Variable Valve Timings

Memoirs of a Car Tragic

By: Chris Harris

Narrated by: Chris Harris

Brought to you by Penguin.

Tyre destruction, power slides and continuous drooling

Chris Harris has driven more cars than most people could ever dream of. His vast knowledge is legendary. He calls it 'unhinged geekery'. But we call it infectious enthusiasm, adrenaline-fueled escapism and peerless journalistic rigour and integrity.

And then there are his famous skills at the wheel, from city cars to rally cars, F1 to vintage, not forgetting the Guinness World Record 3.4km sideways in an electric car.

And now for the first time, Harris is going all out with that unhinged geekery, and takes us down the road of his life-long adventure with the automobile - from the Scalextric track to the Nürburgring 24 Hour, via his own formative low-powered Somerset version of The Dukes of Hazard.

A highly individual, petrol-soaked life story that's all down to variable valve timings.

©2023 Chris Harris (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Had no idea

I had no idea Harris was such a talented writer. I've consumed his video content for years, but this really raised my already high impression of him.

You thought this was about cars?

It’s a wonderful story of overcoming, bouncing back, and loving what you do. Oh, and it’s chock full of great car stories. Chris is an amazing person. The things he has overcome in his life so far are inspiring and entertaining. You have to love cars to get them out of the stories, but it is not. I did get a bit lost with some of the phrasing as I’m American, and some idioms don’t work in America, dog’s bollocks, give it beans, etc. Still, I figured much of it out and thoroughly enjoyed the book. I know Chris’s adventures continue, and I would love to read/hear a part two.

Chris Harris

I think Chris is a down to earth purist when it comes to the car world and gives great commentary . I always enjoy watching and listening to him.👍

Keeping the dream alive

Just a great book for any car enthusiast to read , us enthusiasts are cut from the same cloth .

True to form

Chris proved again that he is the go to for automotive journalism and anything else he decides to take on. Loved this book and hope there are more to come.