Detroit Cars: 50 Years of the Motor City (Automotive History and Personalities) [Paperback]

Martin Derrick (Author)

Book Description

Series: Automotive History and Personalities | Publication Date: June 30, 2001

Americans define themselves by their cars. The auto industry touches Americans in a way nothing else does--and more than any other invention, the car altered the contours of modern-day life. Right from the start, when the first Ford vehicle rolled onto the road, everyone wanted to own one. And, the best dream-mobiles came from Detroit, "Motor City," USA. This is the business that became the pillar of America's economy and a national symbol. As you pore through superb illustrations of the greatest cars that ever came off the production line--from the Model-T right through the Chevies, GTOs, Corvettes, Mustangs, and Thunderbirds of the 1950s and 60s, up to today's icons--you'll also get an overview of the industry, and its history, birth, growth, and position in the present-day marketplace. A chapter on each decade, starting at day one and projecting into a fantastic future, shows the changing design and the magnificence of these classic autos.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Formula One, or Grand Prix, auto racing began in France in 1906 and has since expanded globally to become a highly popular and commercialized sport. Its history resonates with famous car and driver names, which are featured prominently in this historical overview by British writer/media producer Rendall. Rendall documents the evolution and changes within the sport and also details the many contests of power, both human and mechanical, that have helped define it over 50 years. Much of this has a British perspective, in part owing to its author but also because British figures have long been dominant forces in Formula One as drivers, car builders, organizers, and promoters. The amount of detail will surely be appreciated by dedicated fans (as will its 125 pages of color photos), but it will be tedious for casual readers searching for an introduction. Libraries lacking holdings on this topic may consider but should be aware that U.S. interest in Formula One is not strong and that numerous other titles are available (e.g., Formula One, LJ 5/15/99).ADavid Van de Streek, Pennsylvania State Univ. Lib., York
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Ivan Rendall served in the RAF and was the producer and writer of the major BBC series, Reaching for the Skies. He is the managing director of Zenith TV and the author of six previous non-fiction titles. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: PRC Publishing (June 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1856485870
• ISBN-13: 978-1856485876
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,129,645 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Detroit Cars, November 22, 2007

By 

Jon Banks "Reggae Lover" (Fairfax, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Detroit Cars: 50 Years of the Motor City (Automotive History and Personalities) (Paperback)

This is a great informative book. It is thick and heavy but that is because it is packed with so much information. The book is clearly written with technical info that is easy to understand even if you are not a "gear head". The book is composed according to where cars were during certain years. The first chapter starts with the birth of an industry which talks of mass production and the impact on the American public. Then each decade is explored with the new features of each auto during the related years therein. Social changes are also included so you aren't just reading about cars in a vacuum. This is a great reference book for any auto enthusiast

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Detroit Cars: 50 Years Of the Motor City, November 14, 2009

By 

Jose Lopez "Jose Lopez" (Miami,Florida USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Detroit Cars: 50 Years of the Motor City (Automotive History and Personalities) (Paperback)

Detroit Cars:50 Years Of the Motor City:

Great Big Softcover(almost like a Hardcover) lots of pages of Great Photos,Color photos,A Brief Introduction,This book is more of a pictorial, I don't really care for the cover(it's a Ford Thunderbird) but the back has a Cadillac(Yes!) and A Plymouth Prowler(ugh) Don't expect to be reading History much, As mentioned it is basically a Picture book but nonetheless worth adding to any Car Book Library.

4.0 out of 5 stars interesting, July 26, 2011

By 

Robert Baines - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Detroit Cars: 50 Years of the Motor City (Automotive History and Personalities) (Paperback)

Great pictures of course due to Nicky Wright and there are some mistakes in captions that should have been caught. All in all a good addition to my library