2 comments about Shelby GT40: The Shelby American Original Color Archives.

1. I became a fan of the Ford GT's on a sunday morning in June of 1966. I was 13 years old. Up early before my parents I turn on the T.V. to try to find some cartoons and lo and behold there in living color is the 24 hours of Le Mans. I did'nt really know much about it though the name Le Mans did mean something to me. I was enthralled. As the Ford Mk.II's finished 1,2,3, I became a Ford fan forever. This book recaptures those days and Ford's epic assault on Le Mans in pictures and captions. From the beginning of the program to the all-american victory in 1967 by Dan Gurney and A. J. Foyt in the Mk.IV. My only complaint is that the book ends abruptly with that victory. Boom. But like the jacket says, "to take a look inside is to take a trip back in time." And what a time it was.



2. This book makes a great addition to anyone's GT40 collection. Friedman's pictures document not just the races, but a fair amount of the preparation necessary to get the cars in shape for competition.

   As a pervious review mentioned, the coverage stops right after Ford's 1967 Le Mans win, thereby totally ignoring the JWA/Gulf era, but in all fairness, Shelby wasn't involved in those years. This is a book about the *Shelby* GT40 afterall.

   I especially enjoyed some of the coverage of the GT40's competitors: Ferrari, Chapperal, and Porsche. This made the book just a little richer.

5 comments about Camaro Performance Handbook (Performance modifications for 1982-1992 Camaros).

1. Found out that the author was a former editor of All Chevy and Super Chevy magazines, not just a Camaro enthusiast. The information is VERY detailed, including camshaft recomendations that are NOT generic. The chapter on PROM chips and performance tuning is very helpful in properly tuning TPI equipped F-body Camaros. The car on the cover is well known in the serious '82-92 Camaro community. I also enjoyed the chapter on stereo upgrades. This type of information can only come from someone who has actually done the work.



2. The book has very basic information, just giving explainations of how the car's systems work. It does a good job of explaining the differences between stock and aftermarket parts. But, if you are looking for serious modifications and step-by-step procedures you will be disappointed.



3. I found David Shelby's Camaro book to be an excellent tool for upgrading and modifying my 1990 Camaro Z-28. The articles are extremely detailed and although some may be out of my price range, it has given me additional ideas on how to upgrade my car. I also have the book by Jason Scott and it is good too, but Shelby's book is obviously written from hands-on experience.



4. It's great for beginners! The book goes over just about every changing aspect of the Camaro from 82-92. I learned a lot about my car while reading this book. The book mentions a lot of manufactures for parts, tho you may want to do your own research. There are a lot of good suggestions to start modifying you car.



5. Great book for 3rd gen FBody beginners.Camaro Performance Handbook (Performance modifications for 1982-1992 Camaros)

5 comments about Shelby Mustang (Muscle Car Color History).

1. Pictoral history and year by year overview of Shelby Mustang.
   Lack of specific information conerning engines.
   Hits the well known points that have been told before.
   Breaks no new ground.
   Excellent photos.



2. If you're into Shelby mustangs then this book will interest you.A historical look through the years with good photographs do this book justice.Not a comprehensive book on these Mustangs.Owner's/would be owner's and enthusiasts will enjoy this book.Good value.Worth adding it to your collection.



3. The book does a very good job of accurately describing the early history of the Shelby Mustang!!!



4. The book is probably the best I've seen so far that concentrates solely on the Shelby Mustangs from the 60's. Book discusses specific changes to each car from year to year. Good pictures, provides great detail.



5. After reviewing my library on Shelby Mustangs, where I rated newer publications rather badly (see "Racer for the Street"), I believe I have to issue a late compliment to Tom Corcoran, as I may state with considerable confidence that this is (as of today) still the best book I have on the subject- that is: for short and concise history of the making of the Shelby Mustangs, the details and overall specs for each model year, listing chronologically the years 1965 to 69/70. Compared to newer publications, the pictures are still outstanding, being crystal clear, showing in crisp detail every important feature (engine bays, cockpits) besides featuring quite a good coverage of the most important of all Shelby Mustangs, the GT-350R-model.
   This is still after all the years my reference volume for Shelby Mustang recognition, even though it is not exhaustive on the subject.
   This book is unbeateable for quality in general, and price/quality relation in particular!
   -This book is my preferred travel companion on most of my vacation and business trips!
   Highly recommended to anyone interested in Shelby Mustang !

