BMW CARS 1945 to 2013: A Pictorial History, for your Beemer buff giftee

BMW CARS 1945 to 2013: A Pictorial History
TREVOR ALDER
Veloce (non-affiliate Bookshop.org link)
$26.99 paperback, $11.99 ebook, available now

Rating: 4.5* of five

The Publisher Says: Profusely illustrated throughout, a worthy addition to the Veloce Pictorial History series. Each BMW model (1945-2013) has been painstakingly researched detailing body derivatives, production changes, technical information and hundreds of period photos and diagrams, plus how the ever-changing advertising was used to promote each model. A comprehensive pictorial history of BMW cars covering the post-war models right through to 2013 when electric and hybrid models started to make an appearance.

The detailed text covers all model ranges, and includes full specs, colour variations and styling details. Illustrations include period photographs, advertising brochures, and original drawings. Complementing the historical content are technical specifications, ongoing production changes, and build figures, making this the ideal reference work for model identification and authenticity. Appendices cover model designations, motorsport achievements and TV/movie appearances.

This title is a bookshelf-must for anyone interested in BMW motoring heritage.

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My Review: BMW is one of those cars that has cachet...nowadays...my dad brought home two of them in 1961, and my mother laughed so hard at them he was forced to get rid of them.

My how things change...forty-plus housewife-equivalents today would not laugh themselves silly at a pair of BMW sedans.

The cars we now call BMWs have been so carefully image-managed it would be a feat if they were not lusted after. James Bond, style icon, drove one. They've gone into brand-manager nirvana...no one who has a dud car with their label dares speak about it because they won't be believed.

Is a BMW loyalist among those you need to give a gift to in 2025? You're in luck: these books from Veloce, an imprint of David & Charles, are very reasonable paperback originals, and even cheaper as ebooks. I've viewed them on a modestly-priced tablet, and their design and image presentation survived very well indeed.

The images throughout cover all the ages and types of BMWs. The samples provided for promotion were more limited in scope:

The author chose to end the survey with the year that BMW brought out electric and hybrid options for its vehicles. These are somewhat cursorily tacked on at the end:

A modest ding to my rating, though it likely won't matter to most serious aficionados. A modestly-priced book that will greatly please its recipient.

SAAB CARS 1949 to 2011: A Pictorial History, history of a make that was failed

SAAB CARS 1949 to 2011: A Pictorial History
JULIAN PARISH
publisher (non-affiliate Bookshop.org link)
$26.99 paperback, $11.99 ebook, available now

Rating: 4.5* of five

The Publisher Says: This handy full-colour guide covers the complete history of Saab’s cars. Chapters cover each of Saab’s models, including the 93 and 96 saloons that enjoyed much success in rallying, the 95 station wagon and the striking Sonett sports cars. The SaabO caravan and the Formula Junior racing car built during this period are also presented.

More than a dozen years after the last cars rolled off the production lines in Trollhättan, Saab still commands a keen following among car enthusiasts around the world. During the 60 years of its existence, Saab became renowned for the aerodynamic design, technical innovation and sturdy construction of its cars, which famously appealed to individualists and creative thinkers.

This handy full-colour guide covers the complete history of Saab’s cars. The story begins with the ‘Ursaab’ prototype and the original 92, which went into production in 1949 as the company branched out from aircraft manufacture after the war; it continues through to the final second-generation 9-5 models in 2011, launched when the company was struggling to stay afloat.

Individual chapters are devoted to each of Saab’s models, including the 93 and 96 saloons, which enjoyed much success in rallying, the 95 station wagon and the striking Sonett sports cars. The Saab caravan and the Formula Junior racing car that Saab built during this period are also presented.

These early models were followed by the larger 99 and the much-loved and highly successful 900 range. The book features detailed specifications for each version of these two models, including the first turbocharged variants, with which Saab has become synonymous. In 1985, the 9000 took the marque further upmarket and into partnership with Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo.

The guide continues into the 1990s and 2000s, when General Motors progressively took control of Saab’s automotive division. Its bestsellers during this period were its 9-3 and 9-5 ranges, based on GM platforms. Less well-known, especially in Europe, are its 9-4X and 9-7X all-wheel-drive models, not forgetting the 9-2X, a badge-engineered version of the Subaru Impreza. All these models are also presented.

Each chapter provides an introduction to the development and evolution of each model, as well as comprehensive technical information. Production numbers and dates are given, as well as details of limited editions. The book is extensively illustrated in full colour, with many archive photographs from Saab Automobile and the Saab Car Museum showing the cars’ interior and exterior design.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: The sad demise of SAAB in the financial collapse of 2008 came because of capitalist greed. How shocking, right?

contents

This aspect of SAAB's history is not, as you'd expect, foregrounded in this history of the company and its products. The quirky Swedish ugly duckling was always a niche player outside its homeland; when GM came calling after a less-than-stellar attempt at Europeanization with the 9000 model, it must've seemed like a forward path.

