Italy is the homeland of “La Bella Macchina” and the cradle of automotive culture. This book celebrates the most iconic cars and visionary designers from the peninsula.
This stunningly illustrated book takes readers on a journey through the history of Italian automotive design, showcasing some of the most iconic and beloved models from the 1920s to the early 2000s.
Delving deep into the craftsmanship and artistry of vintage automobiles, this book explores how Italian car design has been at the center of technology, culture,and creativity—and how Italian designers like Pininfarina, Zagato, Bertone, Giugiaro, Gandini, and Ghia have influenced international car designs and brands.
With striking archival and contemporary images, The Italians – Beautiful Machines reveals the fascinating stories behind some of the most famous cars from Italy and what makes them so desirable. This book uses the lens of automotive design to chart the evolution of culture over the last 100 years. The Italians – Beautiful Machines is an impactful celebration of Italian car design and its lasting influence on design and culture.
Peter “Pete” Sukalac was a professional photographer who made a career of photographing machines: hot rods, custom cars, race cars, boats, go karts. He appreciated style and craftsmanship. His photos appeared in the pages and on the covers of the slick magazines of the day: Hot Rod Magazine, Rod & Custom, Boating, and Auto Mechanics. He eventually founded, financed and contributed to his own publication, Northwest Rods.
There was such an abundance of material during the 1950s and 1960s, and Pete sought out the best, the cream of the crop. In doing so, he put Northwest builders and machines on display, and they measured up to the best from California, the Mecca of hot rodding and racing.
“If Sukalac had not documented cars and people in the Northwest, it might seem as if nothing had happened in this area.”
From sporting single-cylinder bikes of the 1950s to high-performance sportbikes of today, this updated edition of The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles showcases Ducati’s entire output.
Though legendary today, Ducati motorcycles began rather modestly, selling motorized bicycles to impoverished residents of post-World War II Italy. Today, Ducati is Europe’s premier manufacturer of high-performance street motorcycles whose recent sales have risen year after year. Its svelte, hyper-accelerating sportbikes are two-wheeled wonders fluent in the language of speed.
The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles, 2nd Edition details the Bologna-based company’s amazing chronology, from the 1950s to present day. Presented chronologically and in encyclopedic form with gorgeous photography and insights from Ducati expert Ian Falloon, the book offers motorcycle enthusiasts a close look at the craftsmanship, power, and beauty of these extraordinary motorcycles. The book features all of the motorcycles from Ducati’s storied history through 2022, including:
- Sporting singles of the 1950s and ’60s
- The groundbreaking Desmodromic 750 Super Sport
- The iconic Mike Hailwood Replica
- The stunning, Superbike-dominating 916
- Today’s hip Scrambler and epic Panigale superbike
This information-packed, lushly illustrated oversize volume is a must-have for all Ducatisti and a great gift for any motorcycle enthusiast.
304 Pages of beautifully photographed, modified DeTomaso Panteras. Over 600 color photographs. Foreword written by Tom Tjaarda revealing his personal thoughts about modified Panteras along with his final interview with the authors. Book size: 11 X 8.5 inches. Landscape-style. Weight: 3.5 pounds. Hard-bound. The authors: David and Linda Adler have owned and driven all types and forms of DeTomaso Automobiles. Modified and Extreme Panteras have always been especially interesting for them. This is their third book about the DeTomaso marque. This photo archive captures a broad selection of Panteras reflecting very minor changes to completely over-the-top modifications. Presenting Panteras from 1972 to the present, the reader can view the craftsmanship as well as the unique artistry of modifications that Pantera owners have made to their cars. Panteras shown: Push-button, Pre-L, L, GTS, GT5, GT5-S, Group 3, Group 4, Group 5, Si, Group C and other unique examples and prototypes. This book has minimal amounts of text and is meant to be a photo archive. Large color photos were given priority over text. Many Pantera club member’s cars are shown along with national and international based Panteras. Photographs taken are by some of the world’s top automotive photographers. Recommended for all DeTomaso owners and enthusiasts who can appreciate Panteras that have been modified. Original cars are not shown in this title.
Contestants Recall the Great General Motors Talent Search
From 1930 to 1968, General Motors sponsored a 1:12 scale model automobile design competition for youth—the famous Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild. Each year thousands of boys and young men from across America competed for scholarships by designing, building, and submitting a scale model of their own “dream car,” to be judged on such qualities as design originality and craftsmanship. A public relations bonanza for GM, the program helped to identify and nurture a generation of future leaders in design engineering, automotive design, automotive styling, industrial design and other endeavors.
