Michael Ware

Discovering Lost Automobiles and their Stories by Michael Ware is such a fun read. I learned so much about both the "found" cars and the people who owned them.

I think most people have a certain attraction to finding hidden gems, whether automobiles or other collectibles (for me it is probably books, record albums, and sports cards). Seeing how so many vehicles came to be uncovered, as well as the stories about how they ended up "lost," makes for fascinating reading. I can't imagine having a car and just letting it sit in less-than-ideal conditions for years. But then I have never owned more than three cars at one time and had a purpose for each, so my income bracket probably plays into my ability to understand.

Even with all of the amazing vehicles mentioned here the one that caused me to go and look up more pictures as well as more of the backstory was the Manta Ray Concept Car, built on a Studebaker frame by a couple of engineers and a true one of a kind, as in there is only one. It would scare me to death if I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw it coming up behind me.

That is just one of the many interesting stories included. Made me want to go and search barns (for cars and such) as well as attics and basements (for the things that interest me even more than cars). Highly recommended for car buffs as well as those who enjoy recovering long forgotten items from decay.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (meer)