Veloce – serie

Shortlisted for the Motoring Book of the Year Awards 2025 Category: Best Debut Author (Graham Robson Trophy)China is now at the forefront of electric vehicle adoption and a wave of Chinese manufactured cars is now hitting Europe and the West. As the world's largest car producer since 2008, China's automotive industry deserves a closer look.Driving the Dragon explores the history of Chinese car manufacture, looking at some of the important cars on that journey, the false starts and missed opportunities. The story begins with the Rover 75 and how it played a key role in moving the Chinese car industry forward. It concludes with a look at cars from the likes of BYD, Zeekr and Nio, which are becoming mainstream in the UK and Europe as some of the most competitive electric vehicles on the market, not just in terms of price but also performance and desirability.For many people China is still a very enigmatic country, not helped by recent political events. While the book focuses on the automotive industry it also looks at the country itself and examines the culture surrounding the industry.The author spent 30 years in China, teaching, test driving and reviewing Chinese cars, and writing, while witnessing first-hand the extraordinary growth of the Chinese car industry.

The Jaguar XK was launched to great acclaim in 1996 as the successor to the XJS. Jaguar’s XK sports models were produced from 1996 to 2014 in two distinct forms: the original steel-bodied XK, and, in 2005, the advanced technology aluminium-bodied New XK. Highly significant for Jaguar, these cars reintroduced the world to Jaguar sports car motoring and, in doing so, echoed the success of previous icons, such as the E-type.The original edition of this book covered just the X-100 (original series) XKs from 1996 through to 2005. This edition, now in paperback, brings the story up to date with the X-150 alloy-bodied cars, from 2006 through to the end of production in 2014. A significantly enlarged work, packed with information and over 130 additional full-colour pictures, this fascinating book is essential reading for all XK owners, prospective owners and enthusiasts – the perfect XK ‘handbook.’

This fascinating story charts the career of Max Hoffman, the US car dealer who represented Jaguar, Porsche, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Fiat, Lancia, BMW, and many other European car brands during the decades following WWII. He pushed for distinguished now-classics like the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing, Porsche Speedster, BMW 507, and Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. Hoffman built a reputation as an effective middleman, but as the car companies he represented became more successful under his watch, the less they needed their go-between. When it was inevitably time to say goodbye to Maxie, he showed his teeth with everything from lawsuits against his suppliers, to threatening executives with a mob hit.However, Hoffman also had a very good reason to be defensive. He understood the American market, and he pushed manufacturers specifically for cars that would strike a chord and make everybody involved richer. Sometimes the hero, sometimes the villain, but more often than not, Max Hoffman was the unseen puppet master behind some of today’s best classics.

The automobile seems to be as popular now as it ever was. Posters of cars still adorn many a child’s bedroom wall, and school exercise books are full of doodles of cars. This new edition of a very popular book takes those notebook sketches and teaches you how to develop them into the car designs you see in magazines.Using simple to follow step-by-step drawings it guides you from pencil sketch to marker rendering, from doodle to highly visual computer generated artwork.Adrian Dewey has worked on designs as diverse as small sports cars to double decker buses, modified motors to concept Formula 1 cars, using various techniques and styles. In this book, he uses his knowledge of different styles to guide the reader in creating great artwork and designs of their own. The book shows in detail how to use different materials and how to get the most out of each one, whether it be a great pencil sketch or a photo realistic vector illustration.The book also features an easy to follow index for quick reference on different types of drawing.

When world rallying introduced a new formula for ‘World Rally Cars,’ Ford needed a completely new car to meet the new rules. Malcolm Wilson’s M-Sport organisation, then small but soon to expand considerably, was contracted to do the job, completed the design in less than a year, and spent the next 12 years campaigning this turbocharged four-wheel-drive car all round the world.Working from state-of-the-art premises at Dovenby Hall, near Cockermouth, in Cumbria, M-Sport built a total of no fewer than 97 Focus WRCs, which were always competitive at World level, this being proved by the fact that they won 44 World Championship events. In that time, stellar drivers such as Colin McRae, Carlos Sainz, Markko Märtin, Marcus Grönholm and Mikko Hirvonen all added to the mystique of an ultra-professional organisation, along with substantial support, and sponsorship, from the drinks giant Martini, the oil company BP (and its major subsidiary Castrol), and the state of Abu Dhabi.In building up its own in-house technical expertise, M-Sport not only engineered and developed the entire car on behalf of Ford, but gradually took over development (and eventually manufacture) of the 300bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, and led the design of the complex four-wheel-drive transmissions provided, at first, by Xtrac, and later by Ricardo.M-Sport’s reputation within the sport of rallying was such that, when the regulations once again changed, the company was immediately able to produce a new-generation Fiesta WRC, and continue with its winning ways.

