A hot rodder’s library is one of their most valuable tools, and we’re excited to add a variety of new titles to our ever-expanding bookstore this Holiday Season. The subjects span far and wide. Are you thinking about building a flathead-powered Model A? Curious about the “Mysterion”? Are you a diehard woody wagon nut or Steve McQueen fan? Our new batch of books covers all these topics—and more!
In all of rodding and customizing, the saga of Ed Roth’s “Mysterion” is one of the strangest of them all. Bakersfield, California, hot rodder Jeffrey A. Jones has had a lifelong fascination with the dual-engine, fiberglass-bodied bubbletop—and he has recently completed a nut-and-bolt clone of the futuristic show rod. Ed Roth’s Mysterion takes an in-depth look at not only his build process, but also the story of the original car. This independently published book is a must-have for Ed Roth fans and anyone interested in the wild show machines of the ’60s.
In the world of drag racing, nothing beats match racing, which mashes together big personalities, big money and high-horsepower cars on the ragged edge of control. This brand new book focuses on showdowns of all sorts from the '60s and '70s, ranging from national favorites playing for keeps to local heroes battling head-to-head. From radically altered wheelbases and exotic fuels to slingshots and plastic fantastics, Match Race Mayhem invites you to join in on the unforgettable action.
With more than 400 pages of photos and history, Classic Woodys is the most comprehensive volume on the subject we’ve ever seen. Written and compiled by automotive journalist David Fetherston over a five-year period, the book spans 19 chapters and chronicles the Woody story from the early-1900s through the ’70s. This Collector's Edition comes in a custom mahogany and maple box loaded with all sorts of bonus ephemera, including postage stamps, postcards, travel decals, a toy car and a sampling of woody wood.
Hollywood star and all-around gearhead Steve McQueen lived an action-packed life. This newly released book spans 240 pages and explores his early years, acting career as well as racing exploits. It’s loaded with vintage photos, posters and interesting details about “The King of Cool.”
The first in Vern Tardel’s “Big Book Series,” Hot Rod Your Model A is a comprehensive guide to building an A-V8 out of an older restoration. Laid out like a shop manual and spiral bound in a binder, the 300+ page book measures 10x11-1/2 inches and is printed in full color, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering a Model A project as well as those who currently have one in the works. Make sure to check out the full feature in Rodder’s Journal #77!
In WWII, the SoCal-based North American Aviation produced more than 40,000 aircraft, including the P-51 Mustang and B-25 Mitchell. This 224-page volume gives a behind-the-scenes look inside the Inglewood assembly plant and includes hundreds of photographs, many of which haven’t seen the light of day since the ’40s. WWII and hot rodding’s early years are closely intertwined, and this book is a must-have for anyone interested in manufacturing during that time period.
Bonneville: A Century of Speed celebrates the rich history of competition on Utah’s world-renowned natural racecourse. A collaboration between David Fetherston and the Save the Salt Foundation, the book covers high-speed action spanning from the early-1900s until the 2000s and is jam-packed with rare historic images from Bonneville’s best years.
In the 20th century Volkswagens became an automotive icon, and this book highlights their history from the start. Artfully designed and loaded with historic photos and vintage advertisements, The Complete Book of Classic Volkswagens isn’t restricted to Beetles—it also focuses on favorites like the Microbus, Karmann Ghia, Things and others.
Originally printed in the ’50s, the California Bill manuals have become staples for anyone looking to improve the performance of their inliner, flathead, or OHV engine. They’re loaded with tips, tricks and speed secrets that have been helping hot rodders for years. We recently purchased the last of them from the publisher, so when they’re gone, they’re gone. Get yours while you still can. Available individually or as a set.
In the first installment of the best-selling Lost Hot Rods series, Pat Ganahl hunts down and tells the stories of rods and customs that have been stashed away for decades. From famous magazine cover cars to local treasures, this book has the fascinating stories behind each and every one of them. A great companion to Lost Hot Rods II, available here.
