Michel Zumbrunn

Great Britain's role in shaping the history of the automobile cannot be overestimated. The British motor industry has been responsible for many of the world's landmark car designs, and its famous names - including Jaguar, Bentley, AC, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, MG and Lotus - are inextricably linked with some of the most recognized and coveted models ever made. Now reissued in hardback format, this beautifully presented book gathers together more than 50 of the most significant and seductive British cars designed between 1907 and the present day, from the Roll-Royce Silver Ghost to the Jaguar XK180. With an introduction describing the often tortuous story of British motoring and its great marques, a succinct description of each car's history, design and performance, and unparalleled images by one of the world's foremost car photographers, this book is an authoritative tribute to the nation that launched the sports car.

Ever heard of the Volkhart Sagitta? L'OEuf electrique, or the Stanley Steamer? If not, you are in for a beautiful surprise, 50 times over! Often times the cars in this richly illustrated book were lost because the manufacturer ceased to exist, or because they were found on the bottom of Lake Maggiore after 75 years, like the Bugatti Brescia. Among the 50 beauties there are one-offs, concepts, trendsetters, and failures as well as cars of the rich and famous, from Marilyn Monroe to Clark Gable. Text in English and German.