Filling the many gaps in Formula 1 records, this book re-writes the racing history books.The history of F1 can be neatly divided into two eras, the first formally ending January 1980 when the terms `Grand Prix` and `World Championship` became synonymous, although there would be three more non-championship races after that date. However, up to January 1973 OVER HALF of F1 races were NOT included in the Championship results for the spurious reason that each country should have just a single F1 race. The classification of many F1 races as ‘non-Championship’ did a disservice to the achievements of drivers of the Fangio, Moss, Clark and Stewart era and, even more-so, to the four pre-Championship years which began in 1946. When, today, a commentator says “Rosberg’s 16th win equals the F1 wins of Stirling Moss” this is manifestly untrue. If the same drivers, in the same F1 cars, compete at the same tracks, and over a similar distance, then each race deserves to have its place in the records as a ‘Championship quality’ event. This book includes such races alongside contemporary Championship races and, combined with known figures since 1980, produces what can surely be accepted as ‘The Real Score’ of Formula 1.

Back in print after a long absence!This is the first book to focus solely on the cars derived from the classic Mini. Small GTs, sports cars, roadsters and fun cars: Mini-derivatives made the specialist motoring market roar in the sixties, but after that they didn’t fade away. The seventies, eighties, and nineties saw new variants on the car that simply wouldn’t die – some genius, some crazy, but always out of the ordinary and colourful. From the well known Mini Marcos and Unipower GT that even raced at Le Mans, to the very obscure, but at least as exciting, Coldwell GT or Sarcon Scarab, almost 60 cars are thoroughly researched, described and photographed. Many of the people originally involved with designing and building them were interviewed, and some cars that were thought to be long gone were found during the researching of this book. Others weren’t, but nevertheless made it in as old material came to light. Of the over 500 pictures in this book, most have never been seen in print before. Just like the enthusiasm needed to build the cars described, this book has been written with a true passion.

The story of Moto Guzzi is a story of survival. As one of Italy’s oldest, and most legendary marques, Moto Guzzi had seen the height of success during the 1930s, and then the 1950s when they dominated 250 and 350cc Grand Prix racing. Their withdrawal from racing coincided with a period of stagnation until the company was sold to De Tomaso in 1973. During the 1970s the V7 Sport and Le Mans were at the forefront of the new superbike era, and later, with Dr John Wittner’s help, embraced contemporary technology with the 1000cc Daytona.If one aspect characterises Moto Guzzi it is continuity. The great 500cc Falcone single ran from 1950 until 1976, and the V7, originally seeing the light of day in 1967, continued well into the 2010s. This continuity breeds loyalty, and Guzzi owners are a fiercely proud breed. Guzzis are not like other motorcycles, even Italian ones, and to qualify as a Guzzi owner requires a dedication and individuality that will be rewarded in a long term relationship. Other titles by Ian Falloon include Moto Guzzi Sport Bible, Moto Guzzi Big-Twins Essential Buyers Guide, the Complete Book of Moto Guzzi, Honda Story, Kawasaki Story, BMW Story and The Ducati Story. He also has his own collection of motorbikes including a 1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport.

This book takes a light-hearted look at what the author considers to have been the golden age of motoring journalism – the last two decades of the 20th century. As a writer and tester for Motor magazine, founding Editor of Fast Lane magazine, and a freelance journalist with a weekly column in The Daily Telegraph, Peter Dron has many tales to tell.In these pages we meet industry moguls, unusual motoring journalists and various other passers-by. The reasons why it has all gone wrong, both for the motor industry and motoring journalism, are examined with candour. Although this book is essentially about cars and car people, the author ambitiously hopes that it may amuse, irritate or even inform people who are not interested in cars at all. If the readers are not amused, irritated or informed, the author does not mind in the least, provided they have bought the book with their own money rather than stolen it or acquired it by other means, fair or foul.

