New Zealand Classic Driver, March-April 2024
'...here in fact is a superbly-produced large hardback with 488 pages on the subject! Sub-titled; The fascinating history of Austin's J40 and Pathfinder from 1946 to the present day, author David Whyley presents and amazingly detailed, but never dull book on these well-loved pedal cars and why they succeeded both in their on right and for a number of other reasons.'
'In addition to hundreds of photos, the book is brought to life by interviews with many of those who were involved in this innovative venture' and a great deal more, from marketing to racing. It really is a surprisingly interesting book, combining automotive, social and economic history in a truly original way.'
Book of the Month, Classic & Sports Car, January 2024
'Not the first book on the J40, perhaps, but the last word.'
Practical Classics, January 2024
'This beautifully produced book tells the intriguing story of secrecy, innovation and social responsibility as well as revealing production data, a royal connection and more with over 1000 images.'
Automobile, January 2024
'The Austin Pedal Car Story promises to be a rewarding and illuminating read for marque enthusiasts or anyone with fond memories of the car. The exhaustive text is accompanied by hundreds of fascinating, high-quality pictures, amounting to a work which is nothing less than definitive.'
Total Kit Car Magazine, November/December 2023
'The author tells the incredibly detailed story of how a scaled-down A40 was built in a purpose-built factory in Wales by rehabilitated former coal miners and how it became incredibly popular, right up to its rebirth today, albeit in small numbers. Its resurrection undoubtedly helped by Settrington Cup race at the Goodwood Revival each year. A brilliant book. Absolutely brilliant.
Book of the Month, Best of British, November 2023
'This thorough history is not just a Book of the Month, but a serious contender for Book of the Year.'
David Sheppard, November 2023
‘In releasing The Austin Pedal Car Story into the wild, David Whyley has shared a depth of knowledge that results from a lifetime’s commitment to researching interpreting and understanding the big story behind these little cars. Our first impression is that this is not a child-sized book, in fact, it’s a tome - yet our lasting impression is that it needed to be so. Somewhere in the course of 488 pages of beautifully told stories, 1097 illustrations, countless rare and recently discovered documents, together totalling 3 kilograms of knowledge, we come to realise the unexpected enormity of this topic and we offer these diminutive cars and their story the respect that is deserved. That is, if we didn’t already.’
‘There are many discoveries to be made by close reading of the documents, but also much scrutiny from the author to tease out key points. Each one prompts a sharp intake of breath followed by a voyage of discovery.’
‘It is rare that such joy comes from a definitive reference book, and it is perhaps the greatest achievement of David Whyley in telling The Austin Pedal Car Story that he has given these little cars a platform from which to be simultaneously admired and yet taken seriously. Indeed, it mirrors the spirit of the cars themselves. Austin J40 and Pathfinder devotees are known to flinch at the use of the words “toy car” to describe their machines; to them, these are real cars which have earned a significant and well respected place in automotive history. Now, at last, they have a book to prove them right.’
Magneto, November 2023
'One of the highlights of the Goodwood Revival is the Settrington Cup for Austin J40 and Pathfinder pedal cars. Their background story is even more dramatic than the races, and David Whyley’s 488-page, £85 book tells it in vivid detail. It’s a warm, human tale – Welsh miners left with lung disease found a new role and hope building these beloved vehicles. The story goes beyond that, relating a dramatic development and enduring legacy, with fascinating interviews and rarely seen images and data. This comprehensive book is heartening to read, and full of remarkable tales.'
Wheels-alive, November 2023
'First Class, brilliant, superb…
…In fact I find it hard to find enough superlatives for this extensively researched, beautifully presented book which should appeal to anyone interested in pedal cars or indeed Austins or the history of motor cars.
The text is well-written and easy to follow, the photographs and diagrams clear and wonderful.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book and indeed, although one of my hobbies is reading a wealth of motoring titles, I have to say that this is easily one of the very best that I have ever read and enjoyed.' Kim Henson
Book of the Month, Octane
'Like the cars themselves, this book is an utter joy.'
Review by Dave Handley
'Your book goes into incredible levels of detail is hugely informative and has filled in many gaps in my J40 knowledge . Every chapter was fascinating and has provided the most comprehensive reference work of the Joy cars. I am proud to have made a small contribution to this book and believe it to be essential reading for any enthusiast.'
Magneto
'It's a warm, human tale - Welsh miners left with lung disease found a new role and hope building these beloved vehicles. The story goes beyond that, relating a dramatic development ad enduring legacy, with fascinating interviews and rarely seen images and data. This comprehensive book is heartening to read, and full of remarkable tales.'