This book chronicles the history of the world's most iconic estate car (station wagon), with a wonderful variety of images, some of which have never been published before. The first Volvo car went on sale in 1927 and this book tells the story of the much-loved estate right up to the V90.
In 1956, a prototype of a new passenger car from Volvo was presented. It became known as the Amazon in Sweden and the 121 and 122S in export markets, the latter denoting a more sporty derivative. However, despite its substantial appearance, all Amazons were surprisingly fleet of foot - this was one of the most sporty European saloons of the 1960s. With its elegant, timeless styling the Amazon broke new ground for Volvo - and for passenger cars as a whole. This new book covers the complete story of the Volvo Amazon, from 1956 onwards, including full production histories, comprehensive specification details, and over 250 photographs. The book covers the history of Volvo before and after the Amazon, and development and production of all Amazon derivatives from 1956-1970, including the 121, 122S, 123GT and all of the estate editions. There are biographies of key Volvo personnel, including the company's first designer, Jan Wilsgaard. Also included is the Amazon in motorsport, plus driver biographies: Tom Trana, Sylvia Osterberg and Carl-Magnus Skogh. There is a full buying guide along with tips on tuning and modifying, including rally preparation, and an insight into what the press thought of each Amazon derivative, with pages also devoted to how the car was marketed in period. An ideal resource for owners, or anyone with an interest in the evolution of these classic cars, which is superbly illustrated with 250 colour photographs.
Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert at your side. Benefit from Tim Beavis' years of Volvo experience, learn how to spot a bad car quickly, and how to assess a promising one like a true professional. Get the right car at the right price!
During the 1960s, the automobile finally secured its position as an indispensable component of daily life in Britain. Car ownership more than doubled from approximately one car for every 10 people in 1960 to one car for every 4.8 people by 1970. Consumers no longer asked "Do we need a car?" but "What car shall we have?" This well-illustrated history analyzes how both domestic car manufacturers and importers advertised their products in this growing market, identifying trends and themes. Over 180 advertisement illustrations are included.
Offers an interpretation of the standard British Highway Code. This work is useful for the aspiring Bloody Volvo Driver. It teaches you how to put the assorted hooligans in their place; how to get your own back on the drivers of tractors, trucks and jugge
Guy Martin can't sit still. He has to keep pushing - both himself and whatever machine he is piloting - to the extreme. He's a doer, not a talker. That applies whether Guy's competing in a self-supported 750-mile mountain bike race across Arizona, or trying to reach 300mph in a standing mile on the 800-horsepower motorbike he built in his shed. And during his TV adventures, travelling through Japan, winning records for the world's fastest tractor, re-creating the famous Steve McQueen Great Escape jump, discovering the toil and sacrifice of the D-Day landings and trying to cut the mustard as a Battle of Britain pilot. Guy's become a dad now and he's hoping that one day his daughter will grow up to be a better welder than he is. Oh, and he's still getting up at 5am to work on trucks in for service or to be out on his tractor, working the Lincolnshire land he's always called home. This is Guy Martin's latest book, in his own words, on the last four years of his life that make the rest of us look like we're in slow motion. We're here for a good time, not a long time. To Guy, if it's worth doing, it's worth dying for.
Now in its fifth year, the Gumball Rally has earned itself a reputation as one of the maddest and most bizarre races to be held annually. This year over 165 cars took part, mostly ranging from the high-tech lines of a McLaren F1 to Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches, i.e. your average, everyday humdinger of a sports car, except for one - a trusty and reliable Volvo estate driven by authors Clement Wilson and the former champion jockey Richard Dunwoody. the start line in Paris towards Madrid and Marbella via Biarritz and across to Morocco before coming back towards Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix and on to the finishing line in Cannes, just in time for the film festival. With stars such as the original Cannonballer himself, Burt Reynolds, Chris Eubank, Goldie, Jodie Kidd, 50 Cent and the guys from Jackass all taking part, the thrills and spills were guaranteed. Funny and fascinating by turns, The Gumball Rally is a fast-paced record of what it's like to get lost in the African desert, party with kings, princes and French DJs and pass a Ferrari at 150mph!
A mix of lively text and photography, the book gives an overview of Volvos history from its formation in Sweden in 1925 through to the present day, describing the cars in fascinating detail, and giving technical information, buying tips and personal impressions of individual models. While Volvo continues to develop its sexy image, the enthusiast fan-base for the classic models remains strong, which makes this marque a prime addition to the popular Haynes Classic Makes Series. The series includes books on Jaguar, MG, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce.
A writer, performer, and contributing editor to "The Atlantic" humorously chronicles her experiences going through menopause while dealing with the end of her marriage, her preteen daughters, and the hijinks of her eighty-nine-year-old father.