"The automotive world is filled with crazy stories, mysteries, myths, rumors, and legends. This book compiles them all, from subjects such as racing, manufacturing, crime, pop culture, and mechanical, explains their origins and where the truth lies"--

"Chock-full of amusing car-related trivia and miscellany." —Detroit News Did you know that after James Dean's death behind the wheel of his Porsche 550 Spyder, parts of the car were sold off, and said parts then cursed their new owners? (Or did they?) Did you know Bonnie and Clyde stole Ford V-8s almost exclusively as getaway cars because they were the fastest cars of their day—and that Clyde wrote Henry Ford a thank-you note? Did you know that a monkey by the name of Jocko Flocko once won a Grand National race? (NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Tim Flock helped.) Rumors, myths, and fantastic stories have swirled around the automobile for over a century. This fascinating collection compiles funny stories and a trunkful of trivia: What was the first car to break the sound barrier? Who won the first Indy 500? What kind of car was dancer Isadora Duncan in when she was killed? What car performed the most spectacular stunt in the James Bond movie oeuvre? In all of these cases, the answers may not be what you think. "Entertaining stories of vehicular crime, racing, moviemaking and various mishaps and mayhem." —The New York Times

The captivating, fast-paced world of motorsports gets an in-depth view in this resource that covers everything from motocross to speedboat racing to aerial acrobatics. Vivid photographs illustrate each offshoot of motorsports, including a brief history of the sport, important people who helped shape the sport, and details about some of the fastest and most high-endurance competitions. For those interested in getting started in any of these sports, the book includes resources about the type of equipment needed, the importance of getting proper training, and how to find local motorsport racing associations and local competitions.

Junkyard offers the only known photographic documentation of car collector Rudi Klein’s famed stockpile of distraught—but rare and valuable—vehicles from Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Maserati, and more. In 1967, Rudi Klein began quietly buying up wrecked, damaged, and worn-out high-end European cars under the business moniker “Foreign Auto Wrecking.” Over time, he amassed a stunning collection of treasures. Among the stash is a one-of-one 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K built for pre-war Mercedes racer Rudolf Caracciola. No one is precisely sure what other prizes rest behind the yard’s not-open-to-the-public gates. Some 20 years ago, and after much negotiation, photographer Dieter Rebmann and author Roland Lowisch were permitted rare entrée to the salvage yard’s grounds to document its residents.This record of Klein’s collection is nothing short of amazing for any classic and collector car enthusiast. Sadly, Rudi passed away in 2001, but the collection remains under the care of his sons, who operate it as elusively as their father, maintaining its decades-long air of mystery and desirability.

The IROC Porsches details the creation and first season of the International Race of Champions, a series divined as a means to pit the world’s top international racing drivers (from IndyCar, Formula One, sports car racing, and NASCAR) against one another to determine who was top dog.

Glory, scandal, downfall, fame, and rebirth—discover the dramatic story of the rebel auto industry titan behind the stainless-steel-bodied, gull-winged sports car we all know and love from Back to the Future. The tale you thought you knew: DeLorean recounts the life and career of John Z. DeLorean, from his successful career with General Motors, where he was instrumental in launching the Pontiac GTO and jump-starting the ’60s muscle car phenomenon, to the founding in 1975 of the DeLorean Motor Company and its 1981 launch of the now-iconic sports car bearing his name. Although a decidedly American car and company, the DeLorean story blends an interesting cocktail of Italian design, British financial backing, and a built-from-the-ground-up factory in politically fraught Belfast. The story turns, beginning in 1982, as DeLorean is entrapped in a drug sting and the company goes into bankruptcy. Though John DeLorean was acquitted ultimately, the original DMC was done all too soon. After the Los Angeles drug-trafficking trial, John DeLorean worked tirelessly, for the rest of his life, to revive his car, his name, and his company—unfortunately with limited success. Unexpectedly, the DeLorean car gained a new following based on its starring role in the 1985 movie hit Back to the Future(and its two sequels). Since DMC’s bankruptcy in 1982, several entities have continued efforts to revive the brand for modern times, today’s marketplace, and new audiences. Rather than consignment to the dustbin of automotive history, the DeLorean has achieved pop-culture status and remains well recognized, with growing appreciation today. Dispelling common misconceptions about DMC, DeLorean gives you the complete story in one handsomely designed volume illustrated throughout with historic images, period ads, and contemporary photos. Whether you are a car enthusiast, automotive historian, or a pop-culture fan, you are sure to enjoy the ride.

Hot Rod Empire details Robert E. Petersen's creation of Hot Rod Magazine in the 1940s and the Petersen Publishing empire that grew to the mainstream juggernaut we know today. The end of World War II marked the release of pent-up war-years energy and the desire to live. For many this meant indulging in long-denied purchases, like a new car. For another group, including young vets, it meant a return to car building and racing. Money, exciting new cars, and speed parts all flowed freely in post-war America. Robert Petersen, a young SoCal-based photographer and Army Air Corps vet, noted the rapidly growing hot rod scene in and around Los Angeles. His first move was to organize the Los Angeles Hot Rod Exhibition in 1948. His second, and brilliant, move was to launch at the same event the first edition of Hot Rod magazine. From this launch pad, Petersen Publishing Company would grow to become the most influential enthusiast publisher in America. Petersen’s magazines were rallying points for all aspects of the car, truck, and motorcycle hobbies, well as nurturing and promoting all aspects from car building to racing to show events. Hot Rod, Motor Trend, Car Craft, Motorcyclist, Off-Road and Four Wheel Drive and some 75 other enthusiast titles dominated magazine racks and provided substantial influence over transportation and numerous other hobbies. Hot Rod Empirecelebrates the birth and explosive growth of the transportation hobby under Petersen’s watch.