the Firebird has had a high profile both in television and at the movies. The Pontiac Firebird has also received its fair share of attention from hot-rod shops, tuners and car customizers. As per Pontiac tradition the Firebird delivered what folks expected in the real world. Even during the lean years the Firebird kept the 400 cube 4 speed dream alive when others had moved on to paint and tape specials. Fast cars didn''t die out in 1973, they just started wearing the "Screamin Chicken" on their hoods. As a collector car the Firebird has all the credentials. A strong fan base, wide variety of power train and trim options, various low volume and commemorative models, and a healthy helping of nostalgia thrown in for good measure. A number of Firebird models are already valuable classics, but certain younger versions can be counted on as some of the fastest appreciating collector cars of today and tomorrow. The Firebird legend just gets bigger. From the go faster 1960s, gas mileage and pollution controlled 1970s, performance renaissance of the 1980s, through to the indifference of the 1990s. The Firebird was always there, this is its story. Cutting edge research and 295 photos bring this in-depth, incredibly detailed story to life.

This book tells the complete BMW 5 series story, in the pre-Bangle classic era, covering e12, e28, e34 and e39 models, the enthusiast cars that invented the modern sports sedan and created BMW''s ultimate driving machine image. Follow the evolution of BMW''s middle child through the decades in all major markets. Marvel at the mystique of BMW''s motorsport and exotic tuner cars reaching the 180mph milestone on V8 power. Consider BMW''s phoenix-like rise from the ashes of WWII, regaining its sports, luxury reputation, and powering on to become the ultimate business machine under chairman Eberhard von Kuenheim. This new edition features 150 new pictures, new specification tables, updated text, a new "Meet the Tuners" section, and a new "easy use" index. The book also contains a foreword by Allen Hardy (America''s first BMW tuner), and a contribution from Kevin Bird of Birds, the UK''s first BMW Hartge tuning agent. Marc Cranswick has been writing on the subject of classic high performance German cars for many years. He has been involved with BMW since the e12 and e21 were current models.

Porsche AG, today the most profitable car company in the world, was in 1975 a small but headstrong German automaker on the verge of its most significant development. New national laws were changing the way manufacturers designed their products, but the auto consumer was also craving more exciting and innovative design. That innovation came in 1975 with the release of the revolutionary Porsche 924.This book begins its analysis with the creation of the Porsche 924 and the impact it made on the automotive world. During the 1980s, Porsche honed earlier 924 designs to create the 944 and its Turbo and convertible variants, and later the 968, completing a line that has produced some of the most respected sports cars of the modern era. The text also follows in detail the long production life and development of Porsche's V-8 powered high performance grand tourer, the 928--introduced in 1977, named the 1978 European Car of the Year and culminating in the 350 bhp 928 GTS of the 1990s. This history of the dynamic Porsche family gives a full account of each model and reveals the unique contributions each has made to a constantly evolving automotive world.

BMW is a company associated with motoring firsts. The very idea of a sports sedan was merely a novelty until BMW introduced the 5 series in 1972. As BMW's "middle child," the 5 series has drawn features from the company's smallest and largest models, establishing a reputation for performance and practicality through multiple generations.This book covers the history of the 5 series midsize sedan and the related X5 SUV from September 1972 to the e60's major makeover for 2008 and the development of the e70 X5. Specific mechanical, electronic and cosmetic changes are described, including the time of and reasons for their introduction. Several aspects of BMW's corporate history and technically related models such as the 6-series are also described, as are aftermarket modifications by Alpina, Hartge, and other specialist BMW tuners and speed shops. The book includes more than 200 photographs.

