Bud? Bud Who? Bud Lyon, that’s who. You may not know Mr. Lyon, but he’s a brilliant, largely self made, really wealthy car collector guy who may not live too much longer. And his book, commissioned by his rather wonderful wife Thelma, was written by a guy who didn’t live long enough. The late David E. Davis, Jr., and former Automobile and Motor Trend Art director Larry Crane assembled the story of this most amazing guy, Bud Lyon. The Lyons are Pebble Beach stalwarts, and have bettered countless car shows and drive events by bringing any of their fine automobiles there. If you own any device containing an electric surge protector, you have Mr. Lyon to thank. Bud built a great family, a terrific car collection, several successful businesses, and a great life by being a good guy, working hard, and having – no doubt about it – his share of good luck along the way. David E. extracted many wonderful anecdotes from Lyon’s family and friends, and this book reads more like an artfully assembled family scrapbook than a clinical journalistic effort. Go ahead; meet some interesting people like Thelma and Bud Lyon. It’s worth the fifty bucks. It’s available from Amazon or Automobile Quarterly’s book store.
GT/CS
That’s as in Ford Mustang GT/California Special. No matter if you’re a fan of the original ‘68 GT/CS, or the current gen Cal Special, this is the ultimate fan guide. In fact, its official title is GT/CS Recognition Guide & Owner’s Manual. And heaven bless its author/designer Paul M. Newitt for doing it. Newitt is the ultimate GT/CS fan — he sold his own 390 big-block powered Cal Special to finance this book project. Along the way, he asked me if that was the right thing to do, and I told him I couldn’t really answer that, but that in the end, it was for the greater good of this special breed of Mustang. He ultimately agreed, and I hope sells enough books to buy himself another one someday. This hardbound volume is densely illustrated and packed with facts you never knew, and a few you probably won’t care about. But the archival photos and authenticity information make it more than worth every cent of its $100 cover price. Just 2000 copies will be printed. So don’t dally. Order from the author direct at pmndesigns.com
Ten Days in Sicily
The original Mille Miglia was an impressive test of man and machine, but I personally place the Targa Florio atop the heap of the great Italian open road races. Author Ton Adriaensens is a serious writer and sports car aficionado. And he has put together this gem of a book based on the following premise and events: Ten days in Sicily is based on a story of four British young men who went to Sicily in May 1966 to watch the last real road race, the Targa Florio. Arriving in time for the Syracuse Grand Prix, they drove their Fiat 124 saloon press car to Syracuse to watch this first GP race in Europe for the new 3.0-liter formula.
Not all teams had a new 3.0-liter engine ready – except for Ferrari, Brabham and Cooper, all still used ‘old’ machinery. John Surtees won the race in the new Ferrari. Jack Brabham experienced trouble early in the race with his Repco 3.0-liter V-8 and was out as were both the new Cooper-Maseratis driven by Jo Siffert and privateer Guy Ligier.
The next weekend – May 8 – all four were present for the start of the Targa Florio. They experienced the excitement of the pre-race practice runs, combined with a commemorative run to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Targa – the Trofeo Marathon – for veteran and vintage cars with special guest Elisabeth Junek.
This book is a lot of money at $235 U.S., but if you love the Targa like I do, there’s nothing quite like it. Lots of production quality, great photos, and a great vintage story. Visit Enthusiastbooks.com
Road Hogs
Sounds like a rock group, but it’s actually an homage to American luxury cruisers of the 1960s and 70s. There’s not a lot of new, original journalism or information going on here, but it’s a great collection of photos, ads, and anecdotes about your favorite American parade floats. Just the thing for the current four-dollar-plus-per-gallon environment. Lots of color, lots of history, nostalgia, and all the things we love about these old chrome plated boats. Available at Amazon.com or through publisher motorbooks.com
TV Tommy Ivo
My pal Tom Cotter has become quite the author; with his series of barn find books, personality pieces (including Holman and Moody, and the great Dean Jeffries) and now he’s gone and told the story of another Hollywood hot rod legend. Mr. Ivo is a legendary, interesting guy who generally put racing ahead of his acting career. This book is worth it just for the story, but the archival photos really bring it home. If you or your special dad really like hot rodding and drag racing, stop messing around and just get this book; from Amazon or motorbooks.com
Closing speed
Ted West is a seriously good writer. I wish I had half his skill. And he really knows racing, because he was there. Ted worked at Motor Trend, and our wonderful old defunct magazine called Sports Car Graphic. When he decided to crank out a novel about sports car racing, I couldn’t wait to read it, because I knew it would be good. And it is. It’s strictly fiction, but you’ll recognize the stories and faces behind some of Ted’s colorful characters. Buy it on Amazon or author direct at ted-west.com
ACD; The Reunion
Fancy Auburns, Cords and Duesenbergs? Then you’ll enjoy The Reunion, a two volume set put out by the ACD club. Great archival pix and solid information from the source that has the stuff (and the museum) on these cars. Proceeds benefit the club, buy direct from acdclub.org.
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