"As you know, we took this book for one year to sell to our supporters over Christmas.  However, overwhelming response meant we ran it in our catalogue for another two years.  Feedback has been nothing but positive.  We have had some wonderful comments from people who have repeat ordered copies for friends and family simply because they enjoyed the book so much themselves." BEN, the Motor Trades Charity

"Rob Maidment’s tale is a fantastic story of perversity over logic, entertainingly written, and with revealing sketches by Tony Jarmain." Classic & Sports Car

"CongratuIations. I love the front cover; it instantly tells you about the book – that it will be great fun, which it is." Sir Stirling Moss

Car clubs:

"In essence, ‘Sidetracked’ chronicles the construction of a near copy of a 540K Mercedes coupe, using a 1978 Seville as a basis – retaining not only the mechanical components, but also the electrics, air conditioning and so forth.  By the middle of the book, the car is on the road, and an account of the range of adventures in which it was then involved follows.  This variety of competitive events includes racing, sprints, shows, and even the ‘Pom’.  The author comes over as a man of considerable charm, and his infectious enthusiasm serves to make a significant contribution to the appeal of his book." Vintage Sports-Car Club

"Sidetracked is full of all sorts of interesting and amusing anecdotes and coincidences and gives snippets from the author's time growing up in Africa – which was instrumental in sowing the seeds of this strange beast. It should appeal both to those of a technical bent as well as those who have a more 'relaxed' attitude to motoring – and it's worth their better halves having a read too, as it just may help to explain how involved the men can get in their projects!  Something for everyone – a most entertaining read." Sevenoaks & District Motor Club

“I read the first eighty-five pages in one go and became utterly engrossed.  I found it very hard to put down.  It's a damn good tale.” Cadillac Owners Club of GB

“It is amusingly written, well produced and illustrated and, for twelve quid, every member should have a copy!” Coln Valley Classic & Vintage Club

“I found the story told was most interesting, amusing and well written.  In fact it was one of those books that you do not want to put down.” Newmarket Car Club

Enthusiasts:

"For me, Sidetracked is a jolly good read – well and interestingly written – a must for the car buff.  I made the mistake of lending the book to my wife when she was looking for something to read.  It took me four days to get it back!  After starting it, she couldn't put it down and now wants to lend it to her friends to read.  I've told her to buy her own copy!" Motoring events organiser

"The real strength of the book is that it is written with a sense of humour; it is just plain funny in sections.  Part of that is because the author is so blatantly honest about everyone’s failings, including his own.  I particularly liked the continual references to the sanity of starting the project in the first place." US Navy officer

"I found the book fascinating and an easy read.  I read it in two evenings, or perhaps I should say nights. The first night I stopped at 02.30 and the second night at about 04.30!" Civil engineer

"I found Sidetracked to be one of those engaging motoring books that you could pick up to read a chapter, then want to return to it again later for another one.  Robert Maidment cleverly tells his story so that a reader can imagine being there himself." Secretary to motoring organisation

Others:

"As someone without any real mechanical knowledge but who can appreciate beautiful car – which it is, I’ve been in it – I was a bit concerned that the finer details of parts removed and manipulated to fit a sleeker body might prove a little tiresome and, well, geeky.  But at no point did I find that the case – because in amongst that detail was a story about a group of men whose enthusiasm was contagious and that came across not only in their actions but in the narrative." Haverhill Echo

“I like the way most chapters end in such a way that you think you’ll just read a bit to see what happens, and there you are, hooked again!  There is interest for readers from many angles, travel, motor racing, history, and the construction of the car itself of course.” WWII Fleet Air Arm pilot

"I greatly enjoy the subject and the style – the book is capital, if I may say so, and I am still only part way along the whole amazing story!" Farmer & businessman

"I very much enjoyed Sidetracked which I read from cover to cover at one go.  It really conveyed a sense of enthusiasm and excitement – and patience in adversity – for the sort of outrageous project which makes all our lives more fun and interesting." City banker

“I really enjoyed the book, so did my father - what a great journey!” Accountant

“I really enjoyed Sidetracked, and I love your style of writing. Now that I’m back in Australia, I can’t get my hands on the book, as my brother-in-law and my nephew vie with each other reading about and enjoying your problems and triumphs.” Retired Headmistress

“I enjoyed the book hugely – what a story!  I found it a real page-turner.” Member armed forces