Best Vehicle Design & Construction Books of 2026

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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Vehicle design and construction books are essential resources for anyone interested in learning about the intricacies of designing and building cars, trucks, and other vehicles. These books cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of vehicle design and engineering to more advanced topics like aerodynamics, suspension systems, and materials science. They are written by experts in the field and provide detailed information and step-by-step instructions for building your own vehicles or improving existing designs. Whether you are a professional engineer or a passionate hobbyist, these books are a valuable addition to your library.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Car Maintenance Log Book: Vehicle Maintenance Log Book - Repair And Service Record Book for Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles - Small Size 8.25" x 6" Cover #TOP 1
Car Maintenance Log Book: Vehicle Maintenance Log Book - Repair And Service Record Book for Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles - Small Size 8.25" x 6"
ftb score rating icon 9.9
The LEGO® Engineer Cover #TOP 2
The LEGO® Engineer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
The Science of Supercars: The Technology that Powers the Greatest Cars in the World Cover #TOP 3
The Science of Supercars: The Technology that Powers the Greatest Cars in the World
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Vehicle Design & Construction Books

Car Maintenance Log Book: Vehicle Maintenance Log Book - Repair And Service Record Book for Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles - Small Size 8.25" x 6"

KNB Publishing
May 27, 2021
Car Maintenance Log Book: Vehicle Maintenance Log Book - Repair And Service Record Book for Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles - Small Size 8.25" x 6" Cover
Car Maintenance Log Book: Vehicle Maintenance Log Book - Repair And Service Record Book for Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles - Small Size 8.25" x 6"

This Car Maintenance Log Book is the perfect tool for keeping track of your vehicle's service and repairs. With sections for car identification, contact information, insurance details, and a monthly checklist, this book has everything you need to stay organized. The repair, service, and maintenance log even includes over 340 entries with enough space to write down all the details. The book is conveniently sized at 8.25" x 6" and has a flexible soft cover. This is a must-have for any car, truck, or motorcycle owner.

Friesen, Jeff
Nov 1, 2022

The LEGO® Engineer by Jeff Friesen is a must-have for any LEGO enthusiast interested in engineering. This book provides an informative tour of the world of engineering, from skyscrapers to bullet trains, and teaches readers how to build over 30 models using LEGO® bricks. The stunning digital photography showcases how close the builds are to the real engineering wonders. The step-by-step instructions and engineering principles behind the models will help readers appreciate the world around them and make their own LEGO® builds more realistic. The LEGO Engineer is an innovative and beautiful book that any model building enthusiast should have in their collection.

#TOP 3

The Science of Supercars: The Technology that Powers the Greatest Cars in the World

Roach, Martin
Waterman, Neil
Morrison, John
Coulthard, David
Firefly Books
Sep 14, 2018
The Science of Supercars: The Technology that Powers the Greatest Cars in the World Cover
The Science of Supercars: The Technology that Powers the Greatest Cars in the World

The Science of Supercars is an informative and engaging read for car enthusiasts. The book delves into the history of supercars and the technology behind them, featuring in-depth interviews with top figures in the supercar world. The comprehensive chapters are accompanied by stunning photographs that showcase the interiors and exteriors of supercars, while illustrated insets explain the technology. The authors cover everything from the internal combustion engine to hybrid technology, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of supercars. Overall, this book is well-written and visually appealing, making it a unique addition to any car lover's library.

How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines (Motorbooks Workshop)

Potak, Joseph
Motorbooks
Oct 1, 2009
How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines (Motorbooks Workshop) Cover
How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines (Motorbooks Workshop)

How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines is the ultimate guide for gearheads looking to build or modify LS engines. Joseph Potak, a premier LS engine technician, provides detailed instructions for modifying LS engines through the Gen IV models. The book covers everything from block selection and modifications to setting up ring and bearing clearances for specific uses. Potak also guides readers through forced induction and nitrous oxide applications. The book is fully illustrated with color photography and detailed captions. Overall, this book is a must-have resource for anyone looking to build the ultimate LS-series engine.

#TOP 5

Automotive Handbook

Robert Bosch GmbH
May 2, 2022

The Bosch Automotive Handbook is an essential resource for automotive professionals and enthusiasts alike. The latest edition offers over 2,000 pages of up-to-date information, including 200 pages of new content covering topics such as the electrification of powertrains and autonomous vehicles. With contributions from experts at automotive manufacturers, universities, and Bosch GmbH, readers can trust the comprehensive and authoritative information provided. The book's over 1,000 diagrams, illustrations, sectional drawings, and tables make complex concepts easy to understand. Overall, this handbook is a must-have for anyone interested in automotive engineering and technology.

