The Auto Biography: British Motoring from Golden Age to Gridlock

by Mark Wallington

Growing up in the 1950s, and now wondering whether he wouldn't be better off getting a free bus pass, Mark's life, told through the cars he's owned, is also the story of Britain seen from the driving seat. His "auto" biography takes us on a warm, funny, and nostalgic journey through the decades—from his family buying a car for the first time, through carwashing for a bob-a-job, to becoming a car owner himself, with his battered Ford Escort (constantly stolen), and his Triumph Vitesse (constantly renovated). These memories of motoring, from golden age to gridlock, will spark more than a trace of affection for the cars we've owned, sworn at, and loved.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2013

Reviews

[Sally George · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I asked for this book last Christmas my daughter said 'but you don't like cars, Mum!' That may be true but this book is a social history of family motoring. I can remember the first car my parents' owned (an Austin 7) and when we had to choose between having a car or the latest technology, a television! This book is hilarious and brings back so many memories. The snob value surrounding the AA or the RAC. The first motorways you can see but have no idea how to get on one! The student who used to live in his car. My husband, son, daughter and father-in-law will all like this book.

[Felicity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely an autobiography but it's like no autobiography I've ever read. Mark Wallington has written, not about his life as such, but about the cars that have peppered his life. He tells us about the very first car his father bought, through to the purchase of the car that - 'should see him out.' Knowing it was going to be a story about cars I was a bit dubious, but I totally enjoyed it! His father was the proverbial car nut, before car nuts became fashionable. The Wallingtons took family holidays in 'The Car' in the early days of the new born era of cars. Mark and his father did their driving through the best of the motoring phenomenon, and what I really loved about the book, was the sense of family that came through. Stories of their early days of motoring, pre-freeways, twenty-four hour service stations and link roads were the good old days! These were days of long, family drives into the country on Sundays, days when a petrol station owner knew your name, pumped your petrol and checked your 'levels'. The Wallingtons travelled to Spain towing a caravan, and loved it. They holidayed in Cornwall, in the rain and played cricket on the beach. If you want to read a book about cars, don't read this. If you want to read a book about family values and connections, about life before things became complicated by ring roads, speed limits and cruise control, read it!! I smiled often, laughed now and then and closed the book after the final page and thought, awww, I've finished.

[Jonathan Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read. The humour just kept me turning pages. The author kept a good balance between social commentary and the history of post war motoring. This nostalgic look at his own family's motoring exploits had me chuckling and nodding with familiarity. The first Mark Wallington book I've read won't be the last.

[Ben Twoonezero · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good and heart warming work full of humor and pathos, possibly above is usual high standard.

[Adam Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether you want to read this book in order to find out about the history of motoring or Mark Wallington's life, this book is very interesting and enjoyable!

[Louise Culmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Wallington tells the story of all the cars in his life, starting with the one his father bought just after he was born,in 1953, when getting a car was still exciting and a novelty. There is all the excitement of driving Grandma to the library, and a heated debate over whether it is better to join the AA or the RAC. Not to mention the question of whether Dinky cars are better than Corgis. You may enjoy this book a bit more if you have an interest in cars, but my interest in them is non existent, but I still found this book very entertaining.

[Kevin de Ataíde · Rating 4 out of 5]

A most entertaining history of modern British motoring after the War, told from the perspective of the everyday driver, often with laugh-out-loud humour. Highly recommended for first-time drivers and other motoring enthusiasts.

[Turnip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great comedy writing, way better than The Day Job which felt contrived.

[Ziggythecat12 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining. I'm not really interested in cars, but I can see how each car you've had through your life can conjure up memories of that time.