Last month saw the sad loss of another good friend of Veloce Publishing, and a true great from the world of motoring and auto journalism, Graham Robson, who died peacefully on 5 August at his home in Dorset.
Graham lived only a short drive along the coast from Veloce HQ, and was a frequent visitor throughout the year. With over 20 Veloce books to his name – and even an entire series in Rally Giants – Graham often popped-in to talk shop and answer questions about his latest work.
He was also equally inclined to pop in for a coffee and a catch-up, happy to chat about any and every subject from the latest engineering tech, to behind-the-scenes rally stories that only someone who was there could tell – as well as a myriad of things auto-related or otherwise. A dog lover with a soft spot for British Bulldogs, he was equally at home talking pups and pooches as he was pistons and prototypes.
Graham was a straight-talking Yorkshireman, and proud of it. He was also proud of his achievements, but never in a boastful way. With such a long and varied history, he had the remarkable ability to put his own achievements into context without hyperbole or ego creeping in. His directness and desire to get to the nitty-gritty of a subject is evident from his writing, and all Velocisti who had the pleasure to work with him could expect nothing less than utter professionalism and accuracy … with a rollicking good tale or two thrown in for good measure.
A welcome figure on the talking and eventing circuits, Graham was a regular up and down this country, and the USA, commentating, compering and presenting with a knowledge and humour that always made for engaging, enlightening and fun listening; he rapidly became a firm favourite with crowds and organisers alike. Our YouTube channel has a number of videos of Graham that are well worth a watch, including this great Author Profile, recorded in 2014.
His Veloce books hint at just how broad his knowledge was, covering everything from the technicalities of groundbreaking Rally cars, to the global commercial pressures that shaped empire-building brands. He was a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers, the winner of many national and international awards and the author of nearly 170 books. His personal experiences of the people, places, and races that have become landmarks in automotive history meant he could talk with an authority unmatched by many writers.
Graham will be sorely missed by all the Velocisti. What better way to celebrate Graham's life and work than with his Veloce titles, from his first Veloce book in 1998, Cortina: The Story of Ford’s Best Seller, to his soon-to-be published Classic Reprint edition of The Cars of BMC.
The complete history of these ultimate driving machines
Fully updated, highly detailed, this brand-new edition of Graham Robson’s original Haynes publication explores every aspect of BMW M3 history, including its motorsport success worldwide. From the original E30 of 1986, through E36, E46, and E90 to the 6th gen of 2020, and the M4, it includes full, detailed specifications for each generation, and brings the M3 story right up to the present day, covering all models produced between 2013 and 2021, including M4.
The definitive history of the hugely successful model which stayed in production for five generations, enjoyed great success in motor racing and rallying and which redefined the family car. With over 180 colour and black and white photos this is the fascinating story of a incredibly successful car.
SKU V5100P • Paperback or eBook • 20.7x25cm • 160 pages • pictures • Flowing format eBook
Cosworth
The Search for Power (6th Edition)
This book covers the entire history, life and times of the famous British high-performance engineering company, from its 1958 foundation by Mike Costin and Keith Duckworth, through its often-exciting and always fascinating evolution, to its expansion and worldwide success in both motorsport and high-performance road cars.
The story of the 97 Ford Focus WRC cars during their 12-year rallying career; there were 44 World Championship victories, and the team won the World Rally Manufacturers’ Championship. Drivers included Colin McRae, Carlos Sainz, Marcus Grönholm and Mikko Hirvonen, with sponsors including Martini, BP (and Castrol), and the state of Abu Dhabi.
In 1965, Colin Chapman persuaded Ford to underwrite development of a V8 for the new 3000cc Grand Prix formula. Built by Cosworth, the new DFV engine won Lotus four World Championship Grands Prix in 1967. A year later, and now available to other constructors, the engine began its domination of Grand Prix racing. This important book is illustrated with more than 300 photographs, most of which come from the UK Ford Motor Company’s own archives.
Starting with the original Standard prototype of 1903, this book covers the scores of Standard models built until the brand was discontinued in 1963 (Britain) and 1987 (India). It also covers the Ferguson tractor involvement, millitary aero-engine manufacture, military aircraft manufacturer (including Beaufighter and Mosquito fighter-bombers), Rolls-Royce Avon turbo-jet military engine manufacture, and Triumph cars. This is the first definitive book to cover this major British marque.
The Cars of BMC is the most detailed record of the origins, operations, and legacy of one of Britain's most historically important industrial concerns. This is a unique record from one of the most respected automotive historians, and a key player in the British automotive industry. This new edition of The Cars of BMC covers the cars of the period 1945 to 1975, and the following marques: Austin; Austin-Healey; Innocenti; Metropolitan; MG; Morris; Riley; Vanden Plas; Wolseley; British Motor Holdsin (BMH) and British Leyland, plus subsidiaries and overseas connections.