In these essays, more than 30 Guildsmen chronicle their experiences in the competition, revealing their model car design techniques, tricks, and secrets: Philip J. Rauth, Joseph R. Rauth, Herman I. Rauth, Roger D. Teter, Gordon D. Williams, William A. Keyser, Jr., Warren M. Bakken, Wilfred C. Keagy, Arnold L. Joslin, Raymond P. Wykes, Charles R. Foreman, Adrian A. Bruno, Charles H. Stewart, George E. Anderson, William D. Scott, Walter F. O’Neill, Jr., Thomas L. De Fazio, Felix R. Collazo, Ronald J. Will, Roger L. Schneider, Thomas L. Covert, Paul F. Bonfilio, George G. Herzog, Samuel T. Kjellman, Frederick J. “Bud” Magaldi, Geza A. Loczi, Jeffrey A. Jones, Robert W. Lawhn, Tom W. Graboski, Terry P. Graboski, Spencer L. Mackay, Grant Onnie, John L. Jacobus and John M. Mellberg.
Legendary Ducati motorcycles have something of a rags-to-riches story. This Italian motorcycle manufacturer began by selling motorized bicycles to impoverished residents of post-World War II Italy. Today, Ducati is the world’s premier manufacturer of street motorcycles whose sales continue to rise year after year. Its svelte, hyper-accelerating motorcycles are two-wheeled wonders that are fluent in the language of speed.
The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles traces the stunning chronology of the motorcycles dreamed up by Ducati, from the 1950s to present day. Laid out for the first time in encyclopedia form with gorgeous photography and insights from Ducati expert Ian Falloon, this book offers motorcycle enthusiasts a closer look at the craftsmanship, power, and beauty of these extraordinary motorcycles. The book features all of the motorcycles from Ducati’s storied history, including the groundbreaking Desmodromic 750 Super Sport, the Mike Hailwood Replica, the Superbike-dominating 916, and the epic Panigale.
From the street bikes that gave birth to the very notion of the modern superbike to the racing motorcycles that dominated tracks in Great Britain, Europe, and North America since the latter part of the twentieth century, The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles runs the full gamut of sportbikes. It’s a collection that demands shelf space in the library of any true motorcycle collector or fan.
As a young man, George Montgomery lived for cars. He came of age in the classic era of the hot rod and fully immersed himself in the car culture. George Took car building seriously and went on to become one of the pioneers of the sport of drag racing. From a little shop in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio, he built and raced cars that led the world in innovation and craftsmanship. George was a leading participant in the famous “Gasser Wars” match races of the 1960’s where he earned the moniker “Ohio George,” while driving his iconic 1933 Willys to victory after victory. The era of the Gasser Wars was one of the most colorful chapters in racing history and George was one of the most successful racers of the time. Always in innovator, Montgomery built the groundbreaking Malco Gasser Mustang in 1967 and followed it with the revolutionary Mr Gasket turbocharged Mustang a few years later. After retiring from racing in 1985, George became one of the most successful engine builders in the country. He is the recipient of the National Hot Rod Association’s most prestigious awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, and is listed as one of drag racing’s top 50 all time drivers.
SOLD OUT
A beautifully designed volume devoted to the most collectible and rare mid-century Italian cars and motorcycles. Bellissima! presents some of the most breathtaking Italian-designed automobiles and motorcycles of the post–World War II era, a series of visionary designs that thrilled the world and signaled a period of remarkable industrial rebirth. All-new photographs featuring pioneering masterpieces by Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and others trace a remarkable lineage of design that captivated buyers and greatly influenced mid-century industrial design, architecture, aeronautics, furniture, and fashion. Created for the privileged few, these luxurious, custom-built machines embodied speed, style, and grace and exhibited a level of artistry and craftsmanship unparalleled at the time.Texts by noted automotive writers illuminate the history of this period and the impact of these designs, covering such themes as berlinetta coupes, aerodynamics, advanced mid-engine cars, wedge-shaped automobiles, and coachwork designs for domestic and non-Italian automakers.Today, Italian-designed cars from this era are among the most highly valued automobiles in existence. More than half a century after their construction, they continue to intrigue and excite all who see them.
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are the grandest name in American motorcycling, and represent the freedom of the open road, a life of rebellion, and a heritage of craftsmanship for over 100 years. In this collection, the biggest and best writings, old and new, are assembled on Harley-Davidson and their unique mystique by writers and personalities that are part of the legend, from Hunter S. Thompson to Sonny Barger, Evel Knievel to Arlen Ness, and more. Punctuated with classic images-from vintage motorcycling photos to racing and walls of death posters to pictures from biker LPs and novels-these are the stories that have helped define the Harley-Davidson myth. The tales of the companys birth, the rise of the biker outlaw legend, and the modern-day revival of choppers, bobbers, and retro rides are all told by the best-loved sages of biker lore. With sidebars on biker movies, biker literature, and much more, this book chronicles the Motor Companys long ride into modern-day legend.
