Roadster: How, and Especially Why, a Mechanical Novice Built a Car from a Kit

by Chris Goodrich

What does a man do on reaching midlife? Stereo-typically, he buys a red sports car. But that was too pat for Chris Goodrich; he decided to build one instead, hoping to understand a culture generally considered unsuitable for a prep-school, Ivy League graduate. A self-confessed "auto-idiot," he was soon in over his head--but that proved part of the fun, because this immersion in auto mechanics forced Goodrich to can-front new ideas, new people,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060191937
• ISBN13: 9780060191931
• Release Date: August 1998
• Publisher: Harper
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Excellent read for boomer males

Goodrich's book is a very easy and fun read. I particularly appreciated his style of combining wrench turning with philosophy. The style makes you feel as if you are in the garage helping him assemble the Seven while he discusses his views. His perspective on the slow death of craftsmanship and individualism are right on. I did wonder how his family felt about his long absences working on the Seven. Philosophy, sociology, and 0-60 in 5 seconds, an unusual but interesting combination.

Just what I Expected

When I read the Local Newspaper's review of "Roadster",I Zipped right out and bought it,diving in with great relish,and reading the rather creative way that Mr Goodrich dealt with his midlife crisis. I in no way expected to read a bolt-by-bolt dissertation on how to build a seven (There are plenty enough out there) but how the process of kit assembly affected this man's life, especially given his Professional background,and how he reconnected with the satisfacton of seeing something coherent rise from the jumble of parts and boxes. However good I think "Roadster" is, I feel that this is the omega of what I call the "Dissatisfied Professional" books. This will probably be the last book of its kind I read,for I feel that the territory of the Automobile and its affect on individuals and society at large has been covered. Very good book,just don't try to read anything else into it.

If you like Peter Egan'writings, you'll do OK with this

If you have grease under your fingernails and have never been bothered by introspection, avoid this book like the plague. However, I enjoyed this book immensely. It touched several cords in my own life. The mention of Taylor, Gilbreth and the book "Cheaper by the Dozen", which was one of the first books to have left a lasting impression on me. The TV series "The Prisoner", which I first saw in 1969, which had a tremendous (and, I believe in retrospect, not all that positive) impact on my life. However, it was through "The Prisoner" that I obtained my love for the Seven also. And most tragically, we recently watched some close friends lose their daughter, on her 16th birthday, to a freak car accident. Therefore, this book strikes very close to home. So, yes I recommend it. In sum, it's a good starting point for a larger exploration of the automobile and it's imapct on society.

I wish we could give MORE than 5 stars!

I strongly disagree with "Van from USA." This is one of the most interesting books I've read in the last five years! The author has written an intesting, funny and insightful book about something I didn't think would be of interest to me. (I'm not really into cars -- good news: you don't have to be!) I couldn't put it down! I read it in one sitting. Apparently "Van" has no sense of humor, is too young to appreciate the angst associated with a mid-life crisis or no interest in the role cars play in our daily life. If you're approaching mid-life, this is a great fun read!!!

Captivating. I'd call it "the Zen of the Roadster"

I can't remember the last time a read a book this quickly.Quite captivating. For anyone planning to build a Roadster or Caterham, this is a must have. Perfect balance between "Zen", technicals and why.Roadster takes you into the suspense of the mental journey of not just building the car, but exploring the reasons why, while at the same time providing most valuable insight for those planning to build one.More than anything it makes clear why you'd have to build rather than just buy this particular car to fully capture it's intent or Zen.What is more important about this book is that it raises the question of skill versus determination, as well as the rationalization of any action or commitment. This one sits next to Pirsig's Zen of motorcycle maintenance on my shelf.