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, the 1970 World Cup Rally was a unique high-speed event. Attracting many serious works teams such as Ford and British Leyland, it was, and remains, the toughest rally of all time. This book, now reprinted in paperback, tells the complete story.
SKU V5228P • Paperback or eBook • 22.5x22.5cm • 208 pages • 237 pictures • Flowing format eBook
The Great British Rally
RAC to Rally GB - The Complete Story
From the running of the 1932 RAC rally, mainly a social event, to the present day, when Rally GB is a high-speed endurance World Championship rally, this is the very first all-embracing history of an important part of British motorsport history. Descriptions of every event, opinions, and results are brought together for the very first time, with year-by-year accounts of all events in the Rally’s history, and copiously illustrated with period photographs. It also covers the many and varied challenges posed by such crises as foot and mouth disease, weather conditions, and controversy over rules and regulations: this book is truly the definitive guide.
The distinguished 130-year history of the Triumph company from original pedal cycles, to the first Triumph cars, and then every model up to the end of production. The authors reveal the in-house politics of the company, its design and engineering achievements, competition activities, and its international sales and marketing success.
The Audi Quattro is a Rally Giant because it was the first to combine four-wheel-drive and a turbocharged engine – not the most sophisticated, but it was the first, and very successful. It was also the first to run with more than 300bhp. As it was re-homologated/transformed from Group 4 into Group B in 1983, it was also the first successful Group B car.
SKU V5110P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 116 pictures • Flowing format eBook
Austin Healey 100-6 & 3000
Between 1957 and 1965 the six-cylinder-engined Austin Healey evolved into a formidable and increasingly specialised rally car. By any standards, it was the first of the ‘homologation specials’ – a type made progressively stronger, faster, more versatile, and more suitable for the world’s toughest international rallies. This book tells its story.
SKU V5324P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 140 pictures • Flowing format eBook
Fiat 131 Abarth
Fiat entered rallying in 1970, with the aim of becoming World Rally Champion – and it was the 131 Abarth of 1976-1980 which made that possible. It soon began winning World rallies, and, in 1977, 1978 and 1980, the 'works' team also won the World Championship for Makes, paving the way for successors the Lancia Rally 037 and the Delta Integrale.
SKU V5111P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 100 pictures • Flowing format eBook
Ford Escort Mk1
The story of the Ford Escort MkI, a car that delivered everything its predecessor, the Lotus-Cortina, had promised. Versatile, accessible and competitive at all levels, it dominated international rallying throughout the 1970s, and became hugely popular with teams and spectators alike.
SKU V5107P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 107 pictures • Flowing format eBook
Ford Escort RS Cosworth & World Rally Car
The Escort RS Cosworth became Ford's most successful model since the legendary Escorts of the 1970s. The combination of Cosworth power, 4WD transmission, and an effective aerodynamic package made it a Rally Giant in all conditions, making this generation of Escorts the most effective rally car that Ford had produced at that time.
The Ford Escort MkII, the RS1800, became Ford’s most successful rally car, and is still winning historic events today. It brought new standards to the sport, inspiring many others to copy it. This books contains full details of every ‘works’ Escort MkII that went rallying, plus driver and personality profiles, and detailed car evolution.
SKU V5109P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 112 pictures • Flowing format eBook
Lancia Delta 4WD/Integrale
The HF 4WD – a compact, five-door Lancia – dominated world-class rallying for six years, winning innumerable events, World Championships for Drivers, and World Championships for Manufacturers. Alongside the cars, driving heroes such as Markku Alan, Didier Auriol, Miki Biasion, Juha Kankkunen and Carlos Sainz also became legendary in this period.
This book describes the birth, development and rallying career of the Lancia Stratos, Europe’s very first purpose-built rally car, in the mid/late 1970s. It provides a compact and authoritative history of where, when and how it became so important to the sport, as well as telling the story of the team.
SKU V5526P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 131 pictures • Flowing format eBook
Mini Cooper/Mini Cooper S
This book describes the birth, development, and rallying career of the BMC Mini-Cooper/Mini-Cooper in the 1960s, providing a compact and authoritative history of where, when and how it became so important to the sport. Even today, works Minis appear at every gathering of classic cars – and in 2009, Mini celebrates its 50th birthday. Packed with over 100 photographs, this book is a fitting and timely tribute to a much-loved Rally Giant.
Peugeot designed, developed, campaigned and won with the first truly sophisticated four-wheel-drive Group B Car – the 205 Turbo 16. Detailing the cars, the influences, and the personalities behind a magnificent success story, this book is packed with illustrations, and technical data on this innovative car, and is a must for any rally fan.
