American Vehicle

Traces the development and unceasing popularity of the pickup truck in America

Capturing the excitement of a nation as it became a driving force -- in more ways than one -- Driving Around America is the story of how America's romantic, restless spirit found its counterpart in the automobile. With Henry Ford's assembly lines lowering the price of cars, ordinary people began to travel where and when they pleased with a freedom never before known -- and the nation would never be the same. People moved farther from their work, creating suburbs; the demand for gasoline increased, spurring the growth of the petroleum industry; and individual members of families moved far from each other, changing the social fabric of the nation. From the auto's early beginnings to the commonplace use of cars in all aspects of life today, Driving Around America is a fascinating portrait of how America transformed as its citizens were on the move more and more.

DIVThe definitive, fully illustrated celebration of an auto manufacturer that paved its own way by going off-road./divDIV /divDIVFew American vehicles, or vehicles made anywhere else in the world for that matter, are as universally iconic as the Jeep. From olive drab WWII military relics to the beloved Wrangler with its rear-mounted spare tire, open-air design, and telltale roll cage, the Jeep is a true classic. In Jeep: The History of America’s Greatest Vehicle, automotive writer Patrick R. Foster chronicles over 70 years of Jeep vehicle design and production. Beginning with the Jeep as a crucial component of the American World War II fleet, Foster expertly recounts the corporate shifts, financial struggles and successes, close calls, and—above all—the enduring machines that have carried Jeep from the early 1940s to its triumphant role as a modern-day embodiment of American perseverance. Three hundred color and black-and-white historical photos complement his expertly written narrative of Jeep’s entire history, reminding us that sometimes, the road less traveled was just waiting for the right truck./div

This comprehensive reference guide reviews the literature concerning the impact of the automobile on American social, economic, and political history. Covering the complete history of the automobile to date, twelve chapters of bibliographic essays describe the important works in a series of related topics and provide broad thematic contexts. This work includes general histories of the automobile, the industry it spawned and labor-management relations, as well as biographies of famous automotive personalities. Focusing on books concerned with various social aspects, chapters discuss such issues as the car's influence on family life, youth, women, the elderly, minorities, literature, and leisure and recreation. Berger has also included works that investigate the government's role in aiding and regulating the automobile, with sections on roads and highways, safety, and pollution. The guide concludes with an overview of reference works and periodicals in the field and a description of selected research collections. The Automobile in American History and Culture provides a resource with which to examine the entire field and its structure. Popular culture scholars and enthusiasts involved in automotive research will appreciate the extensive scope of this reference. Cross-referenced throughout, it will serve as a valuable research tool.

Account of how and why cars kill, and why the automobile manufacturers have failed to make cars safe.

The most complete, authoritative, and well-illustrated automotive encyclopedia ever. Covers American cars from 1930 to 2002 and includes Chrylser, Ford, and GM, plus major independents, such as Duesenberg, Hudson, Checker, Shelby, and others. More than 3,500 photographs and thorough, clear text form a comprehensive portrait of the men and machines that contributed to the most exciting developments in American automotive history. Year-by-year reviews and detailed specifications of more than 50 makes of automobiles and over 24,000 individual models. Special color-photography sections highlight more than 160 of the most-spectacular American cars of the past eight decades.

This one-of-a-kind, massive illustrated history of more than 10,000 American automobiles is perfect for the millions of classic car enthusiasts. With more than 1,300 pages and 12,500 illustrations covering 70 years, this may be the most complete visual history of the American automobile ever published. Nowhere else are there so many collector, luxury, sporting and every day cars assembled with fascinating information about original prices, engine sizes, horsepower, and other specifications. The pages are packed with genuine, factory-fresh photographs and drawings taken from contemporary advertisements, catalogs, and brochures. More than 250 manufacturers and hundreds of individual models trace the evolution of the American automobile, from the millions of Model Ts that rolled off Ford's assembly line through the art deco streamliners of the '30s, to the tail-finned land yachts of the '50s and muscle cars of the '60s and '70s up to the early SUVs of the '90s. Throughout author Tad Burness adds handwritten details not found anywhere else, including pointing out unusual options and differences found within a model. Automotive journalist Matt Stone provides a new general introduction and one to each era within the book.

In World War I the American motor vehicle industry was tested by the sudden appearance of vast transport challenges. The nation's immense manufacturing capabilities and abundant natural resources combined with increased standardization and mass production to enable the industry to meet the military's needs. Motor vehicles and aircraft were quickly cemented as the most influential military tools of the early twentieth century. This book both describes the development and use of a wide range of specialized motor vehicles during World War I and analyzes how their advent indelibly altered modern warfare and transportation.