All roads end only after they go forward.

The SAAB fanciers in the US are pretty passionate about these very clearly different, obviously not mainstream, automobiles; they are fond of them for these reasons. Rolling examples of the owner's counterculture credentials. I mean, look at them in comparison to US cars!

the early 95/96 days

There were attempts to be more, shall we say, style-forward. The sporty little Sonett III was a badge of cool in the 1970s, the kind of cool that thought for itself not bought what it was told was cool:

But of course no car company makes its money on sporty cars. Those're "halo cars" that cast a stylish and sexy light on the cars people really need and thus usually buy. In SAAB's case, that was the 99 sedan in the 1970s, and its evolution the 900 sedan in the 1980s:

I'm still a bit sad that SAAB was treated the way it was by GM. The marketplace wasn't ever eager to buy their quirky products in bulk, of course; but it is always sad to see a viable niche go unfilled.

LOTUS CARS 1952 to 2024: A Pictorial History, great gift for the fan

LOTUS CARS 1952 to 2024: A Pictorial History
MATTHEW VALE
Veloce (non-affiliate Bookshop.org link)
$24.99 paperback, $16.99 ebook, available now

Rating: 4.5* of five

The Publisher Says: A visual celebration of Lotus’ iconic road cars — from the first Lotus VI to the Evora supercar Lotus has produced road cars since 1952, and this book covers them all, right up to the Evora supercar.

This compact and richly illustrated book is part of the popular A Pictorial History series and charts the full journey of Lotus road cars from 1952 through to 2024. Enthusiasts, collectors, and motorsport fans will discover a chronicle of innovation, style, and pure driving excitement that only Lotus can deliver.

From the lightweight brilliance of the Lotus Seven to the exotic Esprit and modern Evora, each model is examined with rare and previously unpublished photographs, capturing the elegance and engineering genius of the marque. Author Matthew Vale — a recognised expert on Lotus — brings his extensive knowledge and passion to his sixth Lotus title, offering clear insight into the brand’s heritage and technical evolution.

The book also explores how Lotus’ racing pedigree shaped its road cars, resulting in vehicles that deliver exceptional handling and performance.

Whether you're a seasoned Lotus devotee or new to the marque, this compact visual history is a must-have addition to your automotive library.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: A very reasonably priced overview of the design history of Lotus' road cars, illustrated by well-selected photos—and lots of 'em—to give the make's many excited fans a lot to kvell over, dream on, lust after...all the usual car guy behaviors. It come is two price points, each quite affordable for the genre and the audience to meet. I saw the photos supplied on a tablet. They're very well-designed to fit onto those dimensions.

The photos provided for publicity are all focused on the beginning of the make through the 1970s. Never fear, the modern era is represented as richly.

I feel confident that five images has given you a feel for how design and information interact. The lotus fan isn't going to be disappointed by this lovely, thoughtful gift, whichever edition you choose to give them.

FORMULA 1 ALL THE RACES: The 100 Greatest Races, details for a younger, or newer, F1 fan

FORMULA 1 ALL THE RACES: The 100 Greatest Races
ROGER SMITH & KEVIN TURNER
Veloce (non-affiliate Bookshop.org link)
$26.99 harcover, $11.99 ebook, available now

Rating: 4.5* of five

The Publisher Says: Formula 1’s 75th anniversary on May 13, 2025, marks a landmark in motorsport history—a celebration of speed, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. From the inaugural race at Silverstone in 1950 to today, F1 has hosted 1,131 Grand Prix events, crowned 34 World Champions, and delivered countless unforgettable moments.

The 100 Greatest Races captures the essence of F1’s unparalleled legacy. This exhilarating collection dives into the most iconic battles, from edge-of-your-seat photo finishes and masterful drives in the rain to heroic comebacks and shocking upsets. Each race is a tribute to the courage, precision, and brilliance that define the sport.

Penned by leading F1 experts Roger Smith and Kevin Turner, with a foreword by former F1 driver and expert pundit Karun Chandhok, this unofficial chronicle curated by experts presents the ultimate top 100 races. Using a meticulous rating system, the authors sift through over 1,000 Grand Prix events, organizing them into ten captivating themes. Each chapter crowns its top three races before culminating in the definitive ranking of Formula 1’s all-time greatest.