SKU V5325P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 100 pictures • Flowing format eBook
Saab 96 & V4
The story of the front-wheel-drive Saab 96, which made the brand into a rally icon in the 1960s. It succeeded in events as diverse as the Monte Carlo, Britain's RAC Rally, many Scandinavian events, and the Spa-Sofia-Liége Marathon. The 96 and V4 models produced victory where no-one expected it.
SKU V5332P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 135 pictures • Flowing format eBook
Subaru Impreza
This book describes the birth, development, and rallying car of the turbocharged, four-wheel-drive Subaru Impreza in the 1990s and early 2000s, providing a compact and authoritative history of where, when and how it became so important to the sport.
SKU V5322P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 96 pictures • Flowing format eBook
Toyota Celica GT-Four
This book describes the birth, development, and rallying career of the Toyota Celica GT-Four, providing a compact and authoritative history of where, when and how it became so important to the sport.
To say 2020 has been difficult year, for pretty much everyone, is an understatement. There will, no doubt, be further obstacles to navigate before we can say we’re through the worst of the pandemic, but we’ve fought-on with distance, masks and hand gel, and we’ll continue to do just that.
During the pandemic, we have tried our utmost to keep our books, both old and new, flowing, and to bring new projects to fruition. It’s not been easy, but we’re now starting to get our programme back on track, and new books are starting to come online at a gathering pace. There is still much uncertainty, and some supply chain disruption; we’ve even seen highly unusual instances of new books selling out before we can restock.
So, whilst things aren’t back to normal yet, we can at least whet your appetite and reveal just a few of the brilliant reads we have coming your way over the next few months – and more will follow.
First, though; let's catch up with a book that came into stock between editions of On the Grid that you may have missed, and that you can get your hands on today …
FIAT 124 Spider & Pininfarina Azzura Spider (AS-DS) 1960 to 1985
These 2-seater sporty convertibles have been entertaining drivers with an engaging ride since they debuted at the 1966 Turin Motor Show. From 1981, the car carried the Pininfarina badge, and the name was even used again, admittedly for a very different car, for 2016’s MX-5-based FIAT.
If the call of open-top motoring is too loud for you to ignore, then this is the book for you. This Essential Buyer’s Guide is dedicated to helping you buy your perfect classic 124 Spider, giving you essential information and tips, direct from marque expert Campbell Robertson. With this, you’ll be able to confidently assess a 124 Spider for purchase.
As with all our Essential Buyer’s Guides, you’ll discover what it’s like living with a Spider, where and how to buy, advice on the most suitable model, and in-depth analyses of the Spider’s strengths and weaknesses. There’s also coverage of suppliers, and the social scene around the cars, including clubs and organisations worldwide.
The heart of each of our guides is our unique 60 Minute Evaluation chapter, with points scoring system, taking you through each part of the car and the issues you look at for. Score each section as you go, tot-up the result, and you’ll get a score that will reveal whether you’re looking at a prime candidate, or a lemon.
Keep your eyes peeled, or request notification, for these fantastic books – all should be here before Christmas.
Chevrolet ½-ton C/K-Series Pickup Trucks 1973-1987 – “Built to Stay Tough” by Norm Mort
First up, we have a new book by Norm Mort in our Those were the days…™ series. This is a detailed look at the history and development of the 3rd generation of the popular Chevy ½-ton C/K-Series pickups.
These subtly styled trucks were produced from 1973 to 1987, more than holding their own in a competitive market, against the likes of the Ford 150, as well as various Dodges, Jeeps, and International Harvesters.
Beginning with a brief history, it includes a detailed look at the evolution of the 3rd gen models, with year-by-year descriptions. As well as detailing production models, with specifications and options, you’ll also find industry facts and figures, rarely seen cutaway images, and previously unpublished photos of fully restored C/K trucks, and customisations by Chevy enthusiasts.
This is a wonderful record of a much loved classic American pickup, and even covers the market demands which often led to the introduction of niche models, intended to broaden the market base. Definitely one for all American truck fans.
Engine & chassis specifications included
Covers all optional equipment
Detailed close-up of all engines offered
3rd generation ½-ton Chevrolet pickup truck production facts and figures from 1971-1983
Focus on all of the Chevrolet ½-ton C/K-Series models offered
Previously unpublished images of fully restored ½-ton C/K-Series pickups
Many images sourced from period advertisements and brochures
Images of rarer performance versions
Descriptive, detailed text on annual model changes, period road tests & references when new
Highlights distinctive styling cues and increasing market focus on luxury features
Lotus is a name that needs no introduction to Veloce readers, but Matthew Vale’s Elan and Plus 2 Source Book is the perfect volume for owners and wannabe owners.
The Elan was the first 'affordable' – and successful – road car from Colin Chapman and Lotus, a replacement for the more expensive (and less reliable) Elite, and carried the brand through the 60s and into the 70s.
