Well, here we are at the 700th posting and the third installment in our weekly edition of book reviews and travel tips. Both are small but significant milestones, at least in my world.
I am not a paid spokesman but would like to suggest you consider ordering or buying your books from Auto Books Aero Books in Burbank. All books listed in these reviews are available through the link provided to Amazon.com that accompanies the book introduction but in supporting this great little mom and pop shop you get a bonus with your order, the satisfaction of preserving a bit of small town, nongeneric America.
http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0786444851&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifrThe first title today is an interesting little book, Ford in the Service of America. Jammed in this 204 page, heavily illustrated paperback is the fascinating story of the contributions made by Ford Motor Company during both World Wars.
In addition to the wide array of products produced during this period, the Ford Motor Company also established themselves as a leading contender for a large share of the British consumer market as a result of their war time contributions. As an example consider this, in 1919, two out of every five cars on British roads was a Ford built product and this does not account for the tractors manufactured.
This delightful little book by McFarland Publishing, written by Timothy J. O’Callaghan, an army veteran and forty year employee of Ford Motor Company, would be a welcome addition to any automotive library.
Next on the list is a little something for the Mustang enthusiast from Krause Publishing. Written by Brad Bowling, a Mustang enthusiast with a lengthy resume that includes numerous books, and stints as editor at Old Cars Weekly and Cars & Parts,
Standard Catalog of Mustang 1964 – 2004http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0873497880&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr is a catalog of all things Mustang.
However, it is also an invaluable reference book and a colorful photographic history of the legendary pony car. Data plate decoding information, complete engine data, options lists with prices, and even the special editions such as the Saleen models are packed into this 304 page paperback.
If you like Mustang this 40th anniversary tribute to one of America’s most successful post war brands is definitely for you. Moreover, if you are new to the world of Mustangs and Mustang collecting this book might be just what you need before making the first purchase.
Now, a little something for whiling away the long winter evenings, a fantastic biography released by Veloce Publishing. The official biography of legendary designer Virgil Exner, by Peter Grist, is a bit more than just the story of one of America’s most influential automotive designers, it is the story of the American automobile industry during its glory days.
http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1845841182&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr
Rare, and never before published photos, a foreword by Virgil Exner Jr. and concise, descriptive text by Peter Grist, an author with a 15 year history of producing excellent work, ensure Virgil Exner Visoneer is a book well worth reading and adding to your library.
Last but not least is a little something from the CarTech “Performance How To” series. For the Chevy enthusiasts that spends most of their spare time under the hood, Chevrolet Small Block Parts Interchange Manual is as essential as a good torque wrench and a set of Craftsman sockets.
Parts numbers, specifications and ratings, casting numbers are merely the tip of the ice berg in this 144 page wonder. Extensive use of color illustrations enhance the “how to” sections as well as the lengthy and detailed reference charts such as a detailed listing of cylinder head casting numbers, 1960 to 1980, that includes chamber size and which engines http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1884089259&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifrwere built for trucks.
Simply put, Chevrolet Small Block Parts Interchange Manual is an invaluable tool for any Chevy enthusiast. In addition to ordering this book from Amazon or Auto Book in Burbank, it can also be order directly from the publisher at http://www.cartechbooks.com/ or by calling 1-800-551-4754.
Today’s travel tip is for the adventurer on Route 66. From Ashfork in Arizona a detour of less than fifty miles takes you to the charming wonderland of Prescott, Arizona.
The original territorial capital for Arizona has a very unique historic district dominated by the imposing courthouse and its square. What makes it special is the fact that it was no recreated after the era of post war urban sprawl left it empty.
In Prescott, the downtown area has always been the very heart of the community. Saloons dating to territorial days, hotels that have served guest since the early 20th century, restaurants, museums, and a wide array of festivals ensure a first visit to Prescott will not be the last.
For centrally located lodging that makes it easy to explore the area on foot, we suggest the historic 1920s era Hassayampa Inn. Clean, simple, lodging for the budget minded in an historic setting.
I would also suggest the on site Peacock Room with its period decor for a wonderful breakfast. To say the very least, if you enjoy period lodging it will be difficult to beat the pleasures found at the Hassayampa Inn.
The last item of the day would be a gift suggestion. For the Route 66 enthusiast, or that special someone who treasures the unique, the post mark artwork of Ken Turmel is the perfect choice.
You can bet the recipient will be surprised and there is a pretty safe bet it is the perfect gift for the roadie who has everything. To receive this by the holidays it is best to order soon.
Until next week, …

If you enjoy Jim Hinckley\'s America, take a second to support jimhinckleysamerica on Patreon!