3 comments about Shelby Cobra: The Shelby American Original Color Archives 1963-1965.

1. If you are restoring a Cobra or building a replica, this is the best source of photographs you will find. Or if you are nostalgic for late 60's roadracing, you will find this an excellent book.



2. Dave Friedman doesn't write highly technical books. What he does provide is outstanding pictorial detail of his subjects. Mr. Friedman was the official photographer for Shelby American during the Cobra years, and as such he had unprecedented access to the inner workings of Shelby. His photographs are expertly done and show the cars from all perspectives and angles. Photos include construction shots and detail close-ups of virtually every part of the 260, 289, 427, and 428 Cobras. He also provides a narrative history of the drivers and players who made Cobra a legendary name even in its own time.
   
   I recommend this book highly for all of those who are interested in the Shelby Cobra and its derivitives, including the Dragonsnake and the Daytona. Many photos are in color and provide an unmatched record of these cars as they were at the time of their historical greatness. Model builders will find this book supremely attractive.
   
   Bob



3. I am planning to build a replica Cobra and wanted a book that showed lots of pictures of the original. This book delivers in spades. As a complete plus the commentary by the author is great, lots of little inside details that I never knew.
   Instead of just looking at the pictures like I planned, I find myself reading the text and enjoying the heck out of it.

5 comments about Shelby Mustang: Racer for the Street.

1. This book really captures the spirit of Carroll Shelby, his business, and his cars. The photos of everything from the early British racers to the new Shelby Mustangs are really shot beautifully...from interesting angles and perspectives, great lighting, great color.
   The text is superb. If you've read Leffingwell's Mustang: Forty Years and Corvette: Fifty Years gift books, you know he has a knack for pinning down quotes from the people involved in a car's development, and everything from corporate memos and meeting minutes shed light on each vehicle's development and the obstacles overcome.
   Carroll Shelby is one of the real characters of postwar American engineering. And the Shelby Mustangs are simply classic.
   
   Really, pick up this book if you're a Mustang lover. I guarantee there's something new to discover.



2. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's truly a book for Shelby loving folk. I have shown it to friends and family and they can't put it down. They seem mesmerized by the photographs.
   I like that it follows Carroll Shelby and his car building from the beginning, up to the soon to be released 2007 GT500. The many quotes from those involved, coupled with the great story telling, has given me a good sense of how these cars came about.
   The gorgeous photography does a great job of covering these cars in phenomenal detail. I enjoy seeing the one-of-a-kind cars and classics in loving detail with great settings, lighting and color. It's a feast for the eyes.



3. This is a book for true Shelby Mustang fanatics.
   It is extremely comprehensive in its' timeline from conception of the first Shelby, to the latest additions to the Mustang family.
   Once again, Mr. Leffingwell has captured the essence of automotive history.



4. This book contains interesting and sometimes unique information regarding the early Cobra and Shelby Mustangs. The quality of the pictures is excellent but many are taken from a long distance away and reveal little detail of the drivetrain and/or interior of the various cars. That said, the book is still well worth the read for the true Shelby fan.



5. Wonderful quality of text and photography.
   
   And it is about the Mustang!!! Could not be a bad thing...

5 comments about Mustang Forty Years.

1. I purchased this item as a gift for a Mustang enthusiast. He loved it. The pictures are amazing. It now sits main stage on his coffee table. It's a great conversation piece.



2. This book is everything you ever wanted to know about Mustangs, including the pre-history (what Ford sports cars led up to the development of the original "64 1/2" Mustang). It tells the complete story of every Mustang model ever made, even the regional one like the "California Special". It also covers every "Hypo" model Shelby made. The title says it's forty years of Mustang history and it doesn't lie. This is the most complete version of the Mustang story I've ever seen in one book.



