8 Best-Selling Car Books Millions Love

Top Car Books recommended by Donald Trump, Daniel Carcillo, and Shankar Sharma, trusted experts in automotive and motorsport.

Donald Trump
Daniel Carcillo
Shankar Sharma
Updated on June 24, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, and nowhere is that more evident than in the world of car literature. Whether you're fascinated by the mechanics under the hood or the stories behind legendary vehicles and industry leaders, these books have proven their worth to millions and garnered endorsements from notable figures. Cars remain a cornerstone of innovation and culture, capturing imaginations across generations.

Among the experts championing these titles are Donald Trump, who appreciates leadership lessons from automotive icons; Daniel Carcillo, a two-time Stanley Cup winner who values candid accounts of racing and injury management; and Shankar Sharma, an investor who found profound business insights in car industry memoirs. Each expert's unique background brings credibility and diverse perspectives to these recommended reads.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks and rich narratives, readers seeking a more tailored learning experience might consider creating a personalized Car book that aligns with your background, skill level, and specific interests. This approach combines trusted methods with your unique goals for a focused journey through the automotive world.

Best for automotive business insights
Shankar Sharma, an investor and business strategist, recalls how reading Iacocca's autobiography at 21 was a turning point that taught him more than an MBA could. His recommendation highlights the book’s deep business insights and leadership lessons that align with what many readers value about this classic. Sharma's personal experience with the book underscores its lasting impact on those seeking to grasp the complexities of the automotive world and corporate leadership.
SS

Recommended by Shankar Sharma

Investor and business strategist

Reading the Iacocca autobio at age 21, was absolutely transformational. Taught me more than an MBA degree. The second book that did something similar at that age for me, was "The Mind of The Strategist" by Kenichi Ohmae. Such great business wisdom in these books. RIP Lee (from X)

Iacocca: An Autobiography book cover

by Lee Iacocca, William Novak··You?

1985·352 pages·Car Industry, Automotive, Car, Business Strategy, Leadership

Drawing from decades leading two major American automakers, Lee Iacocca offers an insider’s view of the car industry’s highs and lows. You’ll learn how he transformed the Ford Mustang into an icon and orchestrated Chrysler’s dramatic turnaround, navigating corporate politics and government negotiations along the way. The book sheds light on leadership under pressure, product innovation, and the gritty reality behind headline-making business decisions. If you want to understand the business side of cars through the eyes of someone who shaped the industry, this candid autobiography delivers that perspective.

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Best for motorsport leadership fans
Guenther Steiner is the Haas team principal, known for his appearances on Netflix's Drive to Survive. In 'Surviving to Drive,' he provides an unobstructed view of the behind-the-scenes of Formula 1, sharing firsthand knowledge from the 2022 season that only someone deeply embedded in the sport could offer. His unique perspective sheds light on the complexities and pressures faced daily in Formula 1, making this an invaluable account for anyone intrigued by the real workings of elite motorsport teams.
2023·304 pages·Motorsport, Car Racing, Car, Car Engineering, Team Management

Guenther Steiner brings his direct experience as the Haas Formula 1 team principal to the forefront, delivering a no-filter look at the high-pressure world of F1 racing. You get an insider’s perspective on the intense decisions behind hiring drivers, managing budgets, and launching a new car, all unfolding through the 2022 season. The book doesn't glamorize the sport but instead shows the gritty realities of leadership in one of the most demanding environments. If you’re fascinated by the mechanics of running a racing team or want to understand the human drama behind motorsport headlines, this is a revealing read.

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Best for custom maintenance plans
This AI-created book on car mechanics and maintenance is crafted based on your background, skill level, and the specific areas you want to focus on. You share your experience and goals, and the book is then created to cover the precise topics you need to learn. Personalizing this content helps you avoid unnecessary information and zero in on car knowledge that truly matters to you.
2025·50-300 pages·Car, Car Mechanics, Engine Systems, Diagnostics, Maintenance Techniques

This tailored book explores the intricate world of car mechanics and maintenance, focusing on your unique background and goals. It covers fundamental concepts such as engine systems, diagnostics, and routine upkeep while integrating personalized insights that align with your specific interests. Combining widely validated knowledge with targeted content, it reveals how different components interact and how to approach common repair challenges. The book also examines practical skills like troubleshooting, preventive care, and hands-on maintenance techniques, all tailored to match your experience level. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with automotive mechanics in a way that directly supports your ambitions and learning style.

Tailored Guide
Maintenance Mastery
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for race memoir enthusiasts
Daniel Carcillo, a two-time Stanley Cup winner and mental health advocate, praised this book for its honest depiction of concussion struggles in professional sports. After battling his own injuries, Carcillo recognized how Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s detailed symptom tracking brought awareness to traumatic brain injuries. "The note taking process you used to keep track of symptoms is a great tool," he shared, highlighting the book's practical impact beyond racing fans. This endorsement aligns with the book's broad appeal to those interested in the human costs behind high-speed competition.
DC

Recommended by Daniel Carcillo

2x Stanley Cup Winner; Mental Health Advocate

@DaleJr Thanks for the retweet Dale! I read your book on concussions. The note taking process you used to keep track of symptoms is a great tool. Appreciate you using your story to raise awareness for traumatic brain injuries (from X)

Racing to the Finish: My Story book cover

by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Ryan McGee··You?

