From the introduction: "American sports cars of 1945 to 1970 are the main subject of this book.
They are distinguished from performance cars of the grand touring type, as well as all-out competition machines. GTs like the Studebaker Avanti, Pontiac GTO and Chevrolet Camaro are fast cars of a different class, which played a different role. . .
Most of the cars discussed here are two-seaters, and most are convertibles. But there are a few exceptions-notably the Shelby, which could hardly be left out. Carroll Shelby's Mustang-based powerhouse was as genuine a sports car as America ever produced, its coupe bodywork and four seats notwithstanding. This it proved on the track.
Another brand of sports car often overlooked is the exotic specials produced by the big Detroit manufacturers. The Buick LeSabre, Packard Panther, Cadillac Le Mans and Chrysler K-310 thrilled showgoers in the 1950s, and were technically interesting as well. Others like the DeSoto Adventurer and Plymouth XNR came closer to mass production than many people realize.Another brand of sports car often overlooked is the exotic specials produced by the big Detroit manufacturers. The Buick LeSabre, Packard Panther, Cadillac Le Mans and Chrysler K-310 thrilled showgoers in the 1950s, and were technically interesting as well. Others like the DeSoto Adventurer and Plymouth XNR came closer to mass production than many people realize.
Important too, in the American sports car story, is the hybrid, a European car with an American engine.
Sometimes created through an engine swap on an existing model, sometimes designed from the ground up, hybrids embody all forms from luxury express to hell-for-leather brute. Two of the latter type, the AC Cobra of the 1960s and the V8 Allard of the 1950s, were the fastest cars in the world at the time."
It's fun to see the author note what these fabulous cars were worth in 1979 when the book was published. Buy now to own a piece of history.
