The Story of the Car by Giles Chapman – Book Review by Belinda Automotive

If you’re passionate about all things automotive (probably why you're reading this page), the history of the car and how it has shaped our world, The Story of the Car by Giles Chapman* is a must-read.

For those that enjoy a good book with pictures, this is ideal. Every page is filled with pictures and illustrations helping to paint history right in front of you. My particular favourites are the French posters from the late 1800s!

This beautifully illustrated automotive book takes you from the birth of the motorcar in the late 19th century to today’s era of electric and autonomous vehicles, telling the full story of how four wheels changed everything for us.

What it's about: a journey through automotive history

Chapman is one of the UK’s most respected motoring journalists, and his expertise shows. Not only does he cover the parts of the automotive industry we all find sexy, but he blends engineering breakthroughs and social change into the narrative, giving us more of a backstory and insight.

Another favourite snippet from this book covers some of the regulations in the early days of the motorcar, particularly the man with the red flag. The way he tells this story reminds me of the way football fans huff and puff at a referee or when someone is inconvenienced by a missing item on their food shopping. It blends comedy with storytelling.

You’ll also discover how pioneers like Karl Benz (and Bertha Benz - who I covered on a Sunday Storytime) and Henry Ford revolutionised transport, how design trends of the 1930s and 1950s reshaped the car’s identity and how modern technology is pushing the industry into an electric, connected future.

I also witnessed so many similarities to today as well. For example, when the motorcar became popular, there were multiple fuel sources, such as steam, electric, petrol and horse. Nowadays, we have similar levels of choice from petrol, diesel, electric and other alternative fuels. We also still see the odd horse and cart on our streets, but thankfully not on our motorways!

What I love about this book

Unlike many car history books, The Story of the Car balances technical storytelling with accessibility, something I am a firm believer of when it comes to sharing stories. You don’t need an engineering degree to follow along. In fact, despite Chapman's incredible writing, the pictures also tell an even greater story. No matter how much you enjoy cars, the details will satisfy anyone.

Heck, you might even be looking for a coffee table centrepiece, and this is ideal! It's quite a thick and heavy book, but you can tell it's really well designed and put together. Plus, it's incredibly high-quality too.

Chapman also captures the cultural impact of cars, and how they became symbols of freedom, status and innovation across different eras. As a woman in automotive myself, I particularly loved the stories of how the motorcar shaped social mobility for women, and how drivers like Dorothy Levitt proved that motorsport really has no gender. This perspective makes the book more than just a list of automotive milestones, it's a reminder of what this innovation has meant for us.

Verdict – should you buy it?

If you're like me and enjoy all things automotive, HARD YES. But, you don't have to be a fanatic to find this book interesting. Whether you’re a lifelong petrolhead, a classic car collector or simply someone curious about how cars changed the world, The Story of the Car deserves a place in your library (or your coffee table!). There are so many stories and perspectives told from this book, that you can find something of interest no matter your preference.

It’s both a visual treat and a fascinating historical record.

Where to Buy: Get The Story of the Car by Giles Chapman on Amazon*

*Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.