2018·208 pages·Car Racing, Motorsport, Car, Injury Management, Concussion Awareness

Unlike most car books that focus on race results and technical specs, this memoir offers a raw, personal look inside the life of Dale Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR legend. You gain insight into the toll that concussions took on his career and well-being, especially how a seemingly minor crash forced him to confront his mortality and future beyond racing. Chapters detailing his note-taking system for tracking symptoms reveal practical approaches to managing traumatic brain injuries. If you care about the human side of motorsport or want to understand the complexities behind racing fame, this candid narrative will speak directly to you.

New York Times Bestseller
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Best for beginner car mechanics
Tom Newton owns and operates the Newton Learning Center, specializing in reading difficulties. His background as a school psychologist and graduate student of media theorist Marshall McLuhan inspired him to create accessible reading material that engages teens, particularly boys. This experience led him to write 'How Cars Work', which uses simple descriptions and illustrations to help users visualize car parts and understand their functions, making it a unique educational resource for both young learners and adults.
How Cars Work book cover

by Tom Newton··You?

1999·96 pages·Car Mechanics, Automotive Engineering, Automotive, Car, Car Parts

Millions have turned to this book for a straightforward exploration of car mechanics that avoids jargon and complexity. Tom Newton, a school psychologist with a background in reading education, crafted this guide to help teenagers, especially boys, grasp automotive concepts through simple language and clear illustrations. You’ll learn about 250 essential car parts, understanding how they function and fit together, which makes it a practical introduction whether you’re a curious beginner or looking to improve your basic car knowledge. Chapters break down components like engines and brakes into digestible sections, making it accessible without overwhelming detail. If you want clarity on how your car operates without technical overload, this book serves that purpose well.

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Best for technical car mechanics
Auto Mechanics Fundamentals offers an in-depth look at the design, construction, and operation of automotive units, making it a staple for those interested in car mechanics. This book’s approach begins with basic theory and builds up to complete units, providing clarity on how each system integrates within the car. Richly illustrated with hundreds of specially drawn images, it emphasizes critical parts and concepts, supported by a comprehensive dictionary of terms. Ideal for students and professionals alike, it addresses core automotive engineering topics from engines and transmissions to brakes and electrical systems, fulfilling a vital need for clear, structured knowledge in the field.
Auto Mechanics Fundamentals (How and Why of the Design, Construction and Operation of Automotive Units) book cover

by Martin Wall Stockel·You?

After years of working in automotive education, Martin Wall Stockel developed this book to clarify the complex inner workings of car mechanics. You’ll explore how each automotive unit is designed and constructed, starting with fundamental theory before layering in components, which makes the function and interconnection clear. The book’s detailed illustrations—many deliberately exaggerated—help you visualize parts and their roles, while a glossary defines over 1,100 terms, supporting deeper understanding. Whether you’re a student, technician, or hobbyist, this text demystifies engines, transmissions, brakes, and electrical systems with practical clarity that supports hands-on learning and technical proficiency.

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Best for rapid skill building
This AI-created book on speed learning is designed based on your racing background and goals. You share what aspects of car performance interest you most and your current skill level, so the book focuses on what will help you grasp key concepts quickly. Personalizing this learning journey makes sense because racing demands targeted knowledge and practice, and this book matches your unique pace and interests to help you get faster results.
2025·50-300 pages·Car, Car Racing, Performance Basics, Driving Techniques, Vehicle Dynamics

This tailored book explores rapid learning techniques specifically designed for car racing and performance enthusiasts. Combining proven popular knowledge with your individual interests, it focuses on accelerating your understanding of vehicle dynamics, driving tactics, and performance optimization. The personalized content matches your background and addresses your specific goals, providing an engaging journey through topics like race strategy, car handling, and technical tuning. By integrating reader-validated insights, it offers a unique pathway that would examine the essentials of speed and control, helping you gain practical knowledge efficiently. This approach ensures you grasp complex concepts faster and apply them confidently in racing contexts.

Tailored Content
Performance Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for automotive history lovers
Publications International, Ltd. (PIL) has built a reputation since 1967 for publishing high-quality works across many categories, including automotive. Their extensive experience and volume of titles reflect a deep commitment to delivering well-researched, visually rich books. This background underpins their presentation of 100 Cars That Changed the World, a thoughtfully curated collection that charts pivotal vehicles and innovations shaping the automotive landscape over more than a century.
100 Cars That Changed the World: The Designs, Engines, and Technologies That Drive Our Imaginations book cover

by Publications International Ltd., Auto Editors of Consumer Guide··You?

