Books
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Books about classic trials
Donald Cowbourne
"British Trials Drivers, their cars motorcycles and awards 1902-1914" : The last of Donald Cowbourne's trio, with nearly 600 pages covering the Edwardian period. Published 2003 by Westbury Publishing (Smith Settle). Hardback. £36.00 and available direct from the publisher www.ralliesandtrials.com, so don't be tempted by the (sometimes higher) prices on Amazon, e-bay, and at autojumbles. MORE >
"British Trials Drivers, their cars and awards 1919-1928" : The second of Donald Cowbourne's trio, with nearly 600 pages covering a slightly wider range of trials than the 1929-1939 book. Published 2001 by Smith Settle Ltd. Hardback. £36.00 and available as above. MORE >
"British Trials Drivers, their cars and awards 1929-1939" : The first of Donald Cowbourne's extraordinary trio of books. Over 700 pages listing all the entrants for about a dozen of the major 1930s trials, with brief route details and many photographs. Published 1998 by Smith Settle Ltd. Hardback. £36.00 and available as above. MORE >
Peter Garnier
"The Motor Cycling Club" : The definitive history of the MCC. A 'must-have' for members and anyone with an interest in trials. Published 1989 by David & Charles. Hardback. £15.00 plus £2.00 P&P and available from the MCC website.
C A N May
"Wheelspin" : By far the most famous publication on trialling, chronicling Austen May's exploits through the middle and late 1930s. An essential book in every enthusiast's library. First Edition published 1945, Second Edition published 1945 and reprinted twice, Classic Reprint published 1971, all by Foulis. Hardback. I believe that there may also be a paperback version published later in the 1970s. Now out-of-print, but regularly available at autojumbles from £10 upwards depending on edition and condition. Also available, often at extortionate prices, on Amazon, e-bay, and other internet sites.
"More Wheelspin" : Austen May's account of the rebirth of trials in the immediate post-war period. Another classic. First Edition published 1948 by Foulis. Hardback. I believe that there may also be a paperback version published in the 1980s. Availability as for "Wheelspin".
"Wheelspin Abroad" : Mainly concerned with continental rallies, so not strictly about trialling but included here to complete the "Wheelspin" trio. First Edition published 1949 by Foulis. Hardback. Availability as for "Wheelspin".
Roger Thomas
"MG Trials Cars" : Subtitled "An Appreciation of the Works Teams", this large format book was produced to accompany the MGCC "60th Anniversary Weekend" celebrating the formation of the famous Cream Cracker and Musketeers MG Works Teams. Lots of photographs, some well-known, and a few (well-chronicled) captioning errors, but still a tour-de-force. Published 1995 by Magna Press. Hardback. Does anyone know if this is still available, where?, and how much? MORE >
Tom Threlfall and John Aley
"The First Hundred - A Centennial Scrapbook" : A compilation of articles about the MCC, and photographs of Club activities. Published 2001 by John Aley. Softback. £4.00 plus £1.50 P&P and available from the MCC website.
General motoring and motorsport books
Roy Bacon
"The Golden Age of British Motoring" : This large-format book of photographs from the Brunell Collection has been universally praised for the quality of the photography and universally slated for the appallingly poor captions. Published 1995 by Promotional Reprint Company. Hardback. Unpriced on the flyleaf and can sometimes be found in remainder bookshops. MORE >