#TOP 6

An Introduction to Mission Design for Geostationary Satellites (Space Technology Library, 1)

Pocha, J.J.
Springer
Nov 4, 2011
An Introduction to Mission Design for Geostationary Satellites (Space Technology Library, 1) Cover
An Introduction to Mission Design for Geostationary Satellites (Space Technology Library, 1)

An Introduction to Mission Design for Geostationary Satellites is a well-written book that provides a comprehensive overview of the mission design problem and analysis techniques for the geo-synchronous orbit. Suitable for a broad range of readers from students to managers, the book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about geostationary satellites. The book is published by D. Reidel Publishing Company, and sold and distributed in the U.S.A. and Canada by Kluwer Academic Publishers. Overall, it is a valuable addition to the Vehicle Design & Construction Books category from Springer.

Luxury and Speed: World's Greatest Cars

Publications International Ltd.
Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
Publications International, Ltd.
Sep 1, 2019
Luxury and Speed: World's Greatest Cars Cover
Luxury and Speed: World's Greatest Cars

The book "Luxury and Speed: World's Greatest Cars" is a comprehensive guide to 78 iconic cars that have shaped the automotive industry from the early twentieth century to 2019. With impressive photography and informative text, each entry describes key performance advancements and provides entertaining facts and figures. This hardcover book is 320 pages long, with four pages devoted to each car. The book is published by Publications International, Ltd. and is a must-have for car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The Innovator's Handbook: A Short Guide to Unleashing Your Creative Mindset

Almossawi, Hussain
Mossawi Studios LLC
Sep 6, 2022
The Innovator's Handbook: A Short Guide to Unleashing Your Creative Mindset Cover
The Innovator's Handbook: A Short Guide to Unleashing Your Creative Mindset

The Innovator's Handbook by Hussain Almossawi is a practical guide that helps designers and creatives to unlock their innovative potential. Drawing on the author's experiences working with top companies like Apple, Nike, and Intel, this book provides simple lessons that empower readers to generate new ideas, avoid common traps, and supercharge their creativity. The author emphasizes the importance of diversity, wonder, and failure in the creative process. The Innovator's Handbook is a must-read for anyone who wants to develop their creative mindset and create remarkable products, services, and experiences.

Chassis Engineering: Chassis Design, Building & Tuning for High Performance Handling

Adams, Herb
HP Books
Nov 19, 1992
Chassis Engineering: Chassis Design, Building & Tuning for High Performance Handling Cover
Chassis Engineering: Chassis Design, Building & Tuning for High Performance Handling

Chassis Engineering by Herb Adams is a must-read for anyone interested in high-performance driving and car customization. The book explains the complex principles of suspension geometry and chassis design in a way that even a novice can understand. The author's expertise and experience are evident in the hundreds of photos and illustrations that show what it takes to design, build, and tune the ultimate chassis for maximum cornering power on and off the track. Overall, Chassis Engineering is a comprehensive guide that provides valuable insights into the art and science of engineering a chassis, making it a unique and valuable addition to any car enthusiast's library.

#TOP 10

24 Hours of Le Mans Curiosities: From 1923 to the present

De Paula, Carlos
Apr 1, 2023
24 Hours of Le Mans Curiosities: From 1923 to the present Cover
24 Hours of Le Mans Curiosities: From 1923 to the present

This book is a must-read for any automotive history enthusiast. The "24 Hours of Le Mans Curiosities" provides an extensive chronological overview of the event, from its first race in 1923 to the present day. The book covers everything from drivers and constructors to layout and regulations. The photographs of some of the most iconic cars that raced in the event are a nice touch. The book is written in easy-to-understand English, making it accessible to all readers. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the history of Le Mans and the automotive industry.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What books should a car designer read?

20 Books on Car Design. Jim Heimann.1001 Dream Cars You Must Drive Before You Die. Simon Heptinstall.American Auto Legends. Michael Furman.The Architecture of Parking. Simon Henley.The Art and Colour of General Motors. Jonathan A. Stein.Autodesign International. Bernd Polster.BMW Art Cars.Phil Patton.

2. What are the three stages of design for a vehicle?

The task of the design team is usually split into three main aspects: exterior design, interior design, and color and trim design.

Editor's Notes

During our vehicle design & construction book research, we found 1,000+ vehicle design & construction book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,018 customer reviews through our big data system to write the vehicle design & construction books list. We found that most customers choose vehicle design & construction books with an average price of $19.99.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.