Over a 40-year period the Pontiac Firebird earned a unique place amongst speedy American domestic cars, and what began as just another contender in the pony car race, ended up a true American classic. The Firebird’s tale is a reflection of the development of the mainstream domestic car in the modern era: V8s, turbo V8s, turbo V6s, HO V6s, overhead cam I6s, and even a Super Duty four banger. If there’s a performance avenue to be explored, then the Firebird has been there. Popular in the sales charts, the Firebird has also been high profile both in television and movies, cementing its legendary status in pop culture and beyond. From the go-faster 1960s, gas mileage- and pollution-controlled 1970s, performance renaissance of the 1980s, through to the indifference of the 1990s, the Firebird was always there. This is its story.Close attention is paid to both regular models and high level variants such as Formula and Trans Am, and an appendix featuring model highlights from the Firebird’s 35 year span details the specifications and statistics covering sixteen notable models, from the 19671/2 Firebird 400 Coupé, to the 1999 30th Anniversary Firebird Trans Am Convertible. Revealing all aspects of the Firebird story, from social, to economic and beyond, Cranswick shows how Pontiac made the Firebird unique.

The story of Ford’s original, home-grown small cars, the Mustang II and Pinto. Follow their progress through a difficult decade when Henry took on the imports, battled bureaucracy and gave America the economy and sports luxury subcompacts they wanted.This book details the successful design, building and sale of these small American Fords that faced domestic and foreign rivals. Mustang II and Pinto went through many permutations, appearance and performance packages – options that have helped the cars become collectible classics, and are prime examples of the decade the pony car survived.Going beyond stock standard were the customizers and racers that pushed the cars and their designs to the limit. Mustang II and Pinto graced enthusiast car magazine covers, and became stars in TV and films. They were small cars that made a big impact, and kept the Mustang galloping.Marc Cranswick draws on his lifelong passion for iconic American cars and this book delivers another unique insight into these models. His other books include Ford Midsize Muscle – Fairlane, Torino & Ranchero; MOPAR Muscle – Barracuda, Dart & Valiant; and Pontiac Firebird – The Auto-Biography.

Before yesterday's dream car became today's SUV, the reputation of Porsche as a manufacturer of fine sports cars was established. It started with the ideas of Dr Ferdinand Porsche, and a world best seller that spawned a revered line of sports cars. The Porsche 356 and 911 dominated their classes in international racing, leading to more specialized designs that brought glory to the marque, most famously at Le Mans.Porsche's success was based on excellent engineering. The firm's design consultancy has brought automotive innovation. Such excellence has been centered upon Weissach, the go to place for companies needing a high tech helping hand. Commercial achievement is based on image too. Here, Porsche has carefully chosen its models, and the way they have been sold and promoted. The result, is a unique position in public perception and media coverage.Even during the golden air-cooled era, Porsche wasn't afraid to experiment. The Square Porsche and front-engined coupés, all courted controversy. However, Zuffenhausen believed a Porsche was a Porsche, and soon others did too. The company's tremendous influence in design and engineering has even inspired artistic creation. Like the cars, these artworks represent an inseparable combination of style and substance.

A description of the development history of Mazda''s rotary power plant, and the model timelines of the vehicles these engines powered - how one small Japanese automaker remained independent and became famous using a unique engine. Examines the commercial ups and downs in North America, using rotaries to become a high performance icon and V8 alternative, and charting the racetrack achievements of Mazda rotary racers around the world including in home-country Japan. Also reveals the pollution control and fuel economy challenges facing Mazda as they strove to keep rotary engines in production to satisfy high performance fans globally.

Chevrolet was Number One in the sales race. If you needed a car, chances are Chevrolet made it. However, in 1964 there arose a problem. Some guy at Ford came up with a car called the Mustang, maybe you’ve heard of it? But don’t worry, Chevrolet had a solution called the Camaro.In racing, where you are on lap one, isn’t nearly as important as your position when the checkered flag falls. By 1981, Camaro was so far in front of Mustang, Henry needed binoculars to see the Z28’s taillights! Camaro was part of the speed shop scene, modified by the most famous names of the muscle car era. In racing, Chevrolet’s pony left no stone unturned, inside and outside America.With the fuel crisis, insurance, and inflation, America sought a new kind of coupe. The Bowtie boys even outsold Mustang, with that Z28 having the upper hand in the Chevrolet versus Ford rivalry. Chevrolet’s dedicated coupe even outfoxed Ford’s sedan based Mustang. If the Corvette is the King of American Sportscars, then ‘The Hugger’ must be the Prince of Ponies!

