The Past And The Spurious
The definitive work concerning the legitimacy in historic cars - the ultimate guide for collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts
400+
Pages
25+
Expert Reviews
180+
Exceptional Images
50+
Case Studies
Paul Griffin’s ‘The Past and The Spurious – The Case of Legitimacy in Historic Cars’ marks a new turning in the literature of historic cars. Building on the excellent writings of others over many decades now, this book reviews the evidence and, for the first time, provides answers to the perplexing questions of originality, authenticity and identity which circle around historic cars.
By reference to more than thirty cases and other examples, Paul Griffin unfolds the stories of the cars and characters that have shaped what is today’s thriving historic car sector. He also suggests the reasons why historic cars have become heritage assets having such powerful effects on emotions and passions all over the world.
This is an attractive, high-quality book which tells its stories by reference to images from the world’s leading photographic libraries and automotive art collections.
Paul Griffin’s ‘The Past and The Spurious – The Case of Legitimacy in Historic Cars’ marks a new turning in the literature of historic cars. Building on the excellent writings of others over many decades now, this book reviews the evidence and, for the first time, provides answers to the perplexing questions of originality, authenticity and identity which circle around historic cars.
By reference to more than thirty cases and other examples, Paul Griffin unfolds the stories of the cars and characters that have shaped what is today’s thriving historic car sector. He also suggests the reasons why historic cars have become heritage assets having such powerful effects on emotions and passions all over the world.
This is an attractive, high-quality book which tells its stories by reference to images from the world’s leading photographic libraries and automotive art collections.
Paul Griffin
After a first career as a City lawyer engaged in international deal-doing, Paul has moved to marry interests and enthusiasms in his writings as an author.
His work as an academic, and in litigation and arbitration, have come together with his long-time participation in the world of historic cars. And the disputes, differences and evelopments of the historic car business over recent years have fuelled The Past and The Spurious – The Case of Legitimacy in Historic Cars.
Reviews
Far from being a gossipy look at the stories surrounding these cars, Griffin looks at them with a considered eye developed during his years as a lawyer... it's the way the author discusses the different arguments that really make this book a must-have for anyone interested in historic vehicles...
A historic car is both a precious asset and a piece of rolling history. Its value draws on its origins and its ownership is a responsibility, albeit an exciting one. Yet how can you know that any important machine is what it seems? This is not a dry legal textbook...
Paul Griffin is uniquely placed to have written this exceptional treatise, as a lawyer of repute with deep experience of historic motoring and an eye for a great quote and illuminating analogy…This book sparkles with genuine enthusiasm for its subject…
Gallery
Some images concerning Paul’s historic car activities and racing heritage, as well as some of the characters and cars of the historic automotive sector.
Podium Finish
Gentleman Racer
Tony Brooks at Brooklands
Goodwood Revival
Bahamas Speedweek
Austin Healey 100M