2020·144 pages·Automotive History, Car, Vehicle Design, Engine Technology, Electric Vehicles

Publications International Ltd.'s long-standing expertise in automotive publishing shines through in this vivid collection tracing 100 landmark cars from the late 1800s through 2020. The book combines sharp photography—both color and vintage black-and-white—with concise descriptions to highlight vehicles that reshaped transportation and culture, such as the Ford Model T and Tesla Model S. You'll gain insight into how design, engine innovation, and technology evolved to meet shifting societal needs, from wartime utility to family travel and electric mobility. This volume suits enthusiasts eager to connect automotive history to broader technological and cultural shifts, rather than technical manuals or detailed engineering analysis.

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Best for supercar enthusiasts
Publications International, Ltd., founded in 1967 by CEO Louis Weber, brings decades of publishing expertise to this volume. Known for producing high-quality automotive books, their extensive catalog and commitment to detailed, accessible content drive this look at the world’s fastest road cars. Their proven ability to combine rich visuals with informative text makes this book a compelling choice for anyone curious about automotive speed and design.
Built for Speed: The World's Fastest Road Cars book cover

by Publications International Ltd., Auto Editors of Consumer Guide··You?

2019·144 pages·Transportation, Car, Supercars, Automotive History, Performance Engineering

Publications International Ltd., with decades of experience in automotive publishing, offers you a detailed look at the fastest road cars spanning 1996 to 2019. You'll explore a curated collection of 35 vehicles, from exotic million-dollar supercars like the McLaren Senna to more accessible performance machines such as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. The book pairs vivid full-color photography with concise overviews, helping you understand what makes each car unique, from engineering feats to design cues. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or someone intrigued by automotive innovation, this volume delivers a visually rich and informative snapshot of speed and style across decades.

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Best for classic American car fans
Publications International, Ltd., established in 1967 and known for producing high-quality books across diverse topics, brings its expertise to "Muscle & Chrome: Classic American Cars." Their deep experience in automotive publishing ensures this volume offers a rich exploration of postwar American cars. This book captures the enthusiasm and innovation of the era with detailed vehicle profiles and historical context, making it an engaging read for those fascinated by classic automobiles.
Muscle & Chrome: Classic American Cars book cover

by Publications International Ltd., Auto Editors of Consumer Guide··You?

2018·144 pages·Automotive History, Car, Automotive, Muscle Cars, Car Design

The authors at Publications International Ltd., with decades of experience producing automotive literature, developed this book to celebrate a pivotal era in American car culture. You’ll explore detailed profiles of 70 classic vehicles, tracing their evolution from post-World War II design breakthroughs to the muscle car surge of the 1960s. The book offers you insights into the styling trends, engineering feats, and cultural shifts that shaped these iconic automobiles, making it particularly useful if you’re a collector, enthusiast, or historian seeking a well-curated snapshot of this golden age. Chapters highlight key models and innovations, illustrating how these cars captured the spirit of their times without overwhelming you with technical jargon.

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Conclusion

These eight best-selling car books collectively highlight themes of proven expertise, authentic storytelling, and a deep connection to automotive culture and technology. Whether your passion lies in understanding the nuts and bolts, appreciating historical milestones, or exploring the intense world of racing, these selections offer valuable perspectives validated by both expert voices and widespread reader acclaim.

If you prefer proven methods and foundational knowledge, start with How Cars Work and Auto Mechanics Fundamentals. For those drawn to leadership and business insights, Iacocca and Surviving to Drive offer compelling narratives. Fans of automotive history and design will find 100 Cars That Changed the World, Built for Speed, and Muscle & Chrome especially rewarding. For a human angle on racing, Racing to the Finish provides an intimate memoir.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Car book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed, and crafting a custom guide ensures you get exactly what you need to fuel your automotive journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which car book should I start with?

If you're new to cars, start with "How Cars Work." It breaks down complex mechanics into simple, clear explanations, making it ideal for beginners wanting foundational knowledge.

Are these books suitable for someone without prior car experience?

Yes. Titles like "How Cars Work" and "Auto Mechanics Fundamentals" are designed to be accessible, while others provide deeper insights for enthusiasts at various levels.

What's the best order to read these car books?

Begin with basics like "How Cars Work," then explore business and leadership through "Iacocca." Follow with specialized topics like racing memoirs and automotive history for a rounded view.

Do these books focus more on theory or practical application?

There's a good mix. "Auto Mechanics Fundamentals" leans technical, while "Racing to the Finish" offers personal stories. Others balance history, design, and leadership perspectives.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast car technology changes?

While some focus on history or memoirs, fundamental mechanics and leadership lessons in books like "Iacocca" remain relevant despite technological shifts.

Can I get a book tailored to my specific car interests or skill level?

Absolutely. While these expert picks offer solid foundations, you can create a personalized Car book that blends proven methods with your unique goals and experience for a customized learning path.

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