Some of the earliest automotive books were serious analyses of that burgeoning industry - not to mention its abysmal safety record - but before long, the romance of the road captured the imagination of drivers and writers all over the world. Guidebooks for drivers in both Europe and North America began to appear alongside early accounts of what would become a 20th century rite of passage - The Road Trip. 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. 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.

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. Gentlemen, Start Your Engines! The Bonhams Guide to Classic Race and Sports Cars By Jared Zaugg and Robert Klanten Published 2015Award-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. If classic four-wheeled Americana floats your boat, this in-depth, colorful, and fact-filled book will be a favorite atop your coffee table. 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.

The book features 100 of the most elegant motorcars ever to grace the road. Apart from all the regular design classics from the glory days of automobile history, you’ll find the ultra-rare and achingly beautiful Hispano-Suiza (the Rolls-Royce beater of its day) to Hollywood heart-throb Clark Gable’s beloved Duesenberg. You will not be disappointed. Classic car fans that have ever wondered how science, engineering, and Art influenced some of the world’s most outrageous sports cars will find this a coffee table must. 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. 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

From the 1920’s supercharged Auburn Speedster’s sensual curves to the indestructible Willys Jeep, the text is accompanied by 1000+ specially commissioned color photographs, additional facts, and eye-catching graphics. 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. 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.

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. 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. 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.

Automobile historian, author, and renowned car show judge Dennis Adler is well known in classic car circles. Here, in ‘The Art of the Automobile,’ he pulls out all the stops and showcases some absolute gems. Although covering a specific timeframe, if you are searching for only one classic car book to grace your coffee table, this is the one! 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.

Author Peter Bodensteiner does a fine job of supplying sufficient text to place the cars within their historic timeline while taking nothing away from the stunning photography. Simon de Burton’s synopsis of each featured classic car includes technical details, cost when new, and engaging anecdotes from famous owners.Million Dollar Classics’ featuring some of the most sought-after cars in the world, is an impossible-to-put-down coffee table book in every sense of the word. 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. He showcases the best of British, America’s finest, and classic gems from Europe and beyond. A great deal of work has gone into the book’s eye-catching layouts, with plenty of detail and photos. The foreword is by Formula One driver David Coulthard, and the book ends with technological challenges facing future supercar designers. The Science of Supercars: The Technology that Powers the Greatest Cars in the World By Roach/Waterman & Morrison Published 2018