Product Description

One positive if belated aspect of 'Cool Britannia' is that British-originated cars have become (again?) among the coolest on the planet. Range Rover, Mini, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin - especially the Aston Martin - these are names not only of historic significance but have a new resonance in the contemporary world too. But what of the not so cool cars, the cars you shouldn't opt to buy - and those you shouldn't even be seen in or alongside? No, not the Skoda or station wagon, which have a heroic anti-car coolness of their own, but the Golf or Astra or professional footballer's Ferrari. This is a book that jumps from an enormous height on personalised number plates, but celebrates Jarvis Cocker's decision to drive a station wagon and Roger Moore a Renault 5. It questions what happens to the status of your car after you have seen Bernard Manning or Jade Goodie posing next to a model of it in the newspaper. So there is a 'Showroom Questionnaire' for car manufacturers to check out their customers before they deign to sell them a car that might become irrevocably uncool as a result. As funny as it is cool and aspirational, WHAT NOT TO DRIVE will entertain all who love the information, banter and humour of BBC TV's Top Gear.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #227997 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 276 pages

About the Author
Broadcaster and writer Richard Hammond co-presents BBC television's Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson. He is presenting a new BBC science series later in 2004.

Customer Reviews

One tiny omission
A great read but it's probably best to wait for the updated edition which will include "300mph Jet Car With Wobbly Wheels".

Tim McGrath
This is a fabulous book. Guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of any driver. Quality pictures and good humour the way only Hammond can deliver it. Withour doubt a compulsive page turner. Find out just how cool are the cars you've previously owned and of course the ones you would like to own. Strongly recommended to drivers and non drivers alike..

Des Lynam in a Honda Civic
This is a great book from Richie Hammond, the little guy from the Top Gear car programme. Most people will be familiar with his big mucker Jeremy Clarkston, the one who wants to kill foreigners, smoke where he wants and drop litter. Hammond is the more acceptable face of Top Gear and he's produced a nice book which takes a 'sideways look' at cars and the people who drive them. Apparently, BMW drivers are more likely to profane in front of their kids than Saab drivers. And Ford Mondeo drivers are 37% more constipated than the British average - though not as a result of the driving position! Hammond also has some fun with the types of cars that celebs drive. He himself has a Jaguar XK8, with customised raised seating; Ross Kemp has a Hummer, with a 'baby on board' sticker; and Stephen Fry drives a London taxi, though he won't stop if you try to flag him down. He also has a train for longer journeys. Clarkson (obviously!) has a great big tank.