Grant, Gregor

British Sports Cars

Los Angeles, CA: Floyd Clymer, 1948. First American Edition. Softcover. "It gives me great pleasure to announce that we have secured the publishing rights for the U.S.A. on this unusual book, BRITISH SPORTS CARS, by the authority, Gregor Grant. This book offers a most complete history of the British Sports Cars that have so intrigued many enthusiasts in the United States. The individualized cars of Europe have long interested many in this country. They are unique...and different than anything available over here where mass production seems to be the most important thing about automobile manufacturing." (from "Announcement" by publisher Floyd Clymer, title page) A volume of then-vintage & contemporary British sports & racing cars by Gregor Grant (1911-1969), a legendary British expert who was himself a participant in many sports car races & events. First published in Britain the previous year (1947), this is the first American edition as noted above by the enterprising publisher-entrepreneur Floyd Clymer (1895-1970), also a pioneering authority & racer of cars & especially motorcycles. With chapters on myriad, mostly of course long-defunct manufacturers' models along with familiar, still-extant companies including Aston Martin & Jaguar. With many photographs, illustrations & contemporary ads ("96 Makes Shown-26 Photo Pages" as boasted on front cover). Trade-format first American softcover edition in rough-textured wrappers with sewn binding, Presumed first printing of 1948, there is no reference to a subsequent printing or edition as is usual in Clymer's prolific publications. We have seen references to a "Deluxe" hardcover edition of this volume. A delightful, informative & collectible resource for the enthusiast. In relatively near-fine, unrestored condition with moderate rubbing, browning, scratching & spotting to front, back covers & spine; mild-to-moderate wear & some tiny bumps at edges & corners of same; moderate rubbing, browning & spotting to edges of text block; one short, closed vertical tear at blank lower margin of back cover near left corner. Interior fine with only small-to-tiny bumps, faint creases to mostly lower edges of some page leaves; one small spot-stain at lower margin-edge of inner front cover (hardly effecting photo of "The Lancaster" parked in front of a stately ivy-covered English home), blank lower margin-edge of first page leaf; small sticker of the late, venerable Hudson's Department Store Bookshop in Detroit affixed to inner front cover at blank lower margin near spine. Near Fine. [Item #4378]

Price: $40.00