(Originally published in #278, Nov/Dec 2005 issue of NINES, the magazine of the Saab Club of North America.)

Book Review

Motor Oil for a Car Guy's Soul

I like to read about things automotive. So when I found out that Kevin Clemens had published a book, I couldn't get my wallet out fast enough.

For those who have read Kevin's columns in European Car and Automobile magazines, you know what I am talking about. Reading his stuff is a bit like being around a group of car guys, beverage in hand and talking cars, or getting greasy via hands-on repair.

The book is appropriately named Motor Oil For A Car Guy's Soul, ("guy" being either gender, of course) a take off on the popular Chicken Soup series. It is a collection of columns written for European Car, and the subject matter is quite varied, ranging from his experience behind the wheel of various vintage MG racers, to technical pieces on DOHC engines and the evolution of wide tires, to buying a used Saab 900 as a Winter Beater.

Yes, Kevin is also a Saab guy, having owned and driven many in his day. His resume includes competing in a two-stroke Saab 96 on one of the Historic Monte Carlo rallies in recent years, and completing the 2000 Around the World in 80 Days Motoring Challenge in a 1959 Mercedes 220S sedan. I have the privilege of calling Kevin a friend, having met him on several occasions. The first was on the Alcan Rally of 1991 where he was a team member in a Ford Explorer, while I was with Satch Carlson and Russ Huntoon aboard Satch's "Blackbird" Saab 900 Turbo. He and I were supposed to be teammates on the 1992 Downeast 3000 Rally in a Saab 9000 Turbo, but a family emergency called him away at the last minute.

When I first met Kevin, he was an engineer and P.R. guy for Michelin. When Michelin acquired BFGoodrich and staff was integrated, Kevin chose to take a chance at the freelance writing market, where he has had pretty good success. In addition to the above mentioned publications, he has recently written for Auto Aficionado, a new automotive publication edited by Larry Crane.

But on to the book. It is far more entertaining than so-called reality TV. Maybe because it truly is reality, a journal of the sort of thing a car guy goes through to keep his machines alive. You will find yourself nodding in agreement as he describes a trip to get rid of recyclables, or what to do with that cache of used parts when you change residences. While reading this collection, I was reminded of the works of legendary auto writer Ken Purdy. Those who make their living writing about cars apparently agree with me as Clemens was presented with the 2005 Ken W. Purdy Award by the International Motor Press Association.

If there is any downside, it is that the 30 chapters in Motor Oil are not enough. Fear not, for the final chapter of this book is the first chapter of his next book. That one, however, is a novel; a murder mystery about life as an automotive journalist called Eat Free or Die. He is also working on the publication of his adventures on the Around the World in 80 Days Motoring Challenge. Check the web site for River's Bend Press, riversbendpress.com, for availability.

Publisher: River's Bend Press, Stillwater, MN
180 pages, softbound
ISBN 0-9729445-2-4
Price: $12.00 U.S. / $14.00 Canada