An in-depth look at Fiat’s historical and prestigious involvement in all forms of motorsport. The achievements of the cars and drivers are described in detail, along with many original photographs, sourced from the official Fiat archives.In the early days, before the First World War, Fiat was a major contender in Grand Prix racing, and employed many of the leading drivers of the era. Although it withdrew from Grand Prix racing in 1927, Fiat cars were still to be seen participating in high-profile races, such as the Mille Miglia. In these events most Fiat models were sports editions of the highly successful ’Balilla’ range. In 1952 the introduction of the sensational 8V coupé resulted in many racing successes in private owners’ hands, while the late 1950s saw the introduction of ‘Formula Junior’ class of racing and Fiat-engined cars were very successful in the early years.In the 1970s, Abarth, then owned by Fiat, successfully ran the rally team, which resulted in three World Championships. Speed record attempts over the years are also detailed in this fascinating history of Fiat’s sporting achievements.

Now in paperback!“In many respects it is a book unlike many others. It is an individual, as all good books should be. It is quirky, eclectic, eccentric even, but in a world intent on reproducing that which has already been regurgitated I personally felt the need for something a bit more idiosyncratic, I can only hope that you agree!” – Simon OwenA well known artist specialising in racing car subjects, the late Simon Owen's detailed, expertly executed work conveys the life, the vibrancy, the essence and passion of motorsports and racing cars, like no other. Simon's work is a visual feast for lovers of automotive art and motorsport. Over the last few years, Simon had worked on developing a series of stunningly detailed computer-generated digital images, focussing on individual racing cars and their liveries. Seventy-seven of these images have been compiled to create this extraordinary book, and each is presented with a relevant quote from a legend of the motor racing world. Along with these beautiful and unique artworks, this book represents a chance to gain a rare peek into the artist's working methods, revealing some of his developmental work and showing how the digital images were constructed.

The story of the air-cooled 'big' Kawasaki bikes in definitive detail, researched and written in Japan with the full co-operation of the Kawasaki factory. This series of models put the Kawasaki company on the map during the sixties and seventies, helping it to survive a difficult era that saw hundreds of Japanese motorcycle makers reduced to just four.Successful immediately, these models defended Kawasaki's honour on the tracks as well as in the showrooms, handing the company numerous world championship titles. The series was recently revived as part of a retro boom, and a new machine has been launched, delivering the same thrill and charm as its predecessors.

Now in paperback! This book covers all the shapely and collectible Giulia coupés, including the fabulous lightweight GTA racer. Recognised the world over as THE book of the Alfa GT and GTA models, it tells the story of the Giulia from Giugiaro's drawing board to the showrooms, 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. Reissued due to popular demand, this book is now available in paperback.

The Mechanic’s Tale is the story as told by a man who was both a devoted fan and a loyal team member of British Racing Motors. He saw firsthand the repeated failures and humiliating times of the 1950_x0019_s, from the gradual progress of winning minor races, to Jo Bonnier winning the first World Championship Grand Prix in Holland in 1959. The team gained the ultimate honour in 1962, when, in East London, South Africa, Graham Hill drove the BRM to victory to win both the Drivers’ World Championship and the Constructors’ Championship for the BRM team, thereby making a considerable contribution to British motor racing history. Probably for the first time, criticism is levelled 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. This book is a fascinating insight into the British motor racing industry of the ’50s and ’60s.

After the first ever intercontinental rally – the London-Sydney in 1968 – there was widespread enthusiasm for an even more difficult test. With the Football World Cup being held in Mexico in 1970, it was the perfect opportunity to hold a parallel, much tougher challenge – the World Cup Rally. Organisers John Sprinzel and John Brown secured sponsorship from the Daily Mirror and planned a unique high-speed event, lasting six weeks and covering 16,000 miles from London to Mexico City via some of the most varying, tortuous and difficult terrain on three continents.Serious works teams such as Ford and British Leyland spent tremendous amounts choosing and developing new cars, completing months-long route surveys, and analysing every detail of diets, oxygen provision, and the number of crew members. Despite all this planning, out of an entry of more than 100, only 23 cars made it to the finish. It was then, and remains now, the toughest rally of all time.This book, now reprinted in paperback, tells the complete story.

