Nearly Two Dozen of the Best Car Books for Automotive Readers
Nov 15, 2024
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With winter on the horizon, it might be better to curl up with a good book by a warm fire instead of freezing your fingers off in the garage. Perhaps you’re looking for that perfect Christmas gift for that buddy with motor oil in their blood. If so, here are the best car books to keep you entertained when you’re not peeping under the hood.
Automotive History and Culture
1. ‘NASCAR 75 Years’
by Al Pearce, Mike Hembree, Kelly Crandall and Jimmy Creed
This comprehensive book commemorates three-quarters of a century of stock car racing that continues to define NASCAR. Packed with rare archival photos, insider accounts and statistical data, it’s a must-have for any NASCAR fan.
2. ‘Faster’
by Neal Bascomb
Take a journey back to pre-WWII Europe for an underdog story that pits a daring American driver and his Jewish mechanic against Hitler’s “superior” German racers. Faster is a compelling, fast-paced tale of speed, rivalry and a victory that became a powerful symbol in racing history. It’s one of the best classic car books you could ever read.
3. ‘The Complete Book of Corvette: Every Model Since 1953’
by Mile Mueller
You can’t complete a car book collection without at least one book on the iconic Corvette. This title shows off every single Corvette model since 1963 when this Chevy muscle car debuted. While it may not contain the newer models made, the book is licensed by Chevrolet, so it’s filled with high-definition photos of the classics from the manufacturer.
4. ‘Formula 1: All the Races’
by Roger Smith
If you’re looking for a history lesson, you’ve come to the right place. “Formula 1: All the Races” details all the races, from the first time a Formula 1 car hit the track in 1950 to 2015. Whether you’re looking for race details, engine specs or driver competitive streaks, this car book delivers in living color, making it the perfect addition to any collection.
5. ‘Drive On! A Social History of the Motor Car’
by L.J.K Setright
Cars are so much more than their engines or their sleek lines. A car is a mark of status, a piece of glass and steel that lets the rest of the world know where you stand in the grand scheme of things. While it doesn’t have as big of an impact as it used to, The History of a Car is a piece of social currency that’s one of the most entertaining car books you’ll read this year.
6. ‘Mustang: Fifty Years: Celebrating America’s Only True Pony Car’
by Donald Farr
No car book collection is complete without at least one pony car book and for a true fan there’s nothing better than the Mustang book. This beautiful, sleek book contains 400 high-definition photos of your favorite pony cars over the last 50 years. This edition came out in 2013, so it doesn’t have any of the new models released in the last couple of years, but it does have the most comprehensive list of classic ‘Stangs.
7. ‘Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans’
by A.J. Baime
There’s nothing more exciting than a furious competition, and the battle between giants Ferrari and Ford in the 1960s is one of the highlights of racing history. Follow the undefeated Ferrari cars that owned the Le Mans track until Henry Ford II decided to create the fastest race car of its time to dethrone the champions.
Automotive Engineering and Technology
8. ‘Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century’
by Tim Higgins
This isn’t your average car book — it’s the story of a high-stakes gamble that pushed Tesla from a tiny startup to a world-famous brand. Full of tension, drama and Musk’s unforgettable personality, Power Play captures the wild ride behind the brand that turned electric cars from niche to now.
Fasten your seatbelt. This is a page-turner.
9. ‘The World According to Clarkson’
by Jeremy Clarkson
Who better to tell you about cars, the world and everything in between than Jeremy Clarkson? The former host of the BBC car show “Top Gear” has released many books about cars, but this was his first in this series. While it doesn’t have as much to do with cars as some of his other works, it’s still a great read and an excellent addition to car books collections.
10. ‘The Car Book: The Definitive Visual History’
by DK
This one is like a museum on your coffee table. The Car Book is packed with photos and detailed profiles of over 2000 iconic cars, from the classic horseless carriages to today’s sleek electric machines.
Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or just getting your wheels turning, this one will get you well-acquainted with automotive evolution. Consider it your fast pass to car history, minus the ticket line.
11. ‘Cool Cars’
by Quentin Willson
More than just a list of cars, Cool Cars is like window shopping for automotive icons. Each model here has that special something that makes it an instant classic. Whether it’s the styling, the speed or just sheer personality, every entry is guaranteed to make you nod and say, “Yep, that’s cool.”
Performance and Racing Books
12. ‘How to Build a Car: The Autobiography of the World’s Greatest Formula 1 Designer’
by Adrian Newey
Ever wonder what it takes to design a Formula 1 car? Adrian Newey takes you through his journey in motorsport design, from concept to track. It’s part technical guide, part autobiography and all about pushing limits. It’s one of the must-read mechanic books around for those who love the thrill of race-day engineering.
