Brian Long

Researched and written with the full co-operation of the factory, here in definitive detail is the story of the Mercedes-Benz W124-based range – a series of models that included saloons, estates, coupés, convertibles, lwb cars, and special chassis units that enabled coachbuilders to work their art. Building on the W123 formula that had created a best-seller, the 124-series models were an immediate success. They went through two major face-lifts before the last of the breed was killed off in 1997, and remain as popular as ever as a modern classic for enthusiasts.

Fully revised and updated paperback edition. Researched and written in Japan, with the full co-operation of the factory, here, in definitive detail, is the complete story of the first generation of Mazda's MX-5 – the car that re-invented the affordable lightweight roadster, a species that many thought was extinct as the 1990s drew near. Immediately successful, the MX-5, also known as the Miata or Eunos Roadster, spawned many imitators, but remains the world's biggest selling sports car. The series has now been in production for over 30 years, and new generations continue to follow the concept of the original, much to the delight of fans and enthusiasts all over the world.

Now in paperback! Researched and written in Japan with the full co-operation of the factory, here in definitive detail is the story of the Honda S2000 – a series of open two-seaters that built on the success of the NSX, helping the company justify its on-track exploits with a proper line of sporting machinery. Successful immediately, the S2000 models defended Honda’s honour on the tracks, but it was in the showrooms where the S2000 excelled. After a major face-lift, it was eventually killed off in 2009, but is as popular today as it ever was as a modern classic for enthusiasts.

The MR2 was a landmark Japanese car, up there with the legendary Toyota 2000GT, the Datsun 240Z, and Mazda’s RX-7 and MX-5. It was the first mid-engined production model to come from the Land of the Rising Sun, and will always have a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts all over the world. The MR2 started life as the SV-3 concept car, introduced at the 1983 Tokyo Show. By the middle of the following year, the first production models were filtering into Japanese showrooms, but they didn’t stay there for long: the MR2 was an instant hit, and demand soon outstripped supply. This definitive history of the MR2 Coupés and Spyders includes nearly 400 photos and illustrations, a wealth of technical detail, and chronicles its development from concept car to production car enjoying worldwide critical acclaim.

The Datsun 240Z inspired a generation of enthusiasts, outselling and outperforming almost all of its contemporaries. This book covers the full story of the Datsun sports cars, from the Fairlady roadsters through to the final 280ZX production model, and is colourfully illustrated throughout with period photos and advertising material.

The definitive history of Leica's SLRs, showing how they evolved from the SLs into a technological tour de force. Detailing all of the R-series models, special editions, and accessories, this is an invaluable reference book for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Stunning contemporary and original photographs showcase the models, along with original brochures and advertising material gathered from all over the world, helping owners to establish authenticity, or simply take a trip down memory lane.

Now in paperback! The fifth volume in Brian Long’s series chronicling, in definitive depth, the history of the evergreen Porsche 911, from the earliest design studies to the water-cooled cars of today. This newly updated and enlarged 2nd edition looks at each 911 model and its derivatives, taking in the various specials and competition cars along the way, and includes the 996 models up to 2005. Historical facts, full model specifications and racing history are covered in great detail. This book is beautifully illustrated throughout, with full colour photographs, official brochures and advertising. A must-have part of the ultimate Porsche library, this book covers the models from 1997 to 2005, and the complete series covers decades of progress from the earliest design studies to the era of the water-cooled cars.

The story of the air-cooled 'big' Kawasaki bikes in definitive detail, researched and written in Japan with the full co-operation of the Kawasaki factory. This series of models put the Kawasaki company on the map during the sixties and seventies, helping it to survive a difficult era that saw hundreds of Japanese motorcycle makers reduced to just four. Successful immediately, these models defended Kawasaki's honour on the tracks as well as in the showrooms, handing the company numerous world championship titles. The series was recently revived as part of a retro boom, and a new machine has been launched, delivering the same thrill and charm as its predecessors.

Researched and written in Japan with the full co-operation of the factory, here in definitive detail is the story of the two-stroke Suzuki bikes – a series of models that put the company on the map, helping it to survive a difficult era that saw hundreds of Japanese motorcycle makers reduced to just four. Successful immediately, the two-stroke models defended Suzuki's honour on the tracks as well as in the showrooms, handing the company numerous world championship titles. The series has now been all but killed off, but this title helps celebrate an era when the two-stroke was king, concentrating on the 1950s through to the late-1970s.