This book truly represents an enthusiast‘s view of the RAC Rally: allowing you to relive the events if you were there, or offering the next best thing if you weren‘t. Tony Gardiner always took a week of his annual leave to watch 'The RAC,' and reckons he covered more than 28,000 miles chasing rally stages around the country. Luckily for us, he always took his trusty Zenit camera and recorded hundreds of moments of RAC Rally action, each now frozen in time for posterity. Tony’s photographs, first published in this book, have an energy which brings the rally back to life and reminds us how far removed modern rallying is from the much simpler pre-WRC era._x000B_For all who love the ‘Rally of the Forests' period of top level rallying, here is an incredibly involving evocation of three decades of great motorsport. All aspects of the event are covered including rare photos from manufacturers' archives, rally documents (regulations, programmes, road books, crew notes), and a full colour cutaway illustration of a famous winning car._x000B_This publication has full approval of the Royal Automobile Club and the Motor Sports Association.

The first edition of this book was groundbreaking: an entire book dedicated to F1 records and trivia, which proved hugely popular with F1 enthusiasts and fans of racing statistics. This new second edition is fully updated, with up-to-date stats, and an extended narrative including many amusing, and some serious, stories from the history of F1. There are performance records of every driver, every car constructor, and every engine make to have taken part, a detailed insight into the variety of qualifying procedures throughout the years, a summary of regulation changes since 1950 and a quick reference guide to every grand prix result.Performances are analysed by nationality, youngest/oldest, fastest/slowest, consecutive wins, poles, most wins at different circuits, and lots more. It’s not just focused on drivers and cars, but circuits, engines and tyres too. A comprehensive photographic section depicts the changing scene of Formula 1 since its inception in 1950.This book will be an invaluable reference book, that will both entertain and provide definitive data at your fingertips.What reviewers said about the 1st edition:“This is the most amazing book. In this latest thing, the author has surpassed himself. This book gives you the facts about every aspect of Formula 1 you could possibly want to know, and a good deal more besides.” – Bulletin of the British Racing Drivers’ Club“The most comprehensive compilation of Formula 1 ever. Simply outstanding - you may know a lot about F1 - but here you have more, completely undiscovered items, oceans of F1 trivia to explore.” – Gran Turismo, Sweden“A magnificent book. You can get to know absolutely everything on F1, rigorously documented compilation of the most exciting moments of F1 history. Essential for the 'geek' library all Formula 1. A new way of understanding F1.” – Auto-Hebdo Sports, Spain “Weird triumphs, heroic failures, unfeasible stats, beyond belief coincidences! It’s the story of f1 like you’ve never read it before. A fest of nerdy entertainment as well as definitive data.” – Car Magazine“Every Formula 1 fan will be amazed by this book, simply because they will discover so much they didn’t know. A treat for all fans. Nothing less than the best book for Formula 1 statistics and curiosities.” – Speedweek.com, Switzerland

An historic and nostalgic look at the role of the Land Rover in the emergency services over the last 70 years. Land Rover products have been used by the emergency services almost from the moment the first model left the factory in 1948. The agility and size of these vehicles made them an immediate hit with fire services, where they initially became popular as factory fire tenders. Police forces were also attracted by the cross-country ability and versatility of Land Rovers, especially outside Britain, and, when long-wheelbase models provided extra space, they also became favourites for ambulance conversions.Some emergency-service conversions required very little adaptation, and were carried out in the workshops of the end-users. Others – such as six-wheel Range Rover fire tenders – required major alterations from the factory-standard vehicle. Meanwhile, specialist companies developed dedicated ambulance and fire tender bodywork, creating a fascinating variety of body types.The vehicles featured in this book illustrate the versatility and adaptability of Land Rovers and their more modern SUV siblings.This book will interest Land Rover enthusiasts and emergency-vehicle enthusiasts alike, with evocative photographs that illustrate both historic vehicles and more recent vehicles in action.

