Books, Games & Videos

All car related stuff - not that I don't read anything else!

Driving - Lotus - MG - Technical - Games & Videos

Driving

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Track Day Drivers Guide, by Art Markus

This book explains how to get the best out of track days through skilled driving and careful car preparation. This includes how to prepare the car - and oneself - for the first track day; how to optimise the seating position; how to choose and use safety equipment; what can be done to improve the performance of the car; track day etiquette; and much more besides. 

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Going Faster: Mastering the Art of Race Driving, The Skip Barber Racing School


The "Bible" of racing - a collection of knowledge and experience gained from years of race-winning performance.

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Speed Secrets: Professional Driving Techniques, by Ross Bentley


Professional race driver Ross Bentley thoroughly explains the basics of race driving and beyond, including small adjustments that allow a driver to get the most from the car. Whether you're an experienced Indy driver or getting started in Autocross, SPEED SECRETS covers everything you need to know to drive the fast track. 

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Sports Car and Competition Driving, by Paul Frere

First published in 1963, "Sports Car and Competition Driving" sold tens of thousands of copies, establishing it as the definitive book on driving. Now Frere has revised and updated his classic to explain to drivers how to meet the new challenges posed by radical advances in technology. 

Frere discusses the physical laws governing a car at speed, giving particular emphasis to the critical areas where the most time is won or lost: the corner. He also recommends proven approaches to practicing, setting up a car, qualifying, passing, and endurance racing-to name only a few of the many topics covered. 

Driving on the Edge: The Art and Science of Race Driving

Six sections covering: Basic knowledge & Weight Transfer, Traditional Driving Techniques, Competition knowledge, Setting up the car and Additional Knowledge.

It covers everything from tyres, weather conditions, racing lines and physical and mental well-being. It is well illustrated with diagrams and photos supporting the text.

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The Technique of Motor Racing, by Piero Taruffo


Signor Taruffi, a Civil Engineer, was one of the great race drivers of the 1950's. His engineering background gave him the precision in writing, as well as in driving. Charming, hand-drawn diagrams in this book make the well-written text even easier to grasp. There are plenty of photographs that show famous tracks and great drivers of the past.

Drive to Win: Essential Guide to Race Driving
By Carroll
Smith

Race car engineer and best selling author Carroll Smith applies his knowledge to the art of race rules, techniques & procedure of race car evaluation.

Lotus

Some favourites, a more definitive list can be found here

Lotus Legends MagBook

Guide to some of the world's most attractive and powerful Lotus cars, complete with road tests

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Lotus Elise : The Complete Story, by John Tipler 


Motoring journalist and historian John Tipler details the story of the Lotus Elise, illustrated by photographs.

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Lotus - the Legend, by David Hodges 


Overview of the history of most of the cars. One or two of the figures are incorrect, but nothing major. Goes from the start of Lotus through to the Elise. 

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A Brooklands Road Test Limited Edition - Lotus Elise, by R.M. Clarke 

A "book" thats a collection of magazine articles. 
ISBN 1 85520 4290

Brooklands Books: 00 44 1932 865051

The Lotus Book - Series 3, by William Taylor 

*The* Lotus coffee table book

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The Lotus Book - Series 2, by William Taylor 

A comprehensive record of every type number and model ever produced by Lotus up to and including the 1997 GT1 racecar. 

Clive Chapman: "A worthy testament to the talents of Colin Chapman and all who played a part in the great Lotus adventure." Graham Arnold, Club Lotus: "This book towers head and shoulders over anything ever written about the Marque."

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Lotus Race Cars, 1961-1994 Photo Album 

Lotus & Lotus-prepared race cars presented in exciting photographs of racing action from British formula races, sports car events, rallies, hill climbs, & vintage events. Featuring the cars of such great names of racing as Jo Siffert, Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark, Jochen Rindt, Graham Hill, Emerson Fittipaldi, Mario Andretti, Ronnie Peterson, Nigel Mansell, & Aryton Senna. 

