The Best Car Industry Books of All Time

Discover the most influential car industry books, recommended by leaders, experts, and readers worldwide

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Recommendations by Ben Horowitz, Steve Blank, Nir Eyal, Michael Batnick and 61 others

Not sure what to read? Our AI can suggest the most recommended Car Industry books!

1
Book Cover of A. J. Baime - Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans

By A. J. Baime – New York Times bestselling author (you?) 

4.90
| 304 Pages
Recommended for: 
Automotive enthusiasts and history buffs. Ages 12 to Adults.
You will:
  • Learn about the intense rivalry between Ford and Ferrari during the 1960s.
  • Discover the key figures behind the automotive innovations of the era.
  • Understand the impact of racing on American automotive culture.
  • Explore the engineering challenges faced by Ford in their quest for victory.
  • Gain insights into the personalities that shaped the world of motorsport.
Reviews:
Engaging Narrative
Well-Researched
Vivid Characters
Exciting Story
Historical Context
Somewhat Technical
Gruff Language
  • New York Times Bestseller
  • Rated Amazon Best Book of the Year
Recommended by Michael Batnick, Leigh Montville, Garth Stein and 2 others
Michael BatnickThis movie looks awesome. Based on the book Go Like Hell, which was very good.
H/t Deeep_Blue
Leigh MontvilleLight up a Lucky Strike. Pour yourself a good stiff drink. Go Like Hell is a wonder, chock-a-block with great heroes and villains, a pedal-to-the metal account of greed and gumption, a chronicle of obsession and vain glory. Don't worry about that seat belt. Just go for the ride
Garth SteinWow! Go Like Hell drops you right smack in the middle an intense and ferocious battle between Ford and Ferrari in the 1960s. Baime's exceptional voice puts the reader into minds of the drivers, designers, and executives who formed the Golden Age of racing; his fantastic descriptions allow the reader to feel the pounding of the cylinders. If you like cars—nay, if you have ever seen a car—you must read this book!
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2
Book Cover of Hamish McKenzie - Insane Mode: How Elon Musk's Tesla Sparked an Electric Revolution to End the Age of Oil

By Hamish McKenzie – Co-founder of Substack, former Tesla communications lead (you?) 

4.83
| 2018 | 304 Pages
Recommended for: 
Business professionals and technology enthusiasts. Ages 12 to Adults.
You will:
  • Learn about the evolution of electric vehicles and their impact on the automotive industry.
  • Discover the challenges Elon Musk faced in revolutionizing transportation and energy.
  • Understand the competitive landscape of electric car startups and traditional automakers.
  • Explore the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in modern society.
  • Gain insights into the future of transportation and the role of electric vehicles in combating climate change.
Reviews:
Fascinating Insights
Well Researched
Easy to Read
Engaging Narrative
Informative
Repetitive Details
Political Conjecture
  • #59 Best Seller in Automotive Industries on Amazon
  • A USA Today New and Noteworthy Title
  • New York Times Bestseller
Recommended by Nir Eyal, Jonah Berger, Shaun Rein and 7 others
Nir EyalInsane Mode is a gripping account of how Elon Musk has used genius and tenacity to overcome a mind-boggling array of obstacles and transform the auto industry
Jonah BergerInsane Mode heralds a historic revolution in transportation—one that may even save us from the worst effects of global warming
Shaun ReinDestined to be the classic business book about how great entrepreneurs can overcome challenges and beat back naysayers to change entire industries
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Car Industry Book made by AI

By TailoredRead – AI that creates personalized books for you 

4.98
| 2025 | 30-300 pages
Learn Car Industry faster with a book created specifically for you by state-of-the-art AI. Our AI has vast knowledge of Car Industry, and will craft a custom-tailored book for you in just 10 minutes. This tailored book addresses YOUR unique interests, goals, knowledge level, and background. Available for online reading, PDF download, and Kindle, your custom book will provide personalized insights to help you learn faster, expand your horizons, and accomplish your goals. Embark on your Car Industry learning journey with a personalized book - made exclusively for you.
Recommended for: 
All readers across all knowledge levels.
You will:
  • Get a Car Industry book tailored to your interests, goals, and background
  • Receive a book precisely matching your background and level of knowledge
  • Select which topics you want to learn, exclude the topics you don't
  • Define your learning goals and let your book guide you to accomplish them
  • Get all the knowledge you need consolidated into a single focused book
Reviews:
Insightful
Focused
Highly Personalized
Easy to Read
Engaging
Actionable
Up-to-Date
3
Book Cover of Steve Lehto, Jay Leno - Preston Tucker and His Battle to Build the Car of Tomorrow

By Steve Lehto – Writer, attorney, and professor (you?) and 1 more 

4.82
| 2016 | 272 Pages
Recommended for: 
Automotive enthusiasts and business readers. Ages 12 to Adults.
You will:
  • Learn about Preston Tucker's innovative ideas and how they influenced the automotive industry.
  • Discover the challenges Tucker faced in bringing his vision to life amidst industry opposition.
  • Understand the impact of government regulations on small businesses and innovation.
  • Explore the historical context of the automotive industry post-World War II.
  • Gain insights into the importance of strategic planning in entrepreneurship.
Reviews:
Well Written
Fascinating Story
Meticulous Research
Engaging Narrative
Historical Insight
Repetitive
Too Detailed
  • A 2017 Michigan Notable Book
Chicago Review of BooksThis is not just a book for automobile buffs; there’s enough insight and intrigue to appeal to a wider audience
The Wall Street JournalSmoothly written and well researched
BooklistCar enthusiasts of every stripe—including Jay Leno, who was inspired to provide a thoughtful introduction—will appreciate Lehto’s meticulous research, which re-creates a lost era and cogently and accurately presents the full dramatic story of one of the auto industry’s seminal innovators
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