Back after a long absence! The illustrated record of all Lola cars from 1978 to 1997. Acknowledged Lola experts Esa Illoinen and John Starkey pool their knowledge to provide full detail on all the different types of Lola of this period – single-seaters and sports racing cars. A companion volume covers the 1957-1977 models.A Lola T70 owner/racer himself, John Starkey is also the author of the much acclaimed Lola T70 (published by Veloce).

For owners and would-be owners of three-wheeled Morgans, Ken Hill has created an invaluable ‘Bible’ which is absolutely packed with genuinely useful information.Ken sets the stage by detailing the history of the Morgan motor company, describes the marque’s motorsport record and then, with great thoroughness, chronicles the evolution of all three-wheeler models since 1910.Next comes practical advice on maintenance and repair – advice based on expert information produced when the three-wheelers were still in production.Part of the ‘Morgan experience’ is the extraordinary social scene that embraces the marque on a worldwide basis, so Ken devotes a whole chapter to Morgan clubs and their activities.The last part of the book is a series of appendices comprised of original specification, production changes, wiring diagrams, technical data sheets, details of specialists, distributors and manufacturers, details of Morgan miniature models and a record of factory sales literature.Altogether, this work is a unique source book of essential information for all Morgan three-wheeler owners and enthusiasts.The two other books in this series: Completely Morgan - Four-wheelers 1936-1968, and Completely Morgan – Four-wheelers 1968-1995, are also being reissued as part of Veloce’s Classic Reprint series.

For all owners – and would-be owners – of four-wheeled Morgans, this invaluable book is packed with genuinely useful information.Beginning with a detailed look at Morgan’s history, Ken Hill then describes the marque’s motorsport record, followed by a thorough look at the evolution of all four-cylinder and eight-cylinder models available from 1968 to 1975.Later chapters are devoted to restoration techniques, technical specifications, and information about the Morgan community, so providing an invaluable reference source.See the other books in this series, Completely Morgan – Three-Wheelers, and Completely Morgan – Four-Wheelers 1936-1968, also published by Veloce as part of its Classic Reprint series.

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.

This book provides the first accessible English language account of motorcycles in the Soviet Union. Concentrating on the wartime and postwar period until 1990, prior to the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, it covers the motorcycles produced, and looks at the way in which they were used at home and exported abroad. Chapters cover wartime, models produced, the social character of Soviet era motorcycling, and wide-ranging sport. With planned, rather than market-led, production based around copies of pre-war German BMW and DKW models, the industry churned out hundreds of thousands of utilitarian and rugged machines that were very different from the more fashion-orientated machines produced in the West. These motorcycles went under the place names of the producing factories: Ishevsk, Kovrov, Moskva, Minsk and, of course, the large flat twins produced in Irbit and Kiev under the Ural and Dnepr names. With a strong emphasis on Soviet era illustrations, the book provides an insight into a life based on idealism and ideology that has now passed. Period photographs and images, many of them from private family collections, show Soviet bikes as well as popular imports Jawa from Czechoslovakia, and Pannonia from Hungary.

Great Small Fiats is a tribute to some of the best small Fiats ever produced.In deciding which models to include in this book, Phil Ward concentrated on three criteria - greatness, size and emotion. Where size is an easy parameter to qualify, greatness is more complicated because it is a combination of of both the manufacturer's and the public's opinion. A car that is highly regarded by the public may not have been a commercial success and vice versa. A truly great car is one that works well for both parties. Emotion may be considered to be an element of greatness in that the public's 'love' for a car is a fantastic benefit for a manufacturer and must be treasured. Fiat have made the mistake of 'improving' an icon on several occasions only to find that public opinion went against them. Fortunately Fiat has been magnanimous enough to respond by giving the car-buying public more of what it wants. As long as they continue to do so then Fiat's reputation as the world's greatest small car manufacturer is set to continue.The author chose the Topolino as the starting point, as it fulfils all the criteria, and was the first Fiat built in the late 1930s to satisfy the Italian public's new-found desire for mobilisation. The old conventions of car production were turned upside down with the arrival of the 600 which revolutionised car production techniques and maximised on passenger space and performance at minimal cost. These principles continued via a succession of models which include the 500, 850, 126, 127 through to more recent models like the Cinquecento and Seicento.Running in parallel with these 'cheeky' Fiats, this book covers a range of slightly larger cars that were built in huge numbers. Though rather staid in appearance, the 1950s Millecento was family transport for millions of Italians covering three decades, four when the Indian-built cars are included. Similarly the 128, Panda and Uno were 'the' Italian small cars of the '70s, '80s and '90s. Nuova Panda carries the banner through to recent models.