This is a practical, warts-and-all guide to owning and running one of these British classics, crammed with pictures and advice. If you’ve dreamed about getting and Elan or +2, whether to restore, as a daily driver, or as a project car for upgrading, and want to know what it’s really like to live with one, this is your first port of call. We also have your second … more on that later.
From a brief look at the history of the Elan and +2, to a detailed originality guide, it’s an eye opener. You’ll find engine specifications, gear ratios, dimensions and capacities, and discover the design changes made by Lotus across the lifetimes of the models.
The real gem of this book is an 'owners section,' providing a window on real-world ownership and maintenance, revealing common faults, and showing how to keep an Elan or +2 in top condition. There’s also information on worthwhile upgrades, and a section on restoration (or rescue), for all those who want to push their Elan to new heights … or maybe bring one back from the dead.
Useful, practical, warts-and-all guide to owning and running a Lotus Elan or +2
An invaluable source of real-world advice for existing owners
Packed with up-to-date data
Details Elan and +2 product history and chronology
Guide to original features, and changes, through the life of all models
Highly detailed specifications for all models
Engine, transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, and dimension specifications
Comprehensive restoration, renovation and preservation section
Illustrated with high quality photos throughout
The perfect guide for all Lotus owners, buyers, and restorers!
Once you’ve read Matthew’s Elan and +2 Source Book, and if you decide to take the plunge into Lotus ownership, then your next step will likely be buying your very own Elan or +2 … and we have just what you need …
The Lotus Elan Essential Buyer’s Guide is designed to give you all the technical details – and all the skills – needed to make buying a good example as straightforward as possible. Covering the S1 to Sprint, and +2 to Plus 2S 130/5 cars made between 1962 and 1974, it’s the perfect companion to Matthew’s Source Book, and with its unique 60 minute evaluation chapter, with points scoring system, assessing a car like a pro is now something you can do yourself.
Motorcycles, Mates and Memories – Recalling sixty years of fun in British motorcycle sport by Bill Snelling
We take to two wheels next, as we look back over sixty years of motorcycle sport, with Bill Snelling. Bill was born into a family for whom a motorcycle combination was a way of life. Working at Arthur Lavington’s Velo shop at the age of 15, Bill rode long-distance trails, with some success, before branching into racing, has worked as a columnist for Motorcycle Weekly, and is a photo archivist and TT/MGP historian.
Bill’s book is a look at the social history of motorcycle sport, as seen from the saddle. It’s an entertaining biography, recounting a lifetime spent at the heart of the British motorcycle racing scene, and living on the Isle of Man.
You’ll read of the decades of mayhem, mud and madness that have characterised Bill’s 70-year life – 'living the dream' - as Bill says! From his early days at Lavington’s Velo shop, to long-distance trials, and the many race circuits he has ridden.
The book is also a personal account of the golden years of the TT, and features original photos from the TT archives, capturing the thrill of the races. Sharing his passion and experiences as a rider and Manx GP competitor, this is a book from a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, competitor, author, and historian.
Morris Cars 1948-1984 – A Pictorial History by Ray Newell
Joining our popular A Pictorial History series, is Ray Newell’s much anticipated book on Morris cars. A prominent marque since its 1913 inception, postwar cars were exported around the world, with many assembled overseas, and despite production ending in 1984, many models have an enthusiastic following today.
Ray has had a long association with Morris cars, has been the Secretary of the Morris Minor Owners Club since 1963, and was a founding member of the Morris Vehicles Association in 2013. Ray has packed his knowledge into a book bursting with colour photos, detailed information on colour schemes, optional equipment, and technical specs – even dash diagrams and gearchange gate patterns.
Morris Cars – A Pictorial History is fine addition to the range, and a brilliant record of Morris cars, no matter where your interest lies. Inside you’ll find: Morris Minor, Series MM, Series ll, Morris 1000; Morris Oxford Series MO; Morris Six MS; Morris Oxford Series ll, Series lll, Series IV, Series V, Series VI; Morris Cowley 1200 Morris Cowley 1500; Morris Isis; Morris Mini; Morris 1100/1300; Morris 1800 Morris 2200; Morris 18/22; Morris Marina; Morris Ital; and the Morris Metro Van (The last Morris Model).
£16.99 UK • $24.99 USA • $32.99 CAN
Paperback • 14.8x21cm • 160 pages • 202 pictures
Find out more at: https://www.veloce.co.uk/store/Morris-Cars-1948-1984-Pictorial-History-p187271811
So, that's it for our look at some of the books we have coming your way. Stay up-to-date by signing up to our newsletter, On the Grid, and get notified when the book is in stock by clicking the buttons on the book pages (see our last blog entry for more details).
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