First Gear

Convertibles (in the First Gear series) is a celebration of the classic drop-top, from the earliest of coach cars where convertible style was the norm, to the high-end sports cars of today. Today's convertible is a metaphor for freedom on the open road. To drop the top and feel the wind and sun and to be able to cover up again in rain and cold represents the ultimate automotive luxury. From Ford's Model T to sporty Jaguar roadsters, from classic Chevys to modern Miatas, the convertible is a body style that never goes out of style. Convertibles profiles more than 60 cars in wonderful photographic detail. Each car profile includes its history, performance specs, trivia, and a color photo gallery. For the dedicated auto enthusiast or the casual or budding fan, this book is an entertaining survey of the greatest convertibles ever made.

Explore the complete history of Jaguar--maker of cars that practically purr with life--through James Mann's stunning photography. In 1935, a small company in Coventry, England, built a sporting saloon called the Jaguar SS and set in motion an inexorable process that would lead to Britain's most beloved line of high-performance automobiles. Originally begun by a couple of motorcycle enthusiasts--William Lyons and William Walmsley--the firm originally called the Swallow Sidecar Company quickly expanded into automobile production, and with its new Jaguar model, it had exactly what the market wanted. In England's bleak postwar years, Jaguar became a shining star, beginning with its XK120 (the first production car ever to achieve 120 miles per hour), followed by the XK140 and XK150. Sporting sedans (saloons in British parlance) such as the Mark 2 and Mark X set the bar for luxury four-door transport in the 50s and 60s. Then Jaguar stunned the world with the achingly beautiful E-Type in 1961, a genuine 150-miles-per-hour super sports car. Along the way, the company competed on road courses around the world, going head to head with greats such as Ferrari and Aston Martin. Though Jaguar lost its way periodically in the modern era, it has bounded back stronger than ever in the 21st century with a lineup including the all-new F-Type sports car. Jaguar Cars features 50 of Jaguar's most iconic models, from the original SS Jaguar to today's F-Type sports cars as well as the C-X75 supercar concept.

Chopped or channeled, candy metalflaked or rusted-out, hot rods are institutions of American motoring. This collection of more than three dozen roadsters, coupes, rat rods, and show cars provides a nicely priced, all-color survey of this enduring hobby. Each hot rod is featured in full-vehicle and detail shots of the car, a brief history of the car and the build, and more.

Over 60 of the hottest and most popular production, high-performance, and racing Mustangs are profiled in Ford Mustang. From the early coupes and GTs to today's newest Shelby, the fastest and most unique pony cars are included in this history of the Mustang nameplate. Profiles of cars from every generation, including the Boss 302s, Mach 1s, and more, include full-color detail and portrait photos, a short history of the car, performance specifications, and trivia. Whether you're a lifelong Mustang fan of just getting to know the great American performance machine, you'll enjoy the depth and variety of Ford Mustang.

The 1960s and early 1970s were the age of raw American automotive power. Whether it was a classic Hemi "Cuda, Pontiac GTO, Charger, or Boss Mustang, big engines were king at local drag strips and cruises. Muscle Cars explores this era and the current models with a broad survey of classic muscle and today's new machines. Each chapter is organized around a theme (milestones, factory racers, etc), each model getting a multi-page spread of full-color photography, performance stats, trivia, and more. Photos and stories from the people who built and raced these amazing machines make the book a must-read for any fan of American muscle.

Ferrari has been producing race and road cars for more than 60 years. In the distinctive "Ferrari Red," legendary cars with names like Monza, Testa Rossa, and Daytona turn heads from Monaco to Japan and around the world. In Ferrari, 60 milestone vehicles from across the company's history are profiled in detail, with a short history of the car, engine, and team, along with performance specs, trivia, and a detailed photo library. For any fan of Ferrari or performance cars in general, this is an enjoyable read full of valuable information and gorgeous color photos.