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Lotus, by Graham J. Arnold 

This history of Lotus draws largely on the author's 12 years of first-hand experience of working with Chapman. 

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Lotus Racing Cars: Club Racers to World Champions 1948-1968, by J.Tipler 

An illustrated history of Lotus race cars beginning with the Mk1 Trials Special and finishing with the gas turbine Lotus 56 Indy car. 

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Lotus Racing Cars - 1968 - 2000, by John Tipler 

Continues the history of Lotus cars started in the above book. 

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Lotus: The Sports, GT and Touring Cars, by Chris Harvey 

"A competition survey of the sports, GT and touring cars." Contents include in-depth coverage of the Lotus Mk 6, 9, 10, Eleven, 15, 17, 19, 23, 30 and 40, as well as competition versions of the Elite, Elan, Europa and Lotus Cortina

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Lotus 49 - The Story of a Legend, by Michael Oliver 

The definitive history of the Lotus 49. 

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It Was Fun! My fifty years of high performance, by Tony Rudd

Tony Rudd tells of his BRM years and the development of GP racing after World War II, and then reveals the inside story of Lotus from 1969 to 1991, including the DeLorean saga, the abortive venture into power boats, and the purchase of the company by General Motors. 

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Team Lotus: The Indianapolis Years, by Andrew Ferguson 

Written by the manager of Team Lotus at the time of Lotus entry into the Indianapolis 500.

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Colin Chapman: Lotus Engineering Theories, Designs & Applications, by Hugh Haskell 

Colin Chapmans talent for design stretched far beyond Formula 1, encompassing sports car racing, road cars, aircraft, powerboats - even furniture. The late Hugh Haskell, who worked as an engineer under Chapman, guides readers through the intricacies of engineering principles to make Chapman's restless innovations comprehendible. 

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Cosworth - The Search for Power, by Graham Robson 

Cosworth Racing was long associated with Lotus Racing. This book chronicles the association of Mike Costin and Keith Duckworth, including their work with Colin Chapman, and continues to cover the latest developments with Jaguar and Aston Martin.

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Lotus Heritage, by Ian Adcock 

A full-color pictorial history of Lotus road cars, from the Seven to the Esprit Sport 300. 

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Jim Clark, by Eric Dymock 

A look beyond Clark's motorsport career, offering fascinating new information on his personal life; farming background, Scottish heritage, and the man behind the clean-cut boyish image. Illustrated with specially commissioned color photographs, Ford archive material and pictures from the family's collection. 

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Black Sheep in the Fast Lane, by Ian Scott-Watson 

As the person who launched Jim on his motor racing career it does, inevitably, contain much about Jim as a friend and about the teams for which he drove - the Border Reivers and Team Lotus - and about experiences of earlier motor sport from the time that our paths first crossed, with a few comments about today's commercialised motor racing. 

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Westfield - The Story, by Paul Robinshaw & Jeremy Bouckley 

A pictorial review of Westfield Sportscars, from the Eleven and 23B Replica, through the Seven, SE, SEi and SEiGHT, ZEi and the latest superbike powered MegaBusa and MegaBlade. 

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Lotus and Caterham Seven Racers for the Road, by John Tipler 

A full history of both Lotus and Caterham Sevens, detailed descriptions of the cars' manufacture and assembly, accounts of racing history, and full specifications for each model. 

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Legend of the Lotus Seven, by Dennis Ortenburger 

"The complete history of Colin Chapman's exhilarating, irrepressible, do-it-yourself sports car." Originally printed in 1981, this book was the definitive book on the Lotus Seven, the kit-car that embodies the true "sportscar" concept. Contents include the history and design development, racing and specials versions as well as the Caterham 7, restoration information, a comprehensive comparison guide to Series 1 through 4, and more.

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Caterham Sevens - The Official Story of a Unique British Sportscar, by Chris Rees 

This is the inside story of the Caterham Seven, full specs and production information. 

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Lotus Esprit: The Complete Story, by Jeremy Walton 

The evolution of the Esprit from the first Giugiaro design through a long production up to the Esprit SE. It also provides practical advice on buying and running an Esprit.

