Nonfiction - General > transport

Mini Down Under traces the history of one of New Zealand's - and the world's - best-loved cars. More versions of the Mini were available in New Zealand than anywhere else, and the launching of the iconic car in February 1960 was a larger-than-life event. In this lively and personal story, the author tracks the Mini's life in New Zealand, the connection between Kiwi racing driver Bruce McLaren and the birth of the Mini Cooper, the heady days of competition success in the Antipodes, the local assembly and marketing of the classic ori... read more

This is the life story of Kim Newcombe, a little known Kiwi mechanic who in 1973 came second in the 500cc grand prix motorcycle championship. It is an account of how one individual with a determination to back himself could achieve what many would have regarded as the impossible. This book takes the reader on an intimate voyage through the times and places Kim lived and raced, offering a unique insight into the world of grand prix racing in the early seventies and the men and women who travelled with the Continental Circus. It is a... read more

The popularity of the fighter aircraft used in World War II is huge in New Zealand, as evidenced by the enormous crowds that turn up for events such as Warbirds over Wanaka - over 80,000 people attended the 2010 event. New Zealand is extremely lucky that there are a wide range of airworthy WW II-era classic fighters remaining in the country, the subject of this superb new book of aviation photography. Author Gavin Conroy has had unparalleled access to New Zealand's classic fighters, and specialises in close-up air-to-air photograph... read more

Lose yourself in the world of Kiwi hot rodders. Have a poke around in their garages, visualize their rebuild projects, admire their impressive array of rods, study their automobilia collections, and read about the hot rodders themselves; their love for the hobby, and their stories. The Kiwi Hot Rodder’s Guide to Life is a full-colour snapshot of the passion for hot rodding residing in the garages (and hearts) of many a car-mad Kiwi.

A pictorial history of small cars in New Zealand, including Baby Austins, Ford Prefects, Minis, VWs and more.

A celebration of the building, maintaining and operating the North Island Main Trunk railway from the days of steam through the diesel electric and electric locomotives. Not forgotten are the country stations, refreshment rooms, goods yards and passenger trains. A great book for all interested in railways and New Zealand history.

For the petrolheads at "Top Gear Magazine", car photography is about more than just a car on a stretch of tarmac. It's about ultimate escapism. For "Top Gear", a truly great photograph should instantly transport you to the location and behind the wheel, delivering the speed, power and atmosphere of the moment in one shot. In this collection of "Top Gear's" finest car photography, we get up close and personal with the hottest cars of recent years in some of the most stunning locations. You'll see the world reflected in gleaming body... read more

Whether in a cave, alcove, boudoir, or four-poster bed, humans have always created sleeping places that shield us from the elements, from light and noise, and protect our defenseless bodies from the outside world. The history of the bedroom, the realm of dreams, rest, sleep, and love, is fascinating, as is the evolution of the bed and the central role it has played in social and cultural life through the ages. This book assembles hundreds of the most exceptional bedrooms from around the world--New York and New Delhi, Paris and Bang... read more

The mysterious Stig, "Top Gear's" resident tame racing driver, is back. And this time he's in miniature, so you'll have to work extra hard to find him. He's been cleverly concealed in a series of brilliantly drawn scenes. You might spot him getting down with the kids at a rock festival; or overseeing his workforce in his secret underground lair. He could be one of the spectators lining the route of Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week; or soaking up the sun on the Costa del Stig. Filled with visual jokes and references to the TV series... read more

A marque-by-marque guide to the most important and significant models made between 1945 and 1975, with illustrations of every car augmented by authoritative and comprehensive text. A history of the evolution of the motor car, including special features on design, technological advances, social use, cars in the movies and much more.

Few cars have made a greater impression on the public than the Jaguar E-Type. Revealed in 1961 as the successor to the famous D-Type, the E-type combined sleek and graceful lines with exhilarating 150-mile-an-hour performance, nimble handling, and a comfortable ride. The result was an instant success in the UK, Europe, and America. Subsequent refinements guided the car through a highly successful production run that lasted into the mid-1970's, establishing the E-Type as an epitome of cool in performance cars. In the decades since, ... read more

Designed for those who travel on the TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth, and those who do the route by car or bus, this book contains general details and historic facts about each of the localities and features of interest to be seen on both railway and highway, listed in geographical order from Christchurch. Extra chapters on practicalities and stopovers round out the information, which is accompanied by 34 photos (31 in colour) and a map.

The Boat Maintenance Bible is the most up to date, user-friendly and hands-on manual for boat owners of all skill levels wishing to keep their boat seaworthy and safe. Packed with detailed, exploded diagrams, helpful step-by-step photographs and detailed guidance, it provides a wealth of maintenance expertise and advice to enable anyone to maintain or repair a yacht, motorboat or a dinghy. From hull and deck maintenance, engine repairs, plumbing problems, gas leaks, sail repair, battery and wiring defects, to interior refu... read more

A wide of standard production cars is available, but their pre-packaged looks and specifications don't meet the needs and tastes of many car enthusiasts who chose to build their own cars.

This book is an effective chronology of the cars that have been built by members of the Constructors Car Club in New Zealand.

Card range from the simple and racey to the lavish and exotic: form a motorbike powered three wheeler built from plywood and street tubing to exotic fiberglass monocoque supercars, they are all her... read more

Follow the development, decline and revival of Britain's railways through a unique collection of old and new maps, commentaries and photographs. The story is traced from early 'waggonways' through the steam era to today's diesel and electric railways. Over a hundred railway maps: Railways appear in almost every type of topographical map available throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Detailed Parliamentary plans were drawn up for many hundreds of proposed railway schemes (plenty of which never got past the drawing b... read more