Book Review:

TRANS-AM, The Pony Car Wars, written by Dave Friedman

reviewed by Richard Barnett

Once again MBI and motoring author Dave Friedman have come up with a useful addition to the bookshelves of any fan of old school motor racing. 

Having authored several books on Can-Am and Cobra cars, Friedman has turned his attention to the Trans-Am races of the late `60s and early `70s - races which are now enjoying a revived interest thanks to the historic race circuit.

The whole point of Trans-Am was its visual appeal: cars looking like they'd driven straight out of the showroom and onto the circuit (of course, they hadn't) would help manufacturers sell more. So the big makers, such as Ford, Chrysler and the General, got involved. As did American Motors, later on, with cars driven by the great Mark Donohue. 

But this was no Sunday afternoon jaunt-style racing. Wheel-to-wheel, panel to panel, would be more accurate. And Friedman's latest work shows the smashes these cars endured. Look at the seriously bent Titus Mustang, or the Parnelli Jones Cougar, with such rippled sides you could surf down them. 

What makes the story come across so well is not just the pictures (including a punch-up), some of which are colour, but the quotes from drivers. The story does almost jump off the page - all that's missing is the smell of burning rubber and oil!

Towards the end of this book's era, the Japanese invasion started. Datsun 1800s were now on the track as well as in the spectators' car parks, and along with BMWs, started to give the home teams a run for their money. It's a sad end to a great story.

But here is a book which in true MBI/Friedman style is a celebration: a celebration of one of the greatest-ever forms of motor racing. A comprehensive array of data at the back will impress/enthuse/educate Trans-Am fans.

Even if you aren't an 'anorak', buy this book!

Highly recommended *****

About our reviewer: Richard Barnett is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also been lucky enough to work with cars throughout his professional career. He claims to have started his motoring interest when he was two and a half years old.

During his working life Richard has sold motoring books, run a motoring library, done motor industry consultancy, been a motoring journalist (writing stories for the now defunct AutoClassic, Classic and Sportscar and Autosport) and currently works in motor industry pr.

A member of Britain's prestige Royal Automobile Club, Richard is also a member of the Society of Automotive Historians, the Vintage Sports Car Club,
the Historic Sports Car Club and the Classic Rally Association.

He has an extensive motoring library and attends as many historic motor racing events as his calendar allows.

Richard owns a Lancia Flaminia and his favourite car is a Facel Vega HK500.

We at racerchicks.com extend our gratitude to Richard for his review.