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Lotus 25 & 33, by John Tipler 

Tipler's study of these notable cars feature a full technical description and design history, along with race reports and portraits of the individuals involved. Photographs show the detailed structure and layout of the cars, and the development of the original design. There are also photographs of the 25 and 33 in action 35 years ago, and in classic races today. 

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Lotus Elan: The Complete Story, by Mike Taylor 

This book traces the conception, development and production of the original Elan from its roots to the end of production in 1973. The new Elan, launched in 1989, is also examined, and the book contains tips on buying, maintenance and restoration.

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Lotus Elise, from Unique Motor Books

Included are road tests and reports on the Lotus Elise, Elise Sport,Elise 340R, Elise 111Sand the Elise Turbo. Also included is a history of Lotus Cars
ISBN: 1 84155 186 4

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Lotus Elan, by Duncan Wherrett

An account of the original Lotus Elan designed by Colin Chapman, who in his drive towards innovative technology created, in the Elan, the first successful "plastic" car. Since its launch in 1962, the car has been collected, raced, preserved and restored, and many still survive today. 

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Lotus: The Illustrated Motorcar Legends, by Roy Bacon

The history of Lotus from early days (1948) through all road models to 1995, complete with lots of pictures.

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Authentic Lotus Elan & Plus 2: 1962 - 1974, by P. Robinshaw & C. Ross

Published by Motor Racing Publications Limited
Essential data and guidance for owners, restorers and competitors

Colin Chapman: The Man and His Cars - The Authorized Biography, by Gerard Crombac

Written with the full co-operation of his widow and the Lotus company, and reissued to meet continuing public interest, this is the definitive biography of the brilliant engineer described by Enzo Ferrari as 'so talented because of his ability to produce ideas ahead of his time'..

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LOTUS: All The Cars, by Anthony Pritchard

Anthony Pritchard traces every Lotus from the original trials cars, model by model, number by number, from the Mark 1 to the 102 Lambo engined formula 1 car and the "modern Elan". Lots of colour and black and white pictures.

MG

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Project Phoenix: The Birth of the MGF, by Ian Adcock

Although mainly about the MGF, this book includes a brief history of MG cars.

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Haynes Modern Sports Cars - MGF, By David Knowles 

This all-colour book-the first in a new Haynes series on modern sports cars-will appeal to automotive fans as well as traditional MG enthusiasts. It covers the MG heritage through to the RV8, the evolution of the MGF, its launch in 1995, mainstream developments, competition performances, record-breaking with the EX253 and EX255, the EX254 "Super Sports" concept car, and the future for the MGF. Customizing and tuning are also covered, plus information on performance and road tests. 

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The MG Collection - The Post War Models, by Richard Monk

All the modern MGS from the TC Midget, through the TF, Y Types, Midgets, Magnettes, MGAs, Bs, 1100 / 1300s, Metro, Maestro, Montego (including the 6R4) right up to the RV8 and the 1.8 MPi and VVC MGFs. Specifications, history, full colour pics etc.

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The MG File: Model by Model, by Eric Dymock Motor Books

Each MG is featured in turn with a description, spec and good photo. It's bang up to date, the last entry being the ZT-T estate. Full coverage of the F.

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MG: The Untold Story, by David Knowles

This is really interesting and well written. Also includes a fair section on the development of the F.

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MGF Limited Edition, by R M Clarke 

Consists of reprinted reviews of MGF from various motoring magazines with (poor quality) black and white reproduction of  photographs. Includes road tests, preview pieces prior to the launch, an interview with Sir Alex Moulton, the Cheetah, Motobuild vs MGB V8, long term reports, buying second hand. Great for a browse and essential for the fan. 

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The Original MGA, by Anders Ditlev Clausager

You should always start with the workshop manual, as a practical guide to all the technical stuff. But this is the next book if you are starting from a pile of bits. It will show you what the final result should look like. It contains many good tips, and its attention to detail is terrific. This book and the workshop manual, and a good parts catalogue (with the exploded drawings) are all you will ever need.

