The emergence of both television and film over the last half-century helped cultivate a segment of the car culture that attracts some of the most talented and creative individuals to ever draw a sketch, engineer a solution,

Storied Italian sports car-maker Alfa Romeo built just five 8C-2900 Type B Berlinetta Coupés in 1938. And two of the powerful 2,900cc cars with a significant racing history have had strong B.C connections.

Malcolm Bricklin, a millionaire entrepreneur from New York, had an exceptional dream in 1972 – to build the world’s safest and most economical sports car.

Recently, the hobby of building custom cars has regained its momentum and popularity, largely due to the proliferation of television programs, magazines and websites dedicated to the wants and needs of the automotive enthusiast. For the gear-head looking to make the boldest statement on four wheels, there is only one solution, the creation of an over-the-top street rod by a top builder.

I am no stranger to wrecking yards, having scoured more than my fair share since the early 1960s. A recent trip to Phoenix, Arizona unearthed the holy grail of wrecking yards which is laden with brand-new old parts; the sun-blasted area makes it a restorer’s paradise.

As I write this history of one of the greatest racing spectacles of all time, the wee Scot Allan McNish in his all-conquering Audi is being swarmed by a flock of Peugeot 908s, hell bent on victory at their home event. The 24 Heures du Mans is an annual celebration of speed, endurance, technology and great rivalries between great marques. This 2009 race represents the 77th running of the event since its inception in 1923.

Krause Publications has expanded its growing catalogue of automotive titles with a real gem dedicated to fans of the American muscle car. Muscle Car: The Art of Power takes a look at forty of the most popular, and significant, cars of the Muscle Car Era as determined by author John Gunnell.

The year was 1963, and the Beatles release their first album, Please Please Me, Alcatraz is closed, Martin Luther King Jr. gives his “I have a dream” speech, and President Kennedy is assassinated.