History's Greatest Automotive Mysteries, Myths and Rumors Revealed

"Chock-full of amusing car-related trivia and miscellany." —Detroit News

Did you know that after James Dean's death behind the wheel of his Porsche 550 Spyder, parts of the car were sold off, and said parts then cursed their new owners? (Or did they?)

Did you know Bonnie and Clyde stole Ford V-8s almost exclusively as getaway cars because they were the fastest cars of their day—and that Clyde wrote Henry Ford a thank-you note?

Did you know that a monkey by the name of Jocko Flocko once won a Grand National race? (NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Tim Flock helped.)

Rumors, myths, and fantastic stories have swirled around the automobile for over a century. This fascinating collection compiles funny stories and a trunkful of trivia: What was the first car to break the sound barrier? Who won the first Indy 500? What kind of car was dancer Isadora Duncan in when she was killed? What car performed the most spectacular stunt in the James Bond movie oeuvre? In all of these cases, the answers may not be what you think.

"Entertaining stories of vehicular crime, racing, moviemaking and various mishaps and mayhem." —The New York Times