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The A B & C, by Chris Harvey

The stories behind these cars are covered in great detail. Production and competition histories, and a great deal of practical information on owning and running are included.

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MGA: 1500, 1600, Twincam, by F.Wilson McComb

This is not primarily a technical treatise - it examines the cars development and the men responsible for it, from a viewpoint of someone who was employed at Abingdon. 

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MGA: 1500, Twin Cam, 1600, by F. Wilson McComb

New version

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MG V8:  21 Years On, by David Knowles

Describes the full story of the MGB GT V8 and the revival of the MG name with the MG RV8.  Expert advice on buying and maintaining a MG V8, and appendices with lots of specifications, details and special cars.

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Original MGB (including MGC and MGBGT V8), by Anders Ditlev Clausager

This excellent book reviews, in microscopic detail, all model and detail variations throughout the production history of the MGB, C and V8. It enabled me to focus on exactly what I wanted in, on and from my first purchase in terms of fittings, fixtures and engine details. I know that it will provide me with a constant reference throughout my involvement with this marque.

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MGB: The Complete Story, by Brian Laban

This book covers all derivatives of the MGB, with numerous illustrations, technical analyses, driving impressions and practical information on buying and owning a MGB.

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MGB Restoration Manual, by Lindsay Porter 

A comprehensive reference book for the D.I.Y. restorer, with step-by-step instructions. 

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MGB (MGC & MGBV8):  Improve and Modify, by  Lindsay Porter & Dave Pollard

A guideline on how to improve and modify your MGB, from  accessories to performance. More than 800 step by step illustrations accompany the text to make things really easy.

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MGB  Restoration, Preparation, Maintenance, by Jim Tyler

Advice on buying (road test and checklist), full technical specifications, step by step maintenance procedures, and instructions for complete stripdown and rebuild (including reshelling the car). 270 illustrations including full wiring diagrams.

Technical

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How to Build & Modify Sportscar & Kitcar Suspension & Brakes, by Des Hammill 

Author Des Hammill is an engineer with much practical experience of solving fast road car and racing car suspension problems. This book is a distillation of his accumulated knowledge, which he passes on to the reader in a jargon-free and understandable manner. 

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Engine Management, by Dave Walker 

This manual seeks to unravel the art of engine management in laypersons' terms. It covers: basic fuel and ignition system theory; the basics of carburettor operation, installation, tuning and calibration; ignition timing, fuel injection and engine-mapping theory; selecting, fitting and maintaining engine management system components, and how to deal with installation problems and electronic interference; optimising engine mapping parameters for maximum performance; and details of road and track testing. The manual comes with a free PC floppy disk containing demonstration engine management software. 

Games & Videos

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Lotus Story, The - Vol. 1 - 1948 - 1990s

A video history of the career of Colin Chapman and his Lotus car company

Click here for Amazon UK- Vol 1
Click here for Amazon UK- Vol 2
Click here for Amazon UK- Vol 3
Click here for Amazon UK - Vol 4
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Elise: The Inside Story

Video: An exclusive behind the scenes look at the development, testing and production of the Elise, from The Discovery Channel.

Last available from http://www.lotus-books.com/html/elise.html and described as "Elise On Video".

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Lotus Challenge

Sony Playstation 2 Game.

Officially licensed by Lotus, this game covers many years of Lotus' history, allowing the player to take the wheel of cars ranging from the 40s and 50s right up to the late 90s.

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Gran Turismo 3: A Spec 

Sony Playstation 2 Game.

The Gran Turismo name needs no explanation, this version includes a selection of 150 cars from 40 different international manufacturers. Once your selection is made, it's time to test your tyres on a range of tracks including the much feted Monte Carlo City track, as well as tracks in Japan.  

