This volume traces through more than 150 years of Italian automotive history. A history made, above all, by men who have put creativity, hard work, inspiration, ingenuity, and tenacity to use in developing their ideas and in giving form to this revolutionary instrument of human mobility.

Over 400 dazzling color photographs and an entertaining narrative tell the tale of our love affair with cars. Famous car photographers capture the elegance and excitement of each vehicle, while the stories behind the cars let us relive the adventures of designing and driving these marvels. Together they make an exciting history of the technological trends and designs that led to today's indispensable, stylish, and efficient automobile. The story concentrates on the most important car models produced in terms of social, aesthetic, and technological advances. From dream cars to road cars, this book captures the most stirring blends of technology, art, and beauty. Filled with a sense of adventure, it takes us on a fun spin through popular culture and into the future of automobiles.

A new updated edition of the volume released in 2020 with the history of Lamborghini. This official book is dedicated to the history of the Italian car brand founded in Sant’Agata Bolognese in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini. Ferruccio’s dream was to create the perfect car and still today, more than half a century later, Lamborghini continues to produce super sport cars that are sought after and renowned throughout the world. The book is divided into five macro-sections: Where: In Sant’Agata Bolognese, Emilia, Italy - a small remote village now known throughout the world. How: With the ingredients that make it unique – the passion of the local people, mechanical purity and unstoppable technical innovation, forward-looking design, stylish and original use of color and a constant dialogue with new generations. Who: Lamborghini’s strength is its people, from the past and the present, who deserve respect for what they do and what they have done. When: The history of Lamborghini spans from 1963 to today, from the brilliant moments from the past to the successes of today, as well as the more difficult periods that were overcome with great dignity and commitment. Why: All the models that have shaped the history of Lamborghini are illustrated here, including special editions, those that underwent significant evolution and unreleased models.

"Published in Italy in 2016."--Back jacket flap.

Fiat have built millions of vehicles since 1899 but the company is perhaps best known for its ability to produce small, economical, characterful cars. 'Great Small Fiats' traces this concept from the birth of the 500A 'Topolino' in the 1930s up the current Panda and a hint of the proposed Nuova 500. Each of the selected models are described in detail from their conception through to current ownership in the hands of collectors and enthusiasts. The chapters include practical information on buying and running a small Fiat and restoration advice for the older cars. Also included are Fiats built under licence outside of Italy and the Fiat-derived 'etceterini' coachbuilt and competition cars.

Spanish Marquis Alfonso de Portago swaggered across the international motor racing stage for a stunningly short time, but left behind a legend and legacy like no other racing driver before or after. His tragic and high-speed death in the Mille Miglia ended that event, and took the lives of nine spectators as well as his own and his friend and co-driver. That alone was enough to guarantee a place in racing notoriety. But motor racing was only one of his many achievements. He had spent years as an international equestrian. He twice ran at the Aintree Grand National as well as the Gold Cup. His unceasing curiosity and daring bravado saw him tackle the Cresta run at St. Moritz and his Spanish Olympic bobsleigh team for 1956 finished fractions of a second out of the medals. Over the last 50 years, many myths and fantasies have found their way into print about the nature of the man and his activities, on and off the sporting field.

The Life of the Automobile is the first comprehensive world history of the car. The automobile has arguably shaped the modern era more profoundly than any other human invention, and author Steven Parissien examines the impact, development, and significance of the automobile over its turbulent and colorful 130-year history. Readers learn the grand and turbulent history of the motor car, from its earliest appearance in the 1880s—as little more than a powered quadricycle—and the innovations of the early pioneer carmakers. The author examines the advances of the interwar era, the Golden Age of the 1950s, and the iconic years of the 1960s to the decades of doubt and uncertainty following the oil crisis of 1973, the global mergers of the 1990s, the bailouts of the early twenty-first century, and the emergence of the electric car. This is not just a story of horsepower and performance but a tale of extraordinary people: of intuitive carmakers such as Karl Benz, Sir Henry Royce, Giovanni Agnelli (Fiat), André Citroën, and Louis Renault; of exceptionally gifted designers such as the eccentric, Ohio-born Chris Bangle (BMW); and of visionary industrialists such as Henry Ford, Ferdinand Porsche (the Volkswagen Beetle), and Gene Bordinat (the Ford Mustang), among numerous other game changers. Above all, this comprehensive history demonstrates how the epic story of the car mirrors the history of the modern era, from the brave hopes and soaring ambitions of the early twentieth century to the cynicism and ecological concerns of a century later. Bringing to life the flamboyant entrepreneurs, shrewd businessmen, and gifted engineers that worked behind the scenes to bring us horsepower and performance, The Life of the Automobile is a globe-spanning account of the auto industry that is sure to rev the engines of entrepreneurs and gearheads alike.