The Ford Maverick was a horse of a different color – four different colors, in fact. It was America’s first modern subcompact; as ‘The Simple Machine’ it combined rugged Ford durability with looks that belied its bargain basement starter sticker.Secondly, the Maverick was an attainable junior supercar. When ponies got pricey, the Maverick Grabber stepped in to fight inflation. And if the Mustang had the Cougar as an upscale cousin, the Grabber could have the Comet GT as its partner in crime. Indeed, it was in the third area of small car luxury, that Maverick LDO (Luxury Décor Option), and Mercury Comet with Custom Option, were truly innovative. Ford was the first domestic to break the previously accepted tenet that luxury went with size. Still, all plush and no sport makes Henry a dull lad. In Super Stock and Pro Stock, the Ford Maverick was raced by Dyno Don Nicholson, Fast Eddie Schartman and Gapp & Roush to victory! Overall, the Ford Maverick was a winner on the track, and in the showroom. Thanks a couple of million Henry!Marc Cranswick’s homage to the small US Fords of the 1970s is essential reading for all Maverick and Comet enthusiasts.

American Motors was the little company that made a big impact. Maker of the Rambler family car, the Kenosha-based AMC offered an antidote to the excess of Detroit''s Big 3. But when America decided it wanted sporty, rather than econocars, AMC got groovy with the Javelin, AMX, Scrambler and Rebel Machine. American Motors was a proven performer in showrooms and on the track, with success in drag and road course racing. However, through it all came solid Rambler value, and a different approach from Detroit. An accent on consumer protection, along with brand label special editions. And when it came to blue sky thinking, AMC surpassed all with the Gremlin and Pacer small cars. Off road, Kenosha truly made Jeep ''The One & Only,'' popularizing the brand and making it the sales success it is today. Beyond that, AMC created America''s first crossover, the Eagle. It all proved that America''s smallest ... was its biggest surprise!

Over a 40-year period the Pontiac Firebird earned a unique place amongst speedy American domestic cars, and what began as just another contender in the pony car race, ended up a true American classic. The Firebird''s tale is a reflection of the development of the mainstream domestic car in the modern era: V8s, turbo V8s, turbo V6s, HO V6s, overhead cam I6s, and even a Super Duty four banger. If there''s a performance avenue to be explored, then the Firebird has been there. Popular in the sales charts, the Firebird has also been high profile both in television and movies, cementing its legendary status in pop culture and beyond. From the go-faster 1960s, gas mileage- and pollution-controlled 1970s, performance renaissance of the 1980s, through to the indifference of the 1990s, the Firebird was always there. This is its story. Close attention is paid to both regular models and high level variants such as Formula and Trans Am, and an appendix featuring model highlights from the Firebird''s 35 year span details the specifications and statistics covering sixteen notable models, from the 19671/2 Firebird 400 Coupe, to the 1999 30th Anniversary Firebird Trans Am Convertible. Revealing all aspects of the Firebird story, from social, to economic and beyond, Cranswick shows how Pontiac made the Firebird unique.

An in-depth look at the development history of Mazda’s rotary power plant, and the model timelines of the vehicles these engines powered. You will discover how one small Japanese automaker remained independent and became famous by using a unique and pioneering engine.This book examines the commercial ups and downs in North America, using rotaries to become a high performance icon and V8 alternative, and charting the racetrack achievements of Mazda rotary racers around the world, including in home-country Japan. The story also reveals the pollution control and fuel economy challenges facing Mazda as they strove to keep rotary engines in production to satisfy high performance fans globally.

