The VW Camper Van: A Biography

Mike Harding and Aurum Press have teamed up to tell the story of the Volkswagen Camper Van, and what a story it is! The author's love for the quirky vehicle reaches back to 1961--more than 50 years. The Type 2 (the Beetle was Type 1) bowed to the public in 1950. It wasn't long before the camper variant appeared. It became popular with young people who saw that it represented the anti-establishment counter-culture they embraced in the 1960s.  Harding's accounting of the van makes for a hilarious and unusual platform for social commentary as seen through the eyes of his VW van, named Molly. The tale is most fitting as Volkswagen recently ended production of the icon in Brazil. 

In Canada $27.99 plus HST shipping and handling, order from 416.744.7675 in Toronto or toll free at 800.665.2665

In the USA $24.95 plus Shipping and Handling, order from 800.458.0454

Top Gear USA: The Complete Season 3

 BBC Home Entertainment has released the third season of Top Gear USA on DVD. The wild and wacky stars, Adam Ferrara, Tanner Foust and Rutledge Wood thrill their way through every episode with daring-do and devil-may-care stunts. If it's got four wheels, it's fair game for the boys and their celebrity guests to ride. This is a must for die-hard fans who get 704 minutes of high-octane entertainment that includes extra scenes, outtakes, audio commentary and  interviews.

In Canada $30.90 plus shipping and HST order from DRB Transport Books 416.744.7675 or toll free at 800.665.2665
In the USA $24.98 plus shipping and handling order from http://www.topgear.com/us-show

Book Review: History's Greatest Automotive Mysteries, Myths and Rumours Revealed

In Canada, $29-- order from 800.665.2665

Written by Preston Lerner and Matt Stone and published by Motorbooks, this book rates Number One for everything that's wild, wacky, wonderful, wonky and just plain weird in the world of the automobile. Guaranteed to make you laugh out loud, here are 256 pages of breakneck speed, non-stop nuttiness--a kind of Trivial Pursuit for the car-crazed among us. The book contains 68 colour and 80 black & white  unbelievable photos. Every tale is true and every story more astonishing than the last. Be stunned by the tale of a transvestite scam artist who promoted the Dale automobile. Did you know that American Motors had a Hornet that could fly? Oh, wait! Look out, air traffic controllers! Ford had a flying Pinto! Gangsters, actors, criminals, and race car drivers have all put their personal touches on their beloved vehicles and added to the wealth of folklore gathered together in this wild romp through automotive history. Highly recommended as the ultimate washroom reader, it makes a terrific companion for long trips on VIA Rail, too.

Copyright James C. Mays 2013
All rights reserved.

Book Review: Rockin' Garages

In Canada, $39-- order from 800.665.2665

 Rockin' Garages is a terrific romp through the highly eclectic auto collections belonging to 20 of the world's greatest rock and pop stars. Authors Tom Cotter and Ken Gross showcase the stars' stories and shine the spotlight on their collectable cars with the help of photographer Michael Alan Ross.  The 192-page hardbound book is published by Motorbooks. This a real treat, packed with 217 colour images and three in black and white. This book brings new meaning to rock-n-roll, definitely not to be missed!

Copyright James C. Mays 2013 All rights reserved.