The extraordinary account of how the world’s most popular sports car – the Mazda MX-5 Miata Roadster – came into being. The story of how a team of dedicated engineers and designers boldly conceived the idea of a totally new lightweight sports car at a time when the traditional open roadster seemed doomed to extinction. Despite considerable opposition the group tenaciously defended its concept of a car which would offer the driver the same unity as that found between a horse and its rider. Despite the odds, the team succeeded brilliantly. Here is the fascinating, and very often surprising, inside story of the MX-5 Miata’s conception, design and production, as told by the individual members of the team, translated from the Japanese, and compiled for this edition by renowned motoring author Brian Long.

Mazda launched its first rotary-engined car – the Cosmo – in 1966, and was the only car manufacturer to solve the major problems associated with Wankel’s radical engine design so that the unit’s potential could be exploited and enjoyed. Launched in 1978, the RX-7 provided effortless and uncannily smooth performance, attributes that endeared the model to enthusiasts through three generations of production. With each reincarnation the RX-7 became more of a Grand Tourer and less of a sports car (a mantle handed on to the MX-5/Miata); global sales reduced as the car moved upmarket until, in the new millennium, the model was only sold in its native Japan. Lavishly illustrated with good quality colour photographs, this book provides an in-depth insight into this amazing production automobile. “A must have for any RX7 enthusiast.”

Back in print after a long absence! This book is the definitive history of the Porsche 944, wiritten by an acknowledged expert. Introduced to fill the gap between the 924 and 928 models, the 944 quickly became the fastest selling Porsche of all time. From drawing board, through Turbo, S and soft-top variants, here is the full story of the 944 up to its replacement by the 968 in 1991. Affordable, durable and with excellent performance and handling, the 944 is now well established as a desirable and practical classic.

Back in print after a long absence! Replacing the 914 as the entry-level model, the new 924, with its front-mounted, water-cooled engine, represented a bold – some thought heretical – break with Porsche design tradition. Given its price and specification, the original 924 offered good performance allied to safe and sure-footed handling. The Turbo model, introduced at the end of 1978, gave to the 924 the sparkling performance expected of a Porsche. The 924 has an impressive record on the race tracks of the world; it made appearances in the Monte Carlo and Safari Rallies too, while the Carrera GT, then the GTS and GTR, kept alive the great Porsche tradition of proving its models in competition. Eventually, the 924 Turbo gave way to the 944, but the normally-aspirated 924 carried on into the summer of 1988, by which time it was fitted with the 2.5-litre engine from the 944, and known as the 924S. In the past the 924 was often underrated, but nowadays enthusiasts appreciate the car’s performance, build quality, practicality and affordability. This book records the full history of the Porsche 924, including its motorsport involvement, from inception until the end of production.

The second in a series of SLK titles, this detailed volume presents the full history of the second generation ‘Sportlich, Leicht und Kurz’ – the SLK. With an introduction to the Mercedes-Benz marque and the preceding SLK model. The book then moves on to development of the R171, followed by details of all SLK R171 production models and the optional extras that were sold with them. Also included are comprehensive appendices describing year-by-year changes, engine specifications, standard colours, trim options and production numbers.

As time goes by, older SLs have tended to fall into the hands of collectors, often becoming too valuable or rare to use on a daily basis. The R230-series, however, launched just over a decade ago, allows the enthusiast to enjoy a genuine modern classic – a car that, thanks to its bloodlines, is guaranteed a place in automotive history. With very few books written covering the newer SL models, this book – the fourth volume in a series by Brian Long and Veloce Publishing covering all Mercedes SL models – brings the complete story of the R230 to life. An invaluable resource, it is not only the ideal reference work – both for fans of the Stuttgart marque, and for those looking for originality in their own car – but, with its stunning photography, and contemporary material gathered from all over the world, also makes a true connoisseur’s coffee table book.

The first in a series of SLK titles, this detailed volume, written with the full co-operation of Mercedes-Benz, reveals the full history of the first generation ‘Sportlich, Leicht und Kurz’ – the SLK. Starting with an introduction to, and history of, the Mercedes-Benz marque, it shows the SLK concept cars, and provides full coverage of all the SLK R170 production models and the optional extras that were sold with them. Also included are comprehensive appendices describing year-by-year changes, engine specifications, standard colours, trim options and production numbers.

The definitive international history of Jaguar’s classic grand tourer, the XJ-S, from inception until the end of production. Not only essential reading, but a great reference source for all owners and would-be owners. Includes really useful advice on buying, running and restoration. Includes 270 photos and illustrations.