Variable Valve Timings

Memoirs of a Car Tragic

By: Chris Harris

Narrated by: Chris Harris

Length: 5 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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.

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.

Fantastic!

Lovely memoir which I’m sure will be as enjoyable to the layman as it was to the car obsessed Chris Harris fan that I am. Had me laughing and crying and times. Looking forward to reading it again when I receive a print copy.

Exactly what you think it is. Money well spent.

Chris is an amazing human being. It was fascinating to listen to his story. Sad that the top gear era was somewhat short lived, but like a cat that worked very hard for his nine lives, he landed on his feet.

captivating

got to learn alot about chris Harris and his life! Truly enjoyed it, ready for the next one!

A car lover's autobiography

I've enjoyed Chris Harris for many years now, even before stepping into the enviable job yet unenviable shadow of Top Gear presenters, a role he grabbed and made his own - the story is within. His story is a true car nerd's ode to a life and understanding shaped by the motorcar. It will be lost on those who don't have petrol running through their veins. However, as a car nerd myself, it struck remarkably close to home. Crafted and narrated as only Chris Harris could - VVT was a warm blanket of smiles and head nods born of clever self-reflection, basted with a topping of self-deprecating humor and honesty that keeps me watching him today.

Long time fan but this was an exceptional surprise and joy.

Wow - this has it all. Early in the book Chris’s heartfelt recounting of his adopted mom’s skills behind wheel hooked me in hard with a couple tears shed him recounting her passing. Harris is the first name that comes to mind in the modern auto enthusiast space. I followed some of the challenges - remember hearing the cringy emotional show with matt Farrah when drive changed. But his recounting shows what one of the best talents have to endure with the changing landscape of media. I have a whole new appreciation not only for Chris but the many behind the scenes of his endeavors. Very excited for his next project and this book should be listened to by even the most casual of a fan of cars or Chris.

Brilliant!!!

Chris gives us a peak at what makes his gears turn. Really enjoyed getting to know his upbringing, his triumphs, and setbacks.

Fun, personal, and well narrated.

One of the best story tellers and car journalists, absolute treat to listen to and shows the personal struggles that we all think people like Chris are immune to.

thanks, chris

thanks for fleshing out the story of your career. I'm sure other fellow petrol heads will appreciate it as much as I did. and the chapter on your mum, wow. thanks for sharing.