The Age of the Muscle Car - by Clay Fees (Paperback)

About the Book

"A refreshingly untechnical look at the American muscle car, written from the perspective of a non-mechanic enthusiast. The era of great performance cars is traced from its advent in the 1950s through the seminal appearance of the Pontiac GTO in 1964 to its waning in the 1970s. Leaving aside engine specs and restoration how-to, this approachable history puts the bygone muscle car in its cultural and aesthetic contexts, describes developments in styling, performance and marketing, and revels in the joys of muscle car ownership in the 21st century"-- Provided by publisher

Book Synopsis

A breed unlike any seen before or since, the powerful, stylish American muscle car defined an era in automotive history. This history traces the rise and fall of these great performance cars from their precursors in the 1950s through the seminal appearance of the Pontiac GTO in 1964 and then year by year to the end in the 1970s. Approachable and nontechnical yet deeply informative, it puts the bygone muscle car in its cultural and aesthetic contexts, describes developments in styling, performance and marketing, and revels in the joys of muscle car ownership in the 21st century.

Review Quotes

"[This volume] draws in readers through its 12 engaging chapter titles, suggesting a crescendo, a climax, and an inevitable decline: first 'Genesis--The Genealogy of the American Muscle Car, ' then 'Rolling Thunder--Pontiac Dominates and Detroit Responds, ' and finally 'Swan Song--the Last Stand of the American Muscle Car.'...Details abound, and all muscle car manufacturers are represented.... numerous images capturing full-size cars and minutiae of badging or decals. A 16-page color plates insert captures many of the cars at their best...this volume can be opened to any page and enjoyed--perhaps by both grandparents and grandchildren...recommended"--Choice

About the Author

A former history teacher, Clay Fees is a frequent contributor of car or history-based writings to local publications, and serves as a Judge Advocate in the Oklahoma National Guard. He lives in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.