13. ‘How Cars Work’
by Tom Newton
A great starter book if you’re a new grease monkey or have a child interested in working on cars. It doesn’t have the information for any specific car model, but it does have fully illustrated guides to 250 of the most important components under any hood. It even comes with a quiz after each chapter to help retain the information.
14. ‘Auto Repair for Dummies’
by Deanna Sclar
Whether you’re looking for a good gag gift for the wrench monkey in your life or a valuable addition to your collection, “Auto Repair for Dummies” should be on your Christmas list. Despite its name, it’s the top-selling repair guide, with nearly half a million copies making their way out into the world.
15. ‘Engine Builder’s Handbook’
by Tom Monroe
If “Auto Repair for Dummies” is too basic, it might be time to get the “Engine Builder’s Handbook.” This is a must-have for anyone serious about really diving into a rebuild. What makes it even more helpful is the hundreds of detailed pictures and drawings.
16. ‘Engine Management: Advanced Tuning’
by Greg Banish
For the serious DIY mechanic, Engine Management offers a deep dive into performance tuning. Banish breaks down the science behind getting every ounce of power out of your engine — from fuel mapping to ignition timing — perfect for those who love to tinker and tune.
Whether you’re building a custom hot rod or simply want to tune your daily driver, this is the bible of engine tuning that no gearhead should be without. Don’t be surprised if Greg Banish has you tweaking your ride for weeks.
17. ‘Form Follows Function: The Art of the Supercar’
by Stuart Codling
Supercars are something most people dream about driving. Whether you’re drooling over an Aston Martin or chasing down a Maserati, this book has it all. Along with the high-definition photography of James Mann, this book is filled with designs, sketches and specs to help sate your biggest supercar craving.
Personal Stories and Memoirs
18. ‘Man & His Car: Iconic Cars and Stories from the Men Who Love Them’
by Matt Hranek
This book celebrates iconic cars and the men who drive them, blending stunning photography with intimate, personal stories. It’s not just about the cars but the memories, passions and moments they represent. Find out why trucks are Shaquille Oneal’s chosen drive and why Jay Leno stands by his Buick in this stylish, sentimental addition to any car book collection.
19. ‘Iacocca’
by Lee Iacocca
This iconic autobiography offers a rare, firsthand look into the life and career of one of the automotive industry’s most legendary figures. Lee Iacocca, the former CEO who helped revive Chrysler from the cliff’s edge of bankruptcy, recounts his rise from humble beginnings to the upper echelons of corporate America.
Part business memoir, part leadership manifesto, the book provides invaluable insights into the auto industry’s high-stakes world and a visionary executive’s mindset. A read for car buffs and anyone who loves a good comeback story.
Out-of-the-Box Car Books
20. ‘Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog’
by Garth Stein
A car book with a twist, this poignant and uplifting novel tells the story of a philosophical dog named Enzo who dreams of becoming a race car driver in his next life. As he observes the life of his owner, a race car driver named Denny, alongside his daughter Zoe, Enzo imparts wisdom about love, loss and the human condition.
This unique perspective on the classic car enthusiast tale has resonated with readers worldwide, even inspiring a film adaptation while at it. Maybe this book will give you a few pointers on how to include your buddy in your travels.
21. ‘How Not to Be a Professional Driver’
by Jason Plato
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in the fast lane (literally) Jason Plato’s memoir is a wild ride. The charismatic British racing driver dishes out hilarious, outrageous and often cautionary tales from his decades on the track. From behind-the-scenes shenanigans to hair-raising races, How Not to Be a Professional Driver is a bit of comedy, part adrenaline rush and all-around entertaining.
22. ‘Faster, Higher, Farther: How One of the World’s Largest Automakers Committed a Massive and Stunning Fraud’
by Jack Ewing
This hard-hitting automotive book dives into Volkswagen’s infamous Dieselgate scandal. Full of intrigue, deception and billion-dollar consequences, Faster, Higher, Farther uncovers how one of the world’s biggest carmakers crossed the line — and the fallout that followed.
It’s a cautionary tale of unchecked ambition, corporate malfeasance and the dangers of sacrificing integrity for profits — a thriller for anyone who loves a juicy scandal.
23. ‘Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World’
by Henry Grabar
Cars might get all the spotlight, but this book about cars shines it on something far less glamorous — parking. With wit and insight, urban planner Henry Grabar takes readers on a fascinating journey exploring how the unassuming parking spot has profoundly shaped everything from architecture and real estate to social dynamics and environmental policy. Maybe you’ll finally understand why your city has the best parking — or otherwise!
Who knew parking could be this compelling? Just make sure you’re not reading it in a “No Parking” zone.
Get Some New Automotive Books
When you can’t make it to the garage this winter, lose yourself in one of the best car books. Here are a few new books to add to your Christmas wish list.
Originally posted Sep 10, 2023 – Updated Nov 15, 2024