The story of the wonderfully stylish Karmann Ghia, built on the ultra-dependable VW Beetle chassis and running gear. The cars were available from Volkswagen dealers between 1955 and 1974, and these timeless models are now quite rightly considered classics. This is THE essential guide to these curvy and collectible Karmann Ghia Volkswagens.

New in paperback! Say ‘Sleeping Beauties' to committed car enthusiasts and they will immediately know what you're talking about: a world famous 1980s photo series, showing an extraordinary collection of classical automobiles rusting away in a French barn, neglected by their owner. Famous brands like Bugatti, Lancia, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Cord and Aston Martin, laying under thick layers of dust, spending their remaining days falling apart in isolation.Many have tried to find out what happened to these cars since the photographs were taken – decayed? destroyed? sold? – but all leads fizzled out ... until two Dutchmen and a German hung on where others had given up. In true ‘Boy's Own’ style, their book tells of the three-year-long search for the fate of the cars from that French barn. It tells the story behind the collection's origins in 1948, through to the moment in 1983 when the famous photos were published, up to the day in 2007 when the authors talked to the current 79 year old owner – a man who finally broke his silence about the fate of his collection for the first time in 25 years.

The fascinating biography of David Scott-Moncrieff, alias ‘Bunty’ – a colourful larger-than-life personality, enthusiastic car expert, charming entertainer, and passionate vintage car addict. Bunty’s favourite marque was Rolls-Royce, and, for some time, he claimed to be the Number 1 in the Rolls-Royce second-hand car trade worldwide. Bunty also owned world-famous race cars, heaps of worn-out hearses (to be rebuilt), supercharged Mercedes classics, and even an antique Steamer. Here, you will meet them all, along with some of his many admirers who had the courage and pleasure to enter the passenger seat.Halwart Schrader travelled to England to meet Bunty on many occasions, knew him well. and has written this long-awaited biography in full co-operation with Bunty’s son, Humphrey Scott-Moncrieff.

This new edition of Ian Falloon’s classic book on the history of BMW Motorcycles brings the story right up to date, and now includes all models from 1923 right through to 2019.Over the past 80 years, BMW motorcycles have provided a unique alternative to those of other manufacturers. Some motorcycles may have been faster, certainly others were cheaper, but with their emphasis on quality and reliability, none have emulated the practicality of a BMW. With its commitment to ease of serviceability, the BMW motorcycle has become the preferred choice for hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists around the world. BMW motorcycles are made to be ridden, and if the journey includes a mixture of straight roads and bends, there is no better motorcycle. Factor in the best range of factory luggage and accessories available, and the success of BMW motorcycles isn’t surprising. Ownership of a BMW is also generally a long-term affair, a refreshing change from the current trend towards almost instant obsolescence.Falloon is a prolific author and one of the world’s foremost motorcycle historians with years of experience. His other BMW books include BMW Boxer Twin Bible, BMW R90S, and the Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles.

There’s popping out for a quick pint, and then there’s this – a gloriously preposterous 27,000 mile journey across 25 countries to grab a beer in pubs (bars) at opposite ends of the world. We’re talking an epic adventure, from an abandoned Soviet mine 700 miles from the North Pole, to a remote pub at South America’s southernmost tip. A journey undertaken in a TVR sports car, a car that many might consider untrustworthy just to drive to the shops.The journey packed a lot into its eight months. From braving the sheer drops of Bolivia’s Death Road, to drag racing the locals in Texas. From roaring across flooded salt flats, to sailing the straits of Magellan. From the highs of the planet’s best driving roads, to the lows of life in No-Man’s-Land, trapped between borders by red tape and bureaucracy. And from looking out for Polar Bears in the High Arctic, to dodging penguins in Tierra del Fuego. The story of the Pub2Pub Expedition is an inspirational account of where your dreams can take you if only you believe in them.Chronicling the epic journey made by Ben Coombs in his TVR Chimaera, this book is both an exciting adventure and a fascinating snapshot of the life and culture of the countries that he drove through.