Enriched with breathtaking photography and compelling narratives, The 100 Greatest Races takes fans on a thrilling journey through the highs, lows, and timeless magic of F1. Relive the glory, feel the passion, and celebrate the races that have shaped the sport into the global phenomenon it is today.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: A younger racing fan, say twelve or above, will like reading the bits and snippets of lore, history, and facts about the fifty-year rise of F1 racing. Books like this, fast trips through an internationally storied sport from rise to present,are always design heavy. The information is presented by experts and aimed at non-experts who want to feel in the know. For that reason, the ebook (much cheaper) is perfectly designed to be the same on a tablet as on a tree-book page.

I think that shows you what the organization and style are like. I'll assume that you, like me, don't know or much care about the facts herein. We're not the audience. I will say that the experts who did write the facts do seem, on cursory checking, to be legit and well-thought-of.

It's a book that will delight a specific giftee, newish to the fandom for F1 and eager to catch up on the lore. It was visually exciting enough to appeal to a screen generation member's aesthetic.

CORVETTE 70 YEARS: The One and Only, apt title indeed

CORVETTE 70 YEARS: The One and Only
RICHARD PRICE
Motorbooks International (non-affiliate Bookshop.org link)
$60.00 hardcover, available now

Rating: 5* of five

The Publisher Says: The richly illustrated Corvette 70 Years is a complete history of America’s only sports car, detailing engineering, design, and key players.

There’s something for every enthusiast in Corvette 70 Years, from the classic early-generation models, to the legendary race cars, to the latest stunning mid-engine C8. Climb in and fasten your seat belt.

Chevrolet’s Corvette is one of the most influential and iconic American automobiles in history, holding the mantle of America’s sports car across seven decades. In Corvette 70 Years: The One and Only, author Richard Prince offers a richly illustrated and detailed book that captures the full story of one of these legendary automobiles. Beautiful, contemporary photos and rare historical images accompany in-depth analyses of milestone cars and events. Notably, the story is told through the lens of the three dozen most influential Corvettes representing all eight generations, including the:

The 1953 car that started it all

New performance heights in 1957 with fuel-injected V8

Early design and engineering specials , including the 1957 SS, CERV I, Mako Shark II

Landmark 1963 split-window coupe

The first of the revolutionary styled C3s

All-new 1984 C4 and powerful Callaway twin-turbos and ZR1s

World-class 1997 C5

Ultra-high-performance C5, C6, and C7 Z06 and ZR1

Revolutionary mid-engine C8 Corvette introduced in 2020

Corvette racecars

Created with the cooperation of General Motors, the book brings to light the engineering and design stories behind one of GM's most famous cars, as well as its key players. Comprising a unique perspective on a motoring legend, Corvette 70 Years truly is the one and only.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: The C6 buyers' guide is specific and it's practical. This piece of drool-inducing art photography and luxe design is the opposite: it's a browser's book, meant to elicit sighs of pleasure, tinged with twinges of envy for the designers and owners of these extraordinary machines.

The US has no other car like the Corvette in any of its particulars. There are, in these machines, the astonishing heights of technology, design, and performace achieved by Koenigsegg of Sweden, Bugatti, Maserati, Ferrari...but those are extraordinary dream machines that the very very few can afford to buy and maintain as toys. The Corvette is a practical automobile, usable on regular roads, and while expensive, is not utterky stratospherically out of mortal reach.

It's the reason Chevrolet keeps building them in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

all the places we'll go in the 'Vette

The images provided for publicity give the impression that the photos are mosty of the great icon of the development into the modern car, the 1963-1967 era of design gratness; this is not accurate, the entire development process gets its turns. But good heavens, it is not hard to see why they made this choice:

the way a car becomes an icon of design, performance, and style

Your 'Vette fancier will batten on the beauty of this photo essay on his object of obsession. But remember that it's about the entire car line's history!

He won't be disappointed if he likes other eras more, or to the exclusion of, the '63-'67 era.

If you're not sure which one's his favorite, you needn't worry. They're all here, and it all looks gorgeous.

CHEVROLET CORVETTE C6 2005-2013: Essential Buyers Guide, practical gift about an impractical car

CHEVROLET CORVETTE C6 2005-2013: Essential Buyers Guide
DAVID SMITHERAM
Veloce (non-affiliate Bookshop.org link)
$25.00 paperback, $11.99 ebook, available now

Rating: 4* of five

The Publisher Says: This essential guide distils first-hand experience and knowledge of the Chevrolet Corvette C6 from specialists and owners, to provide invaluable expert advice that will help you on your quest to buy one of the world’s most versatile, two-seater sports cars.

The Chevrolet Corvette C6 features stunning looks, effortless V8 performance and soundtrack, sharp handling, rugged reliability, with surprising practicality. If you’re looking to buy one of these classic cars, this handy little book will steer you in the right direction.