American Motors was the little company that made a big impact. Maker of the Rambler family car, the Kenosha-based AMC offered an antidote to the excess of Detroit’s Big 3. But when America decided it wanted sporty, rather than econocars, AMC got groovy with the Javelin, AMX, Scrambler and Rebel Machine. American Motors was a proven performer in showrooms and on the track, with success in drag and road course racing. However, through it all came solid Rambler value, and a different approach from Detroit. An accent on consumer protection, along with brand label special editions. And when it came to blue sky thinking, AMC surpassed all with the Gremlin and Pacer small cars.Off road, Kenosha truly made Jeep ‘The One & Only,’ popularizing the brand and making it the sales success it is today. Beyond that, AMC created America’s first crossover, the Eagle. It all proved that America’s smallest ... was its biggest surprise!

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and, similarly, the dream of developing a world class American sports car took time and effort. Harley Earl and Ed Cole gave Corvette a push start, and Zora Arkus Duntov took the Plastic Fantastic into orbit, based on the combination of excellent design and hardware, as well as the racing achievements that followed.Once established, the Corvette became a Chevrolet icon, utilised by Bow Tie and GM marketing to benefit the automaker. However, Corvette was no loss leader, it earned its keep and the respect of industry commentators. The Corvette maintained all these qualities despite the triple whammy of insurance rate hikes, emissions controls and fuel crises, and survived into the ’80s with a fresh design that took on all sports car competitors.Archive images, independent testing, and the viewpoints of Chevrolet and auto industry personalities illustrate the rise and rise of America’s only sports car, including a substantial mid-engine genesis. Marc Cranswick’s original commentary pays homage to the Corvette as an enduring glamor icon and the ultimate dream machine!

This book details the evolution of Ford's family car through the golden era of Detroit.See how Henry took the no-frills Fairlane, added more zing to create the Torino, and then satisfied America's luxury desires with the LTD II.Relive the showroom and racetrack battles fought in the evolution of Ford's midsize muscle cars, and witness the creation of the first car-based pickup – the Ranchero.Above all, this book is an account of Ford being ahead of the game.Through formal study of the postwar American car market, Marc Cranswick brings valuable insight to the topic of muscle cars. His other books include Pontiac Firebird – The Auto-Biography, MOPAR Muscle - Barracuda, Dart & Valiant, and Ford Mustang II & Pinto.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and, similarly, the dream of developing a world class American sports car took time and effort. Harley Earl and Ed Cole gave Corvette a push start, and Zora Arkus Duntov took the Plastic Fantastic into orbit, based on the combination of excellent design and hardware, as well as the racing achievements that followed.

Once established, the Corvette became a Chevrolet icon, utilised by Bow Tie and GM marketing to benefit the automaker. However, Corvette was no loss leader, it earned its keep and the respect of industry commentators. The Corvette maintained all these qualities despite the triple whammy of insurance rate hikes, emissions controls and fuel crises, and survived into the ’80s with a fresh design that took on all sports car competitors.

Archive images, independent testing, and the viewpoints of Chevrolet and auto industry personalities illustrate the rise and rise of America’s only sports car, including a substantial mid-engine genesis. Marc Cranswick’s original commentary pays homage to the Corvette as an enduring glamor icon and the ultimate dream machine!

