Book reviews, February 1986, February 1986
“Lancia Stratos — 1972-1985” compiled by R. M. Clarke 100 pp, 8 in x 11 in (Brooklands Books. Holmense, Seven Hi. Road, Chobham, Surrey. L5.95)
Stratos lovers we bound to be pleased with this paperback which follows the Brooklands pattern of compiling all published roadtests and reports in one volume. Inevitably those photographs which were originally in colour suffer somewhat in black and white, but generally the reproduction is clear. Excluded are those articles which touched only the extraordinary Bertone creation of 1970 which was the first Stratos, it is the completely redesigned 1972 Stratos HF rallycar which stars. The earliest reports were written when Lancia’s own twincarn engine was still being conwdered for the car, but of course it was the Ferrari Dino V6 which finally powered the stubby and striking little coupe to its many rally successes, and the enthusiasm it generated in print is all here in this compilation, which includes four articles frorn MOTOR SPORT. GC
In the wake of its seendid studies of “British Bus Systems”. The Transport Publishing Co Ltd of 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, has devoted No 8 in the series to the Dodds AA Motor Services by Bill McGregor, covering in the expected detail and remarkable pictorial recording the story of this Troon transport concern. So here is a New Year treat for transport followers, priced at a modest £7, or £8.95 in caseboard form. It is nice that this 96-page 11 1/2 in x 8 in publication marks the 75th Anniversary of the Dodds business. — W.B.
Another popular series with a standard format is ”Super Profiles” from Haynes of Yeovil, the recent titles in which are “Austin Healey 100″ by John Wheatley, ”Dalsun Z” by James Morris, and ….Ginetta G15 by John Rose. These informative books require no detailed description; they cost £5 95 per volume
W.B.
Brooklands Books have brought out two BMW road-test report soft-cover books, all of them devoted to Car & Driver material, the first for the years 1957-77, the second for the period 1977-85 It is unusual for this publisher not to diversify. The price of each book is £5.95. or £6.50 post free from Bookstop, Holmerise. Seven Hills Road (close to Brooklands Track. which is presumably the reason for the company’s name). Cobham, Surrey — WB
p>Jan P Norbye has written the 176-page, soft-cover book ”VW Treasures By Karmann”, which is very full coverage of the special-bodied Beetles and VW Sciroccos, those Karmann-Ghias I used to covet years ago, and the various convertibles. etc. It is obtainable from Connoisseur Carbooks for £11.95, or for £13.75 post-free. —WB
Shire Publications of Princes Risborough is branching out on the motoring field, with its very inexpensive but nicely illustrated and written little books. To those on Veteran Motor-Cars and Vintage Motor-Cars can be added “The London Taxi” by Nick Georgano. “Classic Motor-Cars” by Jonathan Wood, “The MG” by F Wilson McComb. and “Steam Cars” by Richard J. Evans, each of which costs only £1.25, the reference numbers in the Shire Album being 150 to 153, respectively. A standard layout is observed and lists of other reading matter, places to visit etc. appropriate to the subjects. are included although we see that in his taxi coverage Georgano has omitted the very first book, ”Taxi”, by the then Editor of Punch, perhaps because this book has long been out of print. — WB.
Pryor Publications of 75 Dargate Road. Yorkletts, Whitstable. Kent CTS 3AE have come up with a book called ”Great Uncle Fred’s War — An Illustrated Diary, 1917-1920″, which will be of interest to those who like First World War history. It has pictures of many aspects of that war, including American Holt tractors in action, an RFC Crossley tender. RAF-type Leyland truck and aeroplanes like the Bristol Fighter. Albatross Scout. Newport 17. BE2c and SE5a and it costs £7 95. or £9.15 post-free —WB
Photographic fans will be glad to hear that knife of Shrewsbury have now published the second volume of aviation photographs of Charles E. Brown, edited by Anthony Howard. “Camera Above The Clouds — 2” sells for £14.95. WB