As enthusiasts, we like to think we’re experts about cars and the industry. That, of course, is impossible.
Case in point. How many of you know the historical record of European cars that ran American hardware under the hood? I hear a few of you now frantically tapping your keyboards searching Google or whatever fact checking machine you prefer to dig up past car history.
Fair enough, but you could easily also pick up Mike Gulett’s, “European Style with American Muscle”. Mike’s book is a clear summation of a market segment under reported yet should be for the sake of automotive history. A tip of the hat is clearly in order for Mike who does an excellent job of recording that history.
Mike owns an Iso Rivolta, an Iso Grifo, a Bizzarrini and a Porsche. He shows both the Iso Grifo and Bizzarrini at Concours events up and down the California coast.
First off, all of the cars in “European Style with American Muscle” ran some form of American power plant.
Whether is was a Ford V8 stuffed in an AC Ace by Carroll Shelby in 1961 or a Chrysler 5.4 liter V8 in a Trident Clipper, all of the cars are clearly of European design. But rather than develop their own engines, the manufacturers chose to use American motors, many times choosing a powerful V8, no doubt wanting to compete with their “all” European counterparts but at a lower build price.
And to be honest, many of the cars in Mike’s book are worthy of your enthusiasts desire. The clearly Italian-esque styling and exotic car looks are linked to some of the most well known Italian design shops of the day, including Giorgetto Giugiaro of Bertone and Ghia in Turin, Italy.
“European Style with American Muscle” covers 25 marques and has 117 Pages and more than 100 photos. The book can be purchased from Mike’s site at the MyCarQuest.com or from Amazon. It is also available in all eBook formats.
It’s definitely worth picking up to learn about some beautifully styled cars with American muscle.