The V12 Engine: The Technology, Evolution and Impact of V12-Engined Cars (1909-2005) book explores one of the most popular machines in racing and auto manufacturing. Inside its 500+ pages, you get an excruciatingly thorough review of the V12 engine history, evolution and influence in the auto industry. From the 1930s still-luxurious Hispano-Suiza through the Lamborghini supercars right up to the how trailblazers like Mercedes and BMW still depend on the V12 in the 21st Century, this is a great story for the car enthusiast.
Chapters include the following and much more:
- Origins
The beginnings of the multi-cylinder auto engine and the tale of the very first V12 unleashed in 1904 for marine racing - American Twins & European Twelves
Separate chapters on these topics cover the V12 aero engines and the European models developed by Lancia, Lorraine-Dietrich and Fiat - Americana
Taking the bull by the horn, America embraces the V12 engine history, evolution and thrill of the new tech - Teutonic Twelves
An entire chapter on the German nations and their love of the V12, including the fascinating story of the elaborate V12 designs with no thought to budget - American Racers & Grand Prix Glories
The Auburn V12 Speedster, the record breaking Voisin, the Voelker V12, the prototypes from Alfa Romeo, all here accompanied by lavish color photography and drawings from the Ludvigsen library
The V12 Engine reference book names names: Jesse Vincent, Louis Coatalen, W.O. Bentley, Marc Birkigt, Sir William Lyons, Paolo Stanzani, all names even the most ardent car lover may have never heard of but whose contribution is probably still influencing the way they ride.
About the Author
Karl Ludvigsen has forgotten more about the V12 engine history, evolution and the motor industry than most of us will ever learn. He's been an exec with Fiat, Ford and GM, and headed a consulting agency. His career as historian and author on cars goes back five decades.
Subject: V12 Engine Technology, Evolution and Influence on the Race and Auto Industry. ISBN-10: 0837617332 | ISBN-13: 9780837617336 | Bentley Publishers H674
