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Introduction
Description
No matter the importance of other matters in Alan Clark's celebrated 'Diaries' - the two volumes published so far have proved bestsellers - cars are rarely out of the picture for long.
Back Fire is devoted to this passion, which began when Clark was still in his teens. As a driver he was entirely self-taught - from watching others. He bought his first car - a 6.5 litre Bentley - while still at Eton and before he possessed a driving licence.
Some of his first published writing was about cars when he was in his twenties and became UK correspondent for the American magazine Road and Track. He revealed an enthusiast's knowledge, contributing over the years to specialist British magazines and latterly Classic Cars, as well as to the national press.
Back Fire also includes new and hitherto unsuspected autobiographical material from previously unpublished diaries, among them taking part in two Alpine rallies, in 1973 and 1993. Having bought and sold cars as a hobby-cum-business for forty years, he particularly enjoyed sharing with others the exhilaration that cars induced in him.
Clark often wrote about his favourites - Jaguars (particularly the XK), Porsches, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces - as well as his least favourite, notably anything Italian. Here, too are his unmistakable views on women drivers, on the secrets of buying and selling and on the vexing question of restoration.
Back Fire will prove irresistable to all who have enjoyed his inimitable diaries, as well as to the legion of car enthusiasts who may not always agree with his views, but will find then stimulating nevertheless.
Softback. 212 pages.
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