More suggestions for your holiday reading:

The Pits: The Real World of Formula One by Beverley Turner

Shunt: The Life of James Hunt by Tom Rubython

The Unfair Advantage by Mark Donohue

All Arms and Elbows by Innes Ireland

Max Mosley 'Formula One and Beyond: The Autobiography'

Life at the Limit - Graham Hill

Jim Clark the Legend Lives on by Gauld

March: The Rise and Fall of a Motor Racing Legend (originally published in 1989 under the title "Four Guys and a Telephone: The Story of March")

The Mechanic's Tale by Steve Matchett

Life in the Fast Lane: The Inside Story of Benetton's First World Championship by Steve Matchett 

The Chariot Makers: Assembling the Perfect Formula 1 Car by Steve Matchett 

Grand Prix by Richard Melville

Life at the Limit: Triumph and Tragedy in Formula One by Sid Watkins 

Beyond the Limit  by Sid Watkins 

The Death of Ayrton Senna by Richard Williams 

Winning Is Not Enough by Jackie Stewart 

The Limit: Life and Death on the 1961 Grand Prix Circuit by Michael Cannell 

Senna Versus Prost: The Story of the Most Deadly Rivalry in Formula One by Malcolm Folley 

It Is What It Is: The Autobiography by David Coulthard 

Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans by A.J. Baime 

Unless I'm Very Much Mistaken by Murray Walker 

What If I Had Never Tried It: The Autobiography by Valentino Rossi 

I Just Made The Tea: A lifetime in the Formula 1 pitlane by Di Spires 

My Sweetest Victory: A Memoir of Racing Success, Adversity, and Courage by Alex Zanardi 

Lewis Hamilton: My Story by Lewis Hamilton 

Enzo Ferrari: A Life by Richard Williams

Chequered Conflict: The Inside Story on Two Explosive F1 World Championships by Maurice Hamilton 

Flat Out Flat Broke: Formula 1 the Hard Way! by Perry McCarthy

No Angel: The Secret Life of Bernie Ecclestone by Tom Bower 

Staying on Track: The Autobiography by Nigel Mansell 

Aussie Grit: My Formula One Journey by Mark Webber 

The Piranha Club: Power and Influence in Formula One by Timothy Collings 

Rush to Glory: Formula 1 Racing's Greatest Rivalry by Tom Rubython 

The Life Of Senna by Tom Rubython 

Michael Schumacher: The Whole Story by Christopher Hilton 

The Inside Track The Inside Track by Jake Humphrey 

James Hunt: The Biography by Gerald Donaldson 

Tony Brooks: Poetry in Motion: Autobiography of a supreme Grand Prix driver by Tony Brooks 

Crashed And Byrned: The Greatest Racing Driver You Never Saw by Tommy Byrne 

Overdrive: Formula 1 In The Zone by Clyde Brolin 

The Man in the White Suit: The Stig, Le Mans, the Fast Lane and Me by Ben Collins 

An Independent Man: The Autobiography by Eddie Jordan 

Ayrton Senna: The Whole Story by Christopher Hilton 

Black Noon: The Year They Stopped the Indy 500 by Art Garner 

Murray Walker's 1996 Grand Prix Year by Murray Walker 

Alex Zanardi: my story by Alex Zanardi, Gianluca Gasparini

My Chequered Career Steve Rider: Thirty-Five Years of Televising Motorsport by Steve Rider 

Piers Courage: Last of the Gentlemen Racers by Adam Cooper 

The Science of Safety: The Battle Against Unacceptable Risks in Motor Racing by David Tremayne 

Working the Wheel by Martin Brundle 

Bernie Ecclestone: King of Sport by Terry Lovell 

Tales from the Toolbox: A Collection of Behind-the-Scenes Tales from Grand Prix Mechanics by Michael Oliver 

Gilles Villeneuve: The Life of the Legendary Racing Driver by Gerald Donaldson 

The Power Brokers: The Inside Track on the Controllers of Formula 1 by Alan Henry 

Motor Sport Greats: In conversation by Simon Taylor

SuperEgo by Julia Wurz

Ring of Fire by Rick Broadbent 

Michael Schumacher by James Allen 


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