A dazzling array of racers, roadsters, sports cars, and sedans roars to life in the pages of this appealing, smaller-format hardcover book. The Alphabet and the Automobile is a handsome, witty, and highly readable survey that readers of all ages can learn from and enjoy. Together, authors Chuck Queener and Murray Smith combine brilliant watercolor illustrations of a rich assortment of cars with a lively mix of historical facts and technical details. <
> The result is an alphabetical trip through automotive history that is entertaining and informative for all enthusiasts. Every page presents vivid, detailed paintings of one or two cars accompanied by summaries that explain what made each one unique. These include facts about everything from races (Juan Manuel Fangio’s legendary 1957 German Grand Prix win in the Maserati 250F) to celebrity owners (Rudolph Valentino’s 1929 Isotta-Fraschini 8A Roadster) to unusual options (custom colors available for Plymouth’s 1971 Hemi Cuda Coupe included Plum Crazy and Panther Pink). Each car’s core specifications (marque/model, country, year, engine size, top speed, and price) are included at the bottom of each page. Despite the seemingly simple A-to-Z format, The Alphabet and the Automobile covers an astonishing range of vehicles and delivers details and stories that will engage even the most sophisticated car enthusiasts. At the same time, the beautifully rendered illustrations are compelling enough to attract young readers just beginning to explore the world of cars. Enthusiasts of all ages will find plenty to see and learn here. The Alphabet and the Automobile with illustrations by Charles W. Queener and text by Murray Smith.

Now this is certainly a pair to draw to (forgive the pun), as Chuck Queener has been involved with car art most of his life, and is a good friend of our and formerly worked in R & T’s art department. Murray Smith is a feisty character, member of the British racing Drivers Club, ad executive, promoter of distinguished car events, and an excellent vintage-car racer. The two of them have created a very clever format that educates and entertains.

Inspired by Charles W. Queener’s illustrations for Louis Vuitton Classic entries, The Alphabet and the Automobile combines Queener’s work with text from Murray Smith.

There’s an A-Z rundown of great cars, with brief history and key technical spec for each model.

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