Originally written as the script for Steve McQueen’s movie, Denne Petitclerc’s “Le Mans 24” was born at the 1967 Le Mans, where it was Ferrari versus Ford, old-world craftsmanship versus machine-age efficiency. Petitclerc crafts a novel of action and suspense transporting the reader to the rain-swept Le Mans race course and the battle between man and machine. The story line of the movie and Petitclerc’s novel are essentially the same. What Peiticlerc does is flesh out the story, making the main character three-dimensional and perhaps more believable, giving him a life away from the circuit. He also creates a series of interesting characters for the protagonist to interact with. On one level, “Le Mans 24” works as a sort of guide to the movie. On another level, it is a sequel to the movie. Ultimately, “Le Mans 24” is what the movie could have been.
Carrozzeria Viotti has been one of the major representatives of the Italian art of making special car bodies. Founded in 1921, it always combined quality and excellence of craftsmanship with industrial working methods becoming, for a certain period, the largest Italian body-builder.
After the beginning as a luxury manufaturer of special bodies on Fiat, Lancia, Itala and Alfa Romeo chassis, it built standard serier and wonderful sport versions for the two bog Turinn-based firms; in the post-war years, invented the multi-purpose “Giardinetta” concept, helping the restart of Italian special bodies industry. Later it worked as a supplier for Lancia and built granturismos on Fiat chassis.
This book, the result of a long and deep research, tells all its history, illustrating it with a very big picture directoru that cover all its production.
Bentley and Rolls-Royce – there is one word that sums up the whole nimbus of myths and associations that surrounds these luxury car brands: ‘passion’. The passion of the designers and constructors as well as that of the aficionados, owners and collectors.br>
In numerous pictures and detailed texts this book presents 25 Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars from the Seeger Collection in Liechtenstein. The collection includes makes that have won numerous awards over the years and that boast famous previous owners such as Sophia Loren, and Princess Margaret of England. The heart of the collection is a complete series of all Phantom models starting with the Phantom I from 1925 up to the most recent model.
This fascinating book portrays history, innovations in design and technology, as well as outstanding creations of the closely connected brands. It pays homage to unparalleled automobile craftsmanship and will attract not only car enthusiasts but a wide audience.
The Elite Bicycle brings together intimate portraits of the world’s greatest bicycle artisans, examining the philosophies, the meticulous workmanship, and the eccentric personalities behind cycling’s most prestigious brands. Their materials and methods could not be more disparate, yet their pursuit is the same: the perfect bicycle.
In chapters featuring some of cycling’s greatest craftspeople, The Elite Bicycle offers up a conversation with the men and women who make the most coveted bicycles. Lavish, oversize photographs and personal interviews invite readers into their workshops to show the melding of old-world craftsmanship with space-age materials in fascinating studios and factories that fabricate superb machines.
The Elite Bicycle is both an homage to the bicycle maker and a collector’s piece in its own right, celebrating the stories behind the greatest bicycles and components in the world.
Carrozzeria Riva has a very long history, starting in the mid XIX Century and continuing until the 70s. Established as a coach factory, later become an important commercial vehicles coachbuilder, but they also had a very wide production, spanning from woody-wagons to advertising vehicles.
In the 50s Riva competed with their sports cars against the major period coachbuilders, being well known as a craftsmanship excellence.
This book, the result of a long and deep research, tells all its history, illustrating it with numerous photographs that cover all its production.
PHIL REMINGTON “REM” Remembered by his friends.
As Carroll Shelby said many times, “There probably wouldn’t be any Cobra stories without Phil Remington”. The content of this book is a tribute to Phil Remington. It is a collection of reminiscences sent in by colleagues and friends who agreed to share their personal stories of the man they universally admired, respected and honored. He shared his incredible craftsmanship, knowledge, and mechanical genius with generosity and patience to those of us smart enough to pay attention. Phil Remington was born on January 21, 1921 in Santa Monica, California. By the time he was in his teens he had developed a strong attraction to automobiles. Remington was the main engineering force behind all of Shelby American’s racing endeavors until the late sixties when, for all practical purposes, Shelby’s racing involvement ended. A short stint at Holman and Moody preceded employment at Dan Gurney’s All American Racers where Remington became a major factor in AAR’s successes for more than forty years. Successes included many Indy car victories with an Indianapolis 500 victory as well as numerous IMSA wins and championships. I know that Dan Gurney would also attest to this fact: wherever Phil Remington worked, he became the heart of the successes that came to his employers and teammates. “His strong point is his incredible intuitive feel for machinery. When there is a problem, by the time other people realize it, he’s already made six fixes.” It was this natural affinity for all things mechanical that allowed Rem to out distance his contemporaries and surpass his mentors. Simply put, as he gained experience he had no equal. A 35 minutes interview DVD is included with the book.
