March 22, 2025
car enthusiast

5 Books Car Enthusiasts Should Read

If you are a car enthusiast that just can’t get enough of the automotive world, there’s no reason you can fuel your passion with a good book. From automotive history books to a celebrity that fondly pines over his used Buick, there are tons of awesome reads out there. Stop by your library or visit wherever you purchase books to check out these noteworthy non-fiction car books.

A Man & His Car: Iconic Cars And Stories From The Men Who Loved Them by Matt Hranek

It’s easy to fall in love with a car. Owning, driving, and caring for a vehicle is an extremely personal experience. In this book, readers get to enjoy stories of celebrities and famous collectors and the cars that they couldn’t help but love. For example, did you know that Jay Leno had a used Buick that practically changed his life? He’s not the only one; celebrities like Leonard Nimoy, David Spade, and Brad Pitt all had a used Buick that holds a special spot in their hearts.

McQueen’s Motorcycles: Racing and Riding With The King of Cool by Dave Ekins

Steve McQueen is one of the most iconic actors in American history. He always played the cool guy and was often seen riding a motorcycle. He wasn’t just a bike collector in Hollywood; McQueen also competed in various off-road races like the Baja 1000, Mint 400, and Elsinore Grand Prix. This book takes you through the history of McQueen’s epic collection. Starting with his premier Harley Davidson, you get to see and learn about the entire collection.

Bond Cars: The Definitive History by Jason Barlow

Second only to Bond’s famous drink order, the amazing cars that appeared in James Bonds movies are the most memorable elements of this international spy. Barlow’s book takes you into the Bond universe to explore all of the cars used in the movies. From the Ford Mustang Mach 1 to the Lotus Esprit S1 and everything in-between, you get to see them all.

Porsche Unseen: Design Studies by Stefan Bogner

It’s not every day that regular people get to see the inner workings of a major auto manufacturer. Porsche unlocked an incredible collection of documents and details about some of its most iconic cars and prototypes. This book gives you a chance to see and learn about vehicles that never made it into production. Have you ever wondered what kinds of vehicles would exist in a parallel dimension? This book will take you on that exact journey.

My Dad Had That Car: A Nostalgic Look at the American Automobile, 1920-1990 by Tad Burness

There isn’t a more comprehensive look at the American automobile than what you find in Burness’s 1,300-page book. This collection features 12,500 illustrations covering 70 years. From sports cars to luxury vehicles to daily commuters, this book shows them all. You’ll learn about original prices, specs, and more from vehicles of the past. This is a great conversation starter with drivers from previous generations and a great way to get a glimpse into the past.