What do you think?
Rate this book
Classic Car: The Definitive Visual History
A visual guide to the most iconic classic cars of every decade from the 1940s to the 1980s, featuring more than 1,300 photographs and two prints suitable for framing, and created in association with the Smithsonian Institution.
From the Pontiac Chieftain to the Chevrolet Corvette, Classic Car is packed with the marques and models of every decade from the 1940s to the 1980s. Virtual tours offer close-up views of iconic models, and comprehensive catalogs showcase key features with detailed profiles and specifications. Double-page-spread images add flavor by showing the classics in action.
To tell the complete story of classic cars, this book also profiles famous designers and manufacturers, like Ferdinand Porsche, and places the cars into wider cultural context by charting their enduring legacy as symbols of luxury and objects of desire.
Classic Car is a complete celebration of classic cars and a must-have for all classic car collectors and enthusiasts.
From the Pontiac Chieftain to the Chevrolet Corvette, Classic Car is packed with the marques and models of every decade from the 1940s to the 1980s. Virtual tours offer close-up views of iconic models, and comprehensive catalogs showcase key features with detailed profiles and specifications. Double-page-spread images add flavor by showing the classics in action.
To tell the complete story of classic cars, this book also profiles famous designers and manufacturers, like Ferdinand Porsche, and places the cars into wider cultural context by charting their enduring legacy as symbols of luxury and objects of desire.
Classic Car is a complete celebration of classic cars and a must-have for all classic car collectors and enthusiasts.
- GenresCarsNonfictionHistory
320 pages, Hardcover
Published September 13, 2016
7 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 29, 2022
When I went to look for a book about Morgan cars, this one popped up in the search and since I have already had good experiences with DK's Definite Visual History series before, figured that this would be a good overview of the industry and what has been available over the decades.
Names of manufacturers that I have never heard of which is not unusual since many dominated local or national markets and rarely were exported to the U.S. or went out of busines/absorbed by larger companies over the years.
Broke up by decades - 1940's through 1980's - it talks about various developments like engine size and cooling systems, suspension, bumpers, wipers, grills, the extraordinary fins and convertibles. Some profiles of specific vehicles - Land Rover series I; the iconic Thunderbird; a Rambler Rebel; the Mercedes 300SL among others. Two-page spreads on notable designers and the marques - makers of distinctive cars. The exotics - everyone seemed to have a version of the spider/spyder which is actually the standardized name for a compact, 2-seat sports car. The sedans. The economical varieties especially after the Gas Crunch of the 1970's. Limos and touring cars. The 4 X 4 and off the road vehicles. The minis and sub-compacts and three-wheelers. And classics of the future - which is taken with the proverbial grain of salt since the book was published in 2016.
Yes, there was a two-page spread on Morgan Car Company. Maybe if I ever get the money to lavish on a Morgan, I'll be looking at the Plus Four or Plus Six.
2022-117
Names of manufacturers that I have never heard of which is not unusual since many dominated local or national markets and rarely were exported to the U.S. or went out of busines/absorbed by larger companies over the years.
Broke up by decades - 1940's through 1980's - it talks about various developments like engine size and cooling systems, suspension, bumpers, wipers, grills, the extraordinary fins and convertibles. Some profiles of specific vehicles - Land Rover series I; the iconic Thunderbird; a Rambler Rebel; the Mercedes 300SL among others. Two-page spreads on notable designers and the marques - makers of distinctive cars. The exotics - everyone seemed to have a version of the spider/spyder which is actually the standardized name for a compact, 2-seat sports car. The sedans. The economical varieties especially after the Gas Crunch of the 1970's. Limos and touring cars. The 4 X 4 and off the road vehicles. The minis and sub-compacts and three-wheelers. And classics of the future - which is taken with the proverbial grain of salt since the book was published in 2016.
Yes, there was a two-page spread on Morgan Car Company. Maybe if I ever get the money to lavish on a Morgan, I'll be looking at the Plus Four or Plus Six.
2022-117
November 19, 2016
This was a wonderful find in the new books section of our Library. I was immediately taken by the vivid color and the awesome designs of the cars and brought it home to share with Simon. He was completely enraptured by it! When he finally surfaced he said, "It's a trip down memory lane with striking color photographs." Indeed, it is a visual feast, and truly meets all the criteria for a great book on the history of classic cars.
As an aside, down in Freeport, IL this week Simon came across a semi-abandoned car lot with some rusting old cars including an MGB and a Studebaker. Apparently, the current owner, an elderly gentleman, is the son of the original dealership owner that successfully sold the Nash automobile car in the 1940s & 1950s.
As an aside, down in Freeport, IL this week Simon came across a semi-abandoned car lot with some rusting old cars including an MGB and a Studebaker. Apparently, the current owner, an elderly gentleman, is the son of the original dealership owner that successfully sold the Nash automobile car in the 1940s & 1950s.
February 6, 2017
My son loves classic cars and this had a nice mix of pictures and info
February 14, 2019
This book describes all of the classic cars through the 1900’s. It shows pictures and shows the parts and the design of the car. However, there are too many cars and a LOT of pages. The pictures are usually really big, but there are some small images throughout this book.
April 19, 2019
I thought this book was awesome. I read about books that I never knew existed. I think I agree with the author about the Mercedes Gullwing being one on my favorite cars in the book. Over I thought this book was awesome and very interesting.
July 27, 2023
Excellent artwork and descriptions, especially of little-known cars. If you’re a card fan, especially classic cars, you’ll enjoy this book.
October 19, 2025
Nice book!
October 22, 2016
Eye candy for fans of classic cars. I really enjoyed reading the stories behind the cars, especially the models that came and went in the blink of an eye.
November 30, 2016
There is one mention about Adolph Hitler, but the rest of the war disappears in romance and adventure.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews