Car Books by Car and Driver Editors and Writers, Past and Present

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Considering books as a form of entertainment is a quick way to get thrown into the "lame adult" cesspool. With services such as Netflix and YouTube, who on earth would rather turn pages to pass the time? Well, with the right composer, a proper book can be a true treat. In this list, the following authors might sound a bit familiar, especially if you've been a fan of Car and Driver over the years.

We've had some truly legendary automotive journalists spend time here, cementing themselves as pillars of the profession. Larger-than-life names such as Brock Yates and David E. Davis Jr. have graced Car and Driver columns, spinning tales of pure vehicular enjoyment. Turns out, they can write damn good books, too.

This list features books written by current and former members of our staff, and some of the topics might surprise you. So kick back with one of these old-fashioned pieces of entertainment. You might learn a thing or three.

Sixteen Books Every Auto Enthusiast Should Read

The Electric Vehicle Revolution: The Past, Present, and Future of EVs

Kevin A. Wilson (Author)
Former Senior Editor
During his 35-plus-year career as an automotive journalist (including three years at C/D), Wilson covered EVs extensively, including the founding and rise of Tesla. Now that he has retired, he put his experience to bear in writing this book, to be released on November 7, 2023.

Don 'The Snake' Prudhomme: My Life Beyond the 1320

Elana Scherr (Contributor)
Current Senior Editor

Elana Scherr contributes to this autobiography about Don Prudhomme—one of nitro racing's greatest legends.

Four Miles West of Nowhere

John Phillips III (Author)
Former Columnist

What happens when a fresh retiree decides to move to the daunting West? John Phillips III describes his experiences with his trademark wit.

God Wants You to Roll

John Phillips III (Author)
Contributing Writer, Former Columnist

John Phillips III compiles an excellent account on the ludicrous $21 million "Miracle Cars" scam, complete with several interviews and letters from people involved in the case.

The Road to Pickletown

William Jeanes (Author)
Former Editor-in-Chief

This collection of columns from esteemed journalist William Jeanes portrays experiences, opinions, and observations about a wide range of topics from the Deep South.

Road Trips, Head Trips, and Other Car-Crazed Writings

Jean Lindamood (Editor)
Former Associate Editor
P.J. O'Rourke (Intro)
Current Contributing Editor

This anthology of road trip tales feature bits from the minds of experienced (and not-so) car-loving road trippers, including Ernest Hemingway and Dave Barry.

Driving Like Crazy

P.J. O'Rourke (Author)
Current Contributing Editor

P.J. O'Rourke's automotive adventures list on for ages, and this compilation somehow compresses 30 years of vehicular hooliganry between two covers.

Holidays in Heck

P.J. O'Rourke (Author)
Current Contributing Editor

Hailed as one of the funniest writers of our time, P.J. O'Rourke chronicles a variety of road trips to some very unexpected places—such as Kyrgyzstan and... skiing in Ohio?

Corvette 427 — Practical Restoration of a '67 Roadster

Don Sherman (Author)
Former Editor

This fascinating read details the processes of restoring an iconic Corvette; it has aged as the go-to manual to follow if you accept the challenge yourself.

Springsteen: Album by Album

Ryan White (Author)
Current Executive Editor

To no one's surprise, automotive journalists have other interests besides cars. In Ryan White's case, music is one of these interests. This Bruce bible is essential to any fan of The Boss.

Jimmy Buffett: A Good Life All the Way

Ryan White (Author)
Current Executive Editor

Jimmy Buffet's personality and career is legendary, cementing himself as an icon for 10 a.m. margaritas and sandy feet. Ryan White crafts a wonderful chronicle of his rise to fame and beyond.

Colin Chapman: Inside the Innovator

Karl Ludvigsen (Author)
Former Editor

"Simplify, then add lightness." Colin Chapman innovated the mindset of weight reduction to perfection, and Karl Ludvigsen digs deep to uncover the personality of the genius himself.

The V12 Engine

Karl Ludvigsen (Author)
Former Editor

The V12 engine drums up visions of a growling Lamborghini or wailing F1 cars, but this book expands on the personalities and cars that made them so great.

Corvette — America's Star-Spangled Sports Car: 1953-1982

Karl Ludvigsen (Author)
Former Editor

This is hands down the most comprehensive, informative, and entertaining Corvette book one can buy. Karl Ludvigsen brings his expertise and an easy-to-read style that every 'Vette fan should experience.

Mercedes-Benz: Quicksilver Century

Karl Ludvigsen (Author)
Former Editor

Mercedes-Benz has had a place in the history of the automobile, as well as motorsports, since the beginning—as Karl Ludvigsen details in this book.

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected, 4 Volume Set

Karl Ludvigsen (Author)
Former Editor

Largely considered Karl Ludvigsen's master achievement, Porsche: Excellence Was Expected is the definitive collection in the history of the Porsche brand. This is a must-own for any automotive enthusiast.

Cannonball!: World's Greatest Outlaw Road Race

Brock Yates (Author)
Former Editor

Good luck mentioning Car and Driver without including the name Brock Yates. Both he and Steve Smith conceived the Cannonball Run as a coast-to-coast test of speed and navigation, which Yates details in these pages.

Enzo Ferrari: The Man and the Machine

Brock Yates (Author)
Former Editor

The man behind those red-splashed race cars was second to only the Pope in Italian reverence. Brock Yates details the personality and hush-hushes of Enzo himself in this fascinating read.

Sunday Driver: The Writer Meets the Road—at 175 MPH

Brock Yates (Author)
Former Editor

This book is an invitation to enjoy the speed a racing driver chases so relentlessly. Detailing his experiences behind the wheel with his foot on the floor, Brock Yates encourages your inner speed demon to rear its head.

The Decline & Fall of the American Automobile Industry

Brock Yates (Author)
Former Editor

The decline of the American automobile industry was in full force in the 1970s, and Brock Yates didn't mince words about it. This continues to rank among his most controversial works, and as such, one of his most fascinating.

Thus Spake David E.

David E. Davis Jr. (Author)
Former Editor-in-Chief

One of the true great characters in automotive journalism, David E. Davis Jr. flipped the profession on its head. His collective wit, experience, and intelligence are compiled here in this text.

Ferrari Grand Prix Moments

Jesse Alexander (Author)
Former Contributing Photographer

Jesse Alexander had a knack for capturing the pure speed of racing like no one else—as is shown here in this book from the Golden Age of racing.

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