This rich automotive history will engage car buffs for hours of learning and diversion, for the book differs from most chronicles of the evolution of the horseless carriage by focusing on one particular, and fascinating, aspect: the styling of cars--their 'overall shape, ornamentation and resulting aura.' Resting on the premise that 'styling sells, ' the authors' large-format, heavily illustrated account goes into luscious detail about important designers, influential design trends, and noteworthy (in their aesthetic appeal) car models throughout the entire 100-year history of the automobile. A distinctive addition to technology collections that all public libraries should consider for purchase. - Brad Hooper; 306p - YA: For browsers and reluctant readers, as well as YAs interested in cars. JC-

The Big Book of Tiny Cars presents entertaining profiles of automotive history’s most famous—and infamous—microcars and subcompacts from 1901 to today. Illustrated with photos and period ads.

It is the dream of many to own the world’s most beautifully designed automobiles, but most often only a handful of collectors ever come close. Now, The Impossible Collection of Cars makes that dream come true, showcasing the one hundred most exceptional cars of the twentieth century in ASSOULINE's third volume in the Impossible Collection series. Each luxury automobile—from the 1909 Blitzen Benz to a 1996 McLaren F1—was chosen for its revolutionary engineering, magnificent lines, and head-turning capabilities. Assouline is pleased to announce this exquisite tome, which features cars owned by celebrities like Marlene Dietrich, Ralph Lauren, Greta Garbo, Pablo Picasso, and Elvis Presley. This Impossible Collection volume is presented on cotton paper in a beautiful black rubber clamshell box with a cutout metal plate.

The cars are presented chronologically in a succession of seductive photographs by Michel Zumbrunn, widely recognized as one of the best car photographers working today. The combination of general views, taken from a variety of angles, and numerous close-ups of exquisite detailing allows the reader to appreciate fully these masterpieces of the car designer's art. Each entry is accompanied by a vivid commentary by Robert Cubmerford, a car designer and renowned motoring journalist, who shares his astounding knowledge with the reader in order to highlight the history and essential design features of each vehicle. An illuminating introduction traces the development of styling trends and influences, while brief biographies of the most innovative designers from the last one hundred years and a full technical glossary are also included. The book concludes with a directory of museums and public collections around the world where examples of the featured cars may be seen.

Detroit, nicknamed Motor City, has always been a leader in car design. As the city became the center of the American automobile industry in the early 20th century, its studios became incubators for new ideas and new styles. This volume highlights the artistry and influence of Detroit designers working in the industry between 1950 and the present day, giving readers a sumptuously illustrated opportunity to discover the ingenuity of influential-and surprisingly little-known-figures in postwar American car design. Detroit Style showcases 12 coupes and sedans, representing both experimental cars created solely for display and iconic production models for the mass market. Dozens of design drawings and images of studio interiors-along with paintings, and sculptures, and fine art photographs-highlight the creative process and dialogue between the American art world and car culture. Together these materials bring new insights and spark curiosity about the formative role Detroit designers have played in shaping the automotive world around us, and the ways their work has responded to changing tastes, culture, and technology.

The first comprehensive history of the Chrysler Corporation, this book is intended for readers interested in the history of automobiles and of American business, and for fans and critics of Chrysler's products.