Renowned architectural and cultural historian Dr Steven Parissien launches his new work on the 130-year history of the motor car. Parissien examines the impact, development and significance of the motor car, tracing its history from first incarnation as a powered quadricycle in the 1880s, through the early pioneer car makers, to the iconic vehicles of the 1950s and 60s, the oil crisis of the 1970s and the mergers and bailouts of the 1990s and early 21st century. It is a story of famous carmakers such as Benz, Agnelli, Royce and Citroen, of designers such as Issigonis, Lefebvre, Michelotti and Bangle, and of industrialists such as Ford, Tata and Porsche. It is also a story that mirrors the modern era from the optimism of the early 20th century to the cynicism and ecological concerns of today.

Parissien has written extensively on architectural and cultural history. He is the director of Compton Verney museum and gallery in Warwickshire.