Century triumphs in eight-way auction for guide to cars from motor journalist Mat Watson

Century, an imprint of Penguin Random House, has triumphed in an eight-way auction for a “full-throttle” guide to cars from motor journalist Mat Watson. Ben Brusey, Century Publishing Director, bought world rights to Auto Biography: An A-Z of Cars from Jack Fogg at DunnFogg, on behalf of Richard Guy at Mat Watson Cars.

This is the first book from Watson, who has more than 22 million followers across social media, where he is known for his signature unserious yet highly informed car videos, which range from drag-racing Formula 1 cars to reviewing the best value family hatchbacks and SUVs. The book draws on Watson’s 25-year career in motor journalism as well as his own car odyssey. During his career he has driven and tested nearly everything from engineering marvels such as the Bugatti Chiron and Ferrari F50, to the grand-touring stalwarts of highways and motorways the world over – Audis, Volvos, Fords, Fiats, Citroëns, Mercedes and Teslas – to “absolute crapheaps that should never have made it out of the factory gates”.

The synopsis continues: “In Auto Biography, Watson offers up discerning and pithy takes on all the major car manufacturers, telling stories and sharing insider information that has never before been heard, as well as exploring all manner of hot button topics and debates in the automotive world: What really makes a good car, and what makes a bad one? What’s better: electric or petrol? And what’s the best car to buy for your mum?”

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