Cars & Transport
On this page:
Welcome
The library is your one stop shop for car and small engine information. Check out our great range of car and motorcycle repair manuals, have a look at what's hot in the car magazines, or find out how to fix that small engine with our great online databases!
Have a suggestion for our collection? Let us know - fill out a Suggestion to buy.
Focus
The American love affair - the beginning and the end?
Crash course: the American automobile industry's road from glory to disaster- Paul Ingrassia.
- "Informed by Ingrassia's 25 years of experience covering the auto industry for "The Wall Street Journal, Crash Course" tells the epic saga of the American automobile industry's rise and fall." (Library Catalogue)
Traffic: why we drive the way we do (and what it says about us)- by Tom Vanderbilt.
- "This fascinating book about the psychology and behaviour of humans behind the steering wheel should be read by everyone, whether they are drivers or traffic engineers. Vanderbilt, who writes regularly about technology and culture, has consulted an amazingly large assortment of behavioralists and traffic professionals... Readers will better understand principles of traffic flow, as well as why designs to improve capacity and safety often have the opposite effect. A short history of traffic congestion back to Roman times and why some countries drive on the left or right is fascinating, as are bitingly familiar examples of the "tragedy of the commons," risk homeostasis, user versus social costs and optima, and stopping cars to shorten travel times. There is no comparable book." (Copyright American Library Association, used with permission)
Standard catalog of Corvette, 1953-2005- by John Gunnell
- "For more than 50 years, the Corvette has been the quintessential American sports car. Sleek, stylish, and packed with power, the 'Vette is in a class by itself. With fabulous photography, production information, vehicle identification numbers, engine and interior codes, options and other information, Standard Catalog of Corvette 1953-2005, 2nd Edition, celebrates the legend and legacy of this great automobile." (Book jacket)
The great book of American automobiles- edited by Andrew Montgomery.
DVDs:
Clarkson. Thriller- Presented by Jeremy Clarkson.
- "As the name suggests, it's all about thrills at the wheel. Aston Martin's gentleman thug, the DBS, takes on its rivals from Italy. The lightweight Lamborghini Superleggera battles it out on the track with Ferrari's 430 Scuderia and my test of the best takes me to the breathtaking roads of the Swiss Alps, the no limits German autobahn - and, er, Norfolk." (Back cover)
Richard Hammond's Top Gear. Stunt challenge- "Top Gear aficionado and all round lovely bloke, Richard Hammond, returns to our screens in his brand new interactive DVD Richard Hammond's Top Gear Stunt Challenge. Hot on the heels of last year's successful outing, the new DVD brings more explosions, bigger and better stunts plus plenty of questions for all the family to enjoy." (Real Groovy)
Magazines
Car magazines:
- Autofile
- Auto car
- Automobile Quarterly
- BBC Top Gear
- Car and Driver
- Classic cars
- AA Directions
- Driver
- Intersection
- Motor
- Motor Sport
- Motor Trend
- Motor Trend Classic
- New Zealand Autocar
- New Zealand Classic Car
- Speed Sport
- NZ 4WD
- New Zealand Speedsport
- NZV8
- Practical Classics
- Radiator (MTA)
- Street Machine
- Two Wheels
- Road and Track
- Wheels
Motorcycle magazines:
- Classic Bike
- Kiwi Rider
- Motor Cycle (till 1963)
- Motor Cyclist
- Performance Bike
Mechanics:
Motor homes:
Trucks:
Full-text online:
Cars:
Motor Bikes:
Trucks:
Mechanics:
Car & Motorcyle Manual Quicksearch
Where can I find the manuals?
The Central Library has a large collection of car and motorcycle repair manuals, mainly for older models. The manuals are shelved near the Science & Humanities enquiries desk, North end, first floor.
There is no car manual for my car, why does the library not hold it?
The Library purchases as many maintenance manuals as possible for vehicles in use on New Zealand roads. We are limited, however, by what is available for purchase. Currently there are few manuals for the newer vehicle models, such as the Suzuki Swift, the Kia and the Subaru Impeza, being published.
How long can I borrow them for?
All car and motorcycle manuals are issued for one week only.
Are these all the makes of car you have manuals for?
No. These are just the most popular.
It is often quickest to browse the shelves as the manuals are organised alphabetically by make, and similar models are shelved together.
To see if we have the make of car you're interested in, try a keyword search on the libraries' catalogue and type in the car make and model and the word 'manual'. Jot down the call number e.g. TOY 032 and look for the book on the shelves near the Science and Humanities desk.
Shelf Help
| Subject: | Dewey number: |
|---|---|
| Car Type | 629.22 |
| Cycles | 629.227 |
| The Dog & Lemon Guide | 629.2222 DOG |
| Motor Homes | 629.226 |
| Motor racing | 796.7 |
| Motor Vehicles and cycles | 629.2 |
| NZ Identicar | Ref. 629.2 NEW |
| New Zealand Road Codes | 343.0946 |
Online Databases
Small Engine Repair Reference Centre:
This database contains more than 400 full text repair manuals for a wide range of small engines including motorcycles, farm tractors, outdoor power tools and mowers, jet skis, boat motors, etc.
There is often over 25 years of an engine model. Provides assistance for routine maintenance, such as tune-ups and brake service, as well as extensive repairs involving engine and transmission disassembly.
Useful Websites
General:
- Road Code Free full access
- Car Mag Reviews
To help car enthusiasts worldwide locate and source the information they require from car magazines from past and present. To promote the preservation of older car magazines and their storage so all can have access. - The Old Car Manual Project
Where you'll find original car manuals for old cars and classic cars and Index of Wheels - Top Gear
Classic and bike clubs:
Contact us
This page is written and maintained by Kim. My aim is to keep you informed about the cars and transport section of the library and to highlight parts of the collection which may interest you. I'd be pleased to hear from you about this page - you can email me with any feedback.
