This biography of André Lefebvre by Gijsbert-Paul Berk gives a revealing insight into the work of a practically unknown aeronautic engineer who, after building and racing competition cars for Gabriel Voisin in 1933, created for André Citroën the revolutionary front wheel drive Traction Avant (Light Fifteen in the UK). He was responsible for the minimalist 2CV and the Citroën DS which was the sensation of the automotive world in 1955, and is still an icon of original automobile engineering and avant-garde design today.

Published by Veloce at £19.99, containing 150 pictures, some of which are from André Lefebvre’s personal archives, this unique book pays tribute to the brilliant engineer who left car enthusiasts around the world such an important heritage.

The fact that most present-day cars still carry the DNA of André Lefebvre’s design philosophy makes him stand out above other automotive pioneers and innovators.

The 144-page hardback book is available now from bookshops or from www.veloce.co.uk.

“BOOK OF THE MONTH. Like Lefebvre’s diverse projects, this absorbing 144-page book is full of fascinating research.” – Classic & Sports Car

“An engaging read on a hitherto ignored subject. Great stuff.” – Octane

André Lefebvre, and the cars he created at Voisin and Citroën
By Gijsbert-Paul Berk
Available now UK & USA
ISBN 978-1-845842-44-4
UPC 6-36847-04244-8
£19.99 UK / $39.95 US

BULLET POINTS

• A fascinating inside story about the technical progress of the French automobile industry between the two world wars

• Interesting but little known facts about the cars that André Lefebvre designed and the way he inspired his engineering team

• Clear descriptions of the technical development of the various cars that Lefebvre masterminded

• Covers the history of front wheel drive from 1896

• Explores advantages and limitations of the now almost extinct sleeve valve engines

• Over 125 photographs and drawings – some from André Lefebvre’s personal archives

THE AUTHOR
Gijsbert-Paul Berk studied at the Institute for Automobile Management IVA, Driebergen, and worked as an apprentice for Maurice Gatsonides (Gatso). As a post graduate, he did courses on industrial time- and production management and on marketing communications. His first job was as an assistant in the sports department of the Netherlands Automobile Club, KNAC. At that time he started writing articles for their magazine De Auto. Between 1955 and 1959 he was technical editor of AutoVisie, and the first Dutch journalist to road test the Citroën DS. He participated in various economy runs and was a member of the NAV team, organizing motor races at the Zandvoort circuit. After a stint as a freelance journalist, working for, amongst others, Car and Driver (USA) and Popular Mechanics, as well as writing and translating books, he became PR manager for Renault in the Netherlands. In 1973 he was appointed Deputy Director at the Amsterdam Exhibition and Congress Centre RAI, responsible for all communications. He has also contributed to a TV documentary on the 50th anniversary of the Citroën DS and was a member of the jury for the International Concours d’Elégance at Het Loo, Apeldoorn (Netherlands).

SPECIFICATION
Hardback. 144 pages. 238 tall x 170mm. 150 pictures.

RETAIL SALES
Veloce books are stocked by or can be ordered from bookshops by quoting the correct ISBN number. We will also take orders direct: telephone – 01305 260068 (0044 1305 260068 from outside UK), fax – 01305 268864 (0044 1305 268864 from outside UK) or e-mail – sales@veloce.co.uk. Books can also be ordered on our website – http://www.veloce.co.uk

Note: All details subject to change.