Over a 40 year period the Pontiac Firebird has earned a unique place amongst speedy domestic cars. What started out as another contender in the "me too" Mustang pony car race ended up becoming so much more. Only Pontiac could have come up with a coupe like the Firebird, and it was the Firebird that kept the performance fires burning once the mighty GTO was gone. The Firebird has garnered a reputation for being larger than life and many have come to view it as a large car, but that was not always the case. Pontiac''s Firebird was originally a small US car, classified as a sport compact. In the days when people used the terms personal car and specialty car the Firebird wasn''t even all that big. However, after the first major gas crunch viewpoints altered. One thing that didn''t change was Pontiac''s commitment to keeping their Bird flying high. Rather than trade on past glories or play games with nameplates, the Firebird stayed true to form and never gave up. Perhaps it''s that persistence that has caused many to view the Firebird as a model in a certain mold. The truth is that over its life the Firebird has altered significantly, reflecting general changes and trends in the auto world at large. The Firebird''s tale reflects the development of the mainstream domestic car in the modern era. V8s, turbo V8s, turbo V6s, HO V6s, overhead cam I6s and even a Super Duty four banger. If there''s a performance avenue to be explored then the Firebird has been there, and Pontiac never quite gave up on the hope of using a transaxle. So it isn''t just a story about V8s, or even Pontiac for that matter, icons always seem to have a wide influence. Popular with car fans and in the sales charts, the Firebird has had a high profile both in television and at the movies. The Pontiac Firebird has also received its fair share of attention from hot-rod shops, tuners and car customizers. As per Pontiac tradition the Firebird delivered what folks expected in the real world. Even during the lean years the Firebird kept the 400 cube 4 speed dream alive when others had moved on to paint and tape specials. Fast cars didn''t die out in 1973, they just started wearing the "Screamin Chicken" on their hoods. As a collector car the Firebird has all the credentials. A strong fan base, wide variety of power train and trim options, various low volume and commemorative models, and a healthy helping of nostalgia thrown in for good measure. A number of Firebird models are already valuable classics, but certain younger versions can be counted on as some of the fastest appreciating collector cars of today and tomorrow. The Firebird legend just gets bigger. From the go faster 1960s, gas mileage and pollution controlled 1970s, performance renaissance of the 1980s, through to the indifference of the 1990s. The Firebird was always there, this is its story. Cutting edge research and 295 photos bring this in-depth, incredibly detailed story to life.

This book tells the complete BMW 5 series story, in the pre-Bangle classic era, covering e12, e28, e34 and e39 models, the enthusiast cars that invented the modern sports sedan and created BMW''s ultimate driving machine image. Follow the evolution of BMW''s middle child through the decades in all major markets. Marvel at the mystique of BMW''s motorsport and exotic tuner cars reaching the 180mph milestone on V8 power. Consider BMW''s phoenix-like rise from the ashes of WWII, regaining its sports, luxury reputation, and powering on to become the ultimate business machine under chairman Eberhard von Kuenheim. This new edition features 150 new pictures, new specification tables, updated text, a new "Meet the Tuners" section, and a new "easy use" index. The book also contains a foreword by Allen Hardy (America''s first BMW tuner), and a contribution from Kevin Bird of Birds, the UK''s first BMW Hartge tuning agent. Marc Cranswick has been writing on the subject of classic high performance German cars for many years. He has been involved with BMW since the e12 and e21 were current models.

Porsche AG, today the most profitable car company in the world, was in 1975 a small but headstrong German automaker on the verge of its most significant development. New national laws were changing the way manufacturers designed their products, but the auto consumer was also craving more exciting and innovative design. That innovation came in 1975 with the release of the revolutionary Porsche 924.This book begins its analysis with the creation of the Porsche 924 and the impact it made on the automotive world. During the 1980s, Porsche honed earlier 924 designs to create the 944 and its Turbo and convertible variants, and later the 968, completing a line that has produced some of the most respected sports cars of the modern era. The text also follows in detail the long production life and development of Porsche's V-8 powered high performance grand tourer, the 928--introduced in 1977, named the 1978 European Car of the Year and culminating in the 350 bhp 928 GTS of the 1990s. This history of the dynamic Porsche family gives a full account of each model and reveals the unique contributions each has made to a constantly evolving automotive world.

BMW is a company associated with motoring firsts. The very idea of a sports sedan was merely a novelty until BMW introduced the 5 series in 1972. As BMW's "middle child," the 5 series has drawn features from the company's smallest and largest models, establishing a reputation for performance and practicality through multiple generations.This book covers the history of the 5 series midsize sedan and the related X5 SUV from September 1972 to the e60's major makeover for 2008 and the development of the e70 X5. Specific mechanical, electronic and cosmetic changes are described, including the time of and reasons for their introduction. Several aspects of BMW's corporate history and technically related models such as the 6-series are also described, as are aftermarket modifications by Alpina, Hartge, and other specialist BMW tuners and speed shops. The book includes more than 200 photographs.