3. Even though I liked this book it was a bit overkill.Its got a lot of rare Mustangs in it and they are big photos too.This is just a big coffee table book.Yeah,its got plenty of photos,most in colour but a little light on text.The author's book that was published by "Motorbooks International" is a great book.Thats the quality this book should have been.
   
   This book is printed on average quality paper.It lets it down a fair bit.For what it is,its a reasonable book but there are better books even by this author.Some people will be pleased with this book.



4. If you are a Mustang fun then this is a great choice for a coffee table book with plenty of pictures, especially of the earlier models. It is lacking in the field of specialized descriptions so if you want that you should consider some other options. But for a simple reference book and a great coffee table addition this would be the right choice



5. But the photobook could be better.
   
   But still its pretty darn good.
   
   I was fortunate enough to own the first Ford Mustang in Latah County, Idaho back in 1964 and I sure wish I still had it!! :-}
   
   British Racing green coupe witha 200 ci straight six, it still could beat anything but a true muscle car. (Oh yeah the 289 hi-per was a lot hotter).
   
   Anywizes, there on page 86 is a picture of my little Betsy's clone!! Great memories!! sigh . . .
   
   What a lush, lovely, can't help-looking-at volume! If you like Mustangs, you'll find something to oooh and ahhh over in this coffee table gem, an opulent history of Mustangs in America.
   
   Enriched with some 80plus illustrations, Mustang Forty Years reminds us of the truly glamorous and the unparalleled debonair - like Marlene lounging on a red fastback's hood Dietrich smoldering in a black velvet coat embroidered with white.
   
   If only the great boss mustangs of 2007-08 were included in this book!!
   
   Well maybe there will be a sequel: Mustang Fifty Years
   
   Enjoi!!
   
   ciao // gurkha

No comments about Cobra and Shelby Mustang 1962-2007 Photo Archive: Including Prototypes and Clones (Photo Archive).

No comments about Mustang Masterpieces: Featuring The Cars Of Carroll Shelby.

4 comments about Shelby: The Man, The Cars, The Legend.

1. In an industry dominated by multi-national corporations, rarely does one man make a difference. Yet for 50 years, Carroll Shelby has continued to have an impact on the automotive world. This book chronicles his rise from a Texas chicken farmer to race car driver to auto designer, with numerous anecdotes from those who knew him best. Shelby's triumph over Europe's racing elite is the classic American success story that will fascinate even non-car buffs. But more than a story about a man, this book is about Shelby's cars, with enough information to satisfy the most fervent fan. As a reference book, it is an invaluable work for every classic car owner or wannabe owner like myself. This book is not just Shelby fan mail, however, but also covers the failures and inside deals that went with the evolution of Cobras, Dodges and the other fabulous creations that form a part of muscle car history.



2. Enjoy Carroll Shelby's extraordinary life, fabulous careers as a race driver and an automobiles manufacturer. Very explicit and detailed stories that will put you right back into the unique era that we all still dream about...Great book!



3. I bought this book for my husband, a car fanatic. He was very disappointed. He said it was poorly written, not proofread at all, and he does not recommend it. We are avid readers, owning several hundred books, and he did not like this one at all.
   
   Get it if you are interested in Shelby but don't be disappointed by the poor quality of the writing.



4. One of the aspects that makes this book intriguing, is that it covers the time span from just before Shelby started racing, up to the point when the new GT500's started production. The book attempts to span roughly 60 years of Shelby's life - trying to cover them in just chapters or a condensed book naturally won't cover his entire history in depth. However an admirable attempt is made.
   
   Where this book falls short, & there is a huge weakness here, is it's quality - spelling, grammar, repeated words, use of both a current & past tense next to each other like he couldn't decide which one to use & forgot to go back & delete one of them, as well as historical & technical errors. If any book has ever called out for an editor & proofreading, this one is it! It would make the basis of a good first draft, if he had only had a proofreader or editor go over it & make the numerous corrections first.
   
   If one can look past the poor quality & errors, it makes for some interesting reading, as long as one doesn't attempt to take it as ultimate source for Shelby info.

No comments about American Muscle Supercars: Ultimate Street Performance from Shelby, Baldwin-Motion, Mr. Norm and Other Legendary Tuners.