This book has it all, from Karl Benz’s groundbreaking three-wheeled Motrwagen to the jaw-dropping beauty and technology of the Bugatti Chiron. Though the automobile had been around since the 1880s, and assembly line production of cars was started by Oldsmobile in the U.S. in 1902, it wasn't until 1908 that Henry Ford's Model-T introduced the first affordable, mass-produced motor car to North American consumers. Ford began expansion to Europe in 1911, igniting competition with manufacturers such as Wolseley Motors (later Austin) in Britain and Benz & Cie. in Germany, reducing prices even further. It was then that our love affair with the automobile and the open road truly began. Have you ever wondered what one of America’s most iconic fashion designers does with his vast fortune? This coffee table must-have will give you an insight into the world of the rich and famous. Brunnbauer includes coverage of exhibitions and competitions, including Italy’s Mille Miglia, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and California’s Pebble Beach Concourse d’Elegance. Here, he manages to capture the atmosphere, respect, and enthusiasm these rare and beautiful cars demand. Cheetham’s text covers big, bold, and beautiful American automobiles from the 1920s onwards and brings every model’s history and development milestones to life.

If most coffee table books win their place based on their cover photo, ‘A Man & His Car’ would perhaps get overlooked. And to do this would be a great pity. Award-winning author, historian, and photographer Dennis Adler is one of America’s most published automotive writers. Adler is considered a classic car expert across the board but judging from this book, it’s clear that his favorite make of car bears the symbol of the prancing stallion.

The foreword is by former Ferrari racer Luigi Chinetti Jr along with many outstanding photographs taken of the Ferrari in its natural habitat, out on the road. Speed, Style, and Beauty: Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection By Winston Goodfellow (Author), Beverly Rae Kimes (Author), Darcy Kuronen (Author), Michael Furman (Photographer), Ralph Lauren (Contributor) Published 2005 This hardcover masterpiece covers classic cars from the early 1930s through to the new millennium’s dawn. It is perfect in achieving its purpose of highlighting the metal masterpieces to grace each decade. Art of the Classic Car By Peter Bodensteiner (Author) and Peter Harholdt (Photographer) Published 2013 Simon de Burton’s synopsis of each featured classic car includes technical details, cost when new, and engaging anecdotes from famous owners.

Encompassing seven decades of the Cavallino Rampante, the authors produce the physical details and history of each model and convey the evolution and passion that lies behind. Author Giles Chapman is one of the best car journalists around. The reoccurring theme in the prodigious number of books he’s authored and edited is the engaging and exciting style he writes. Acting as editor in chief for ‘The Classic Car Book,’ his influence is ever-present. The format is highly readable and provides a wealth of information without being overly formal. Gentlemen, Start Your Engines! The Bonhams Guide to Classic Race and Sports Cars By Jared Zaugg and Robert Klanten Published 2015 Pictures, diagrams, and illustrations help the text explain and describe the brain-aching science in understandable terms. Together with interviews from prominent name designers and engineers, from Bugatti, McLaren, and Lamborghini, this is a book that is impossible to put down.There isn’t a car collector or enthusiast that hasn’t heard of Bonhams, one of the world’s most famous auction houses. Their auctions of rare and significant cars consistently reach record prices.

Author Jared Zaugg, in collaboration with the largest auctioneer of classic cars, showcases the classic race and sports cars that stand-alone among decades of supercars. This stunning publication focuses on cars built during 1910–1940 and features the ultra-rare and restored classics that defined an automotive era dominated by luxury and art. The motorcar first took to the road in 1885. And although some car manufacturers are still going strong today, there are many whose heritage you can only find in museums or as part of a personal collection.The foreword is by Formula One driver David Coulthard, and the book ends with technological challenges facing future supercar designers. Adler highlights the stand-out models from amongst a stellar collection of iconic vehicles covering seven decades. He also features Enzo Ferrari’s time at Alfa Romeo spent as a fledgling race manager. Although covering a specific timeframe, if you are searching for only one classic car book to grace your coffee table, this is the one!