What do you think?
Petrolhead
Can you like cars too much? Was Rihanna singing about a Triumph Dolomite? What happens when your dog eats the key to a brand new car? Where do F1 drivers buy their groceries? And what if we could only travel everywhere by hot air balloon?
Since 2003 Richard Porter has been using his columns in evo magazine to answer these and many other important questions.
This is a compilation of some of those columns.
Since 2003 Richard Porter has been using his columns in evo magazine to answer these and many other important questions.
This is a compilation of some of those columns.
255 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 8, 2025
Richard Porter, aka Sniff Petrol, was a script writer for Top Gear and has written for various motoring publications. This is a collection of his columns for Evo magazine.
It's a book to dip in and out of with most sections being a three or four minute read. The nature of these columns is such that some work better than others and some haven't dated well. Nevertheless Porter is an engaging companion through car-related matters and if that's something you're at all interested in you'll find something to enjoy here.
It's a book to dip in and out of with most sections being a three or four minute read. The nature of these columns is such that some work better than others and some haven't dated well. Nevertheless Porter is an engaging companion through car-related matters and if that's something you're at all interested in you'll find something to enjoy here.
September 15, 2026
Petrolhead is an entertaining collection that celebrates the world of cars with intelligence, curiosity, and a generous sense of humor.
What makes the book particularly appealing is the unconventional range of questions it explores. From the possibility that a song might reference a Triumph Dolomite to the surprisingly specific problem of a dog eating a car key, the collection demonstrates how automotive enthusiasm can lead to wonderfully unexpected lines of inquiry.
The book also looks beyond straightforward discussions of cars. Questions involving F1 drivers, everyday life, and even the possibility of traveling exclusively by hot-air balloon give the collection an eccentric and refreshing character. It is this willingness to approach motoring from unusual angles that makes the writing feel distinctive.
Another strength is the opportunity to experience a selection of Richard Porter’s columns from evo magazine, written over many years. Bringing these pieces together creates an accessible collection for readers who enjoy automotive culture as much for its humor and personality as for the cars themselves.
Overall, Petrolhead is a witty and engaging celebration of automotive curiosity. It should appeal not only to dedicated car enthusiasts but also to readers who enjoy intelligent humor, unusual observations, and entertaining nonfiction writing.
What makes the book particularly appealing is the unconventional range of questions it explores. From the possibility that a song might reference a Triumph Dolomite to the surprisingly specific problem of a dog eating a car key, the collection demonstrates how automotive enthusiasm can lead to wonderfully unexpected lines of inquiry.
The book also looks beyond straightforward discussions of cars. Questions involving F1 drivers, everyday life, and even the possibility of traveling exclusively by hot-air balloon give the collection an eccentric and refreshing character. It is this willingness to approach motoring from unusual angles that makes the writing feel distinctive.
Another strength is the opportunity to experience a selection of Richard Porter’s columns from evo magazine, written over many years. Bringing these pieces together creates an accessible collection for readers who enjoy automotive culture as much for its humor and personality as for the cars themselves.
Overall, Petrolhead is a witty and engaging celebration of automotive curiosity. It should appeal not only to dedicated car enthusiasts but also to readers who enjoy intelligent humor, unusual observations, and entertaining nonfiction writing.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews