The Wonder Book of Speed (Heirloom Library) Vintage 1950s Illustrated Transport Book | Trains, Planes & Record Breakers
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If you love the romance of roaring engines, record-breaking machines, and the golden age of progress, this wonderful vintage book will sweep you away.
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The Wonder Book of Speed is a beautifully produced mid-century hardback published by Heirloom Library Limited (London) and edited by Peter Baring, with a foreword by Lord Brabazon of Tara — an aviation pioneer and one of Britain’s most famous early flyers.
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Packed with captivating features on railways, aircraft, motor cars, racing and engineering breakthroughs, this book perfectly captures the optimism of the post-war era — a time when the future felt fast, sleek, and just around the corner.
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Even the cover is a collector’s dream: a striking retro “vision of speed” artwork showing a streamlined locomotive, aircraft and futuristic transport — pure mid-century design magic.
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A fantastic gift for collectors of:
vintage transport and engineering
railway and aviation history
retro futurism / mid-century graphics
classic children’s / family “wonder books”
British motoring heritage
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📚 DETAILS
Title: The Wonder Book of Speed
Edited by: Peter Baring
Foreword: Lord Brabazon of Tara
Publisher: Heirloom Library Limited, London
Format: Hardback
Illustrations: Includes black & white illustrations + colour plates
Era: Mid-century (likely 1950s)
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⭐ CONDITION
This is a genuine vintage book and shows authentic signs of age, which we feel only adds to its character and collectability.
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Condition: Good vintage condition overall
noticeable surface wear/rubbing and scuffs to the cover (commensurate with age)
edge and corner wear
spine cloth shows wear but remains intact
pages appear clean and well-bound
no major internal damage spotted
A charming, well-loved vintage copy — perfect for display and reading.
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(As always, please zoom in on photos for the most accurate idea of condition.)
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Why we love it:
Because it captures that wonderful mid-century belief that the future would be faster, sleeker, and more thrilling than ever — and the cover design alone is worthy of framing.
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