There were more than 200,000 C6 cars produced in their nine-year production run; which one will best suit you and your budget? Are there any model years to avoid, and how do you know what to look for? If you follow the advice in this essential buyer’s guide and find the right example, the sixth generation Corvette can be surprisingly cost-effective to buy, run and maintain.

Colour photos throughout this guide help to show you common problem areas; save yourself days of trawling the internet and social media, this pocket-sized, printed book distils first-hand experience and knowledge from specialists and owners.

Marque expert David Smitheram covers every model, from the most attainable 2005 LS2 coupes and convertibles, to the wide-bodied Grand Sport and Z06, through to the late-model ZR1 supercar and a multitude of special editions.

The author maintains and modifies his own C6, nicknamed ‘Clive The Corvette’. Steadily approaching 250,000 miles, his 2007 C6 Coupe sees almost daily use, has won track championships and enjoyed long-distance road trips across the USA, Europe and Africa.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: There comes a time in every boy's life that he wants the toy he couldn't have when he was young and could've really enjoyed it. But by gum he can afford it now, so he's gonna get it!

Sigh heavily, and mitigate the frustrations to come by getting him this reading material (note the disparity of costs between editions and choose accordingly). Forewarned is forearmed. You might want to take a gander at it yourself, to prepare for the complaints. Surprisingly few, to be honest, the author's got one of these cars and tells it plainly: they're well-made and relatively easy to maintain for a toy speed-racer two-seater.

The images aren't pulse-pounding but this is a practical book informing the reader about the car, not a lush production about the aestetics. Look:

everything starts with the contents

Just for gods' sakes don't let him buy this one!

You'll nevr sleep again! (Assuming you like him, that is.)

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY: The Story of the First Generation Models, 1989-1998, niche gift, precious to the right giftee

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY: The Story of the First Generation Models, 1989-1998
JAMES TAYLOR
Veloce (non-affiliate Bookshop.org link)
$60.00 hardcover; $18.99 ebook

Rating: 5* of five

The Publisher Says: Tells the story of the original Discovery in detail, with a wealth of imagery to show the multiple models and variations. Discovering the Discovery: The Story Behind Land Rover’s Game-Changer

Since its debut in 1989, the first generation Land Rover Discovery has become a beloved icon with a devoted global following. While many books offer buying advice, none have fully explored the why behind the Discovery—its creation, development journey, and the role it played in shaping Land Rover’s future.

The Discovery was more than just a new model—it was a turning point. In the early 1980s, Land Rover faced declining sales and rising competition from affordable, family-friendly 4x4s built by Japanese manufacturers. These vehicles borrowed the Range Rover’s concept but delivered it at a much lower price. Land Rover knew it needed a response—and fast.

The result was the Discovery: a bold, mid-market SUV developed under tight deadlines and with new internal processes. Launched in 1989, it hit the market with immediate success, becoming a European best-seller and revitalizing Land Rover’s position in the global automotive industry. It soon became a core part of the brand’s identity and laid the groundwork for today’s fifth-generation models.

More than just a commercial success, the Discovery reshaped the Land Rover brand. Once known solely for rugged, utility-focused vehicles, Land Rover began to evolve into a premium manufacturer of passenger-oriented 4x4s. The Discovery, alongside the Range Rover, shifted public perception and helped cement the Land Rover name in markets around the world.

This book tells the full story of the original Discovery—from its design and development to its production, sales, and global impact. It also highlights its diverse roles, from a staple of police and emergency fleets to a reliable workhorse van, and its key contribution to Land Rover’s American breakthrough.

Richly illustrated with rare and compelling images, this book is an essential read for enthusiasts, historians, and anyone fascinated by the vehicle that helped redefine an iconic brand.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: There's always a guy somewhere who knows everything there is to know about one thing. Doesn't really matter what the thing is, he's learned the details, he's very interested in the way the subject of his obsession came to be...the true enthusiast in other words. (I already know the word you're thinking, don't say it.)

this guy is jealous of the copyeditor who worked on this chart

It's often a car, make or model...sometimes both...that gets him interested. You will know. It's never mysterious. If lots of objects...clothing, drinking vessels, little tchotchkes on shelves...have the Land Rover logo on them, this is the gift to give regardless of occasion. Yuletide gifting is the biggie, of course, but any rift could be mended with one of these.

we start at the beginning

It's the nature of books to be image-friendly. Printing has been as much or more about images and art than text since 1454. I realize the pictures of Land Rover Discovery models going through their paces don't rev your tachometer to redline, but they will his.

never heard of the Camel Trophy? you will

I'm also surprised to tell you the ebook version, on a decent tablet, looks quite good, and costs a third as much as the very luxe hardcover.

I suspect hints might've been dropped already if you're gifting a superfan. You won't go wrong with this choice.