Where to Start with Burt S. Levy
For anyone looking to dive into the high-octane world of Burt S. Levy, there is only one true starting line: The Last Open Road. This debut novel introduces Buddy Palumbo, a 19-year-old gas station mechanic from Passaic, New Jersey, who is swept into the gritty, glamorous, and dangerous world of sports car racing in the early 1950s. The entire narrative grows chronologically from Buddy's first encounters with sports car enthusiasts, making the publication order the absolute best way to experience the series.
The Last Open Road Main Series in Publication Order
The core series follows Buddy, his girlfriend (and later wife) Julie, and a rich cast of mechanics, drivers, and wealthy patrons through the transition from post-war open-road racing to purpose-built closed tracks. Reading them in order ensures you follow the chronological character arcs and historical racing milestones:
- The Last Open Road (1994 / 1998) — Introduces Buddy, his entry into the sport, and early racing at Watkins Glen and Elkhart Lake.
- Montezuma's Ferrari (1999) — Takes Buddy south of the border for the legendary, perilous La Carrera Panamericana road race through Mexico.
- The Fabulous Trashwagon (2002) — Chronicles the mid-1950s shift as open road races are banned, forcing the characters to adapt to new closed tracks like Road America.
- Toly's Ghost (2006) — Buddy and the gang navigate the mid-1950s racing scene and the dark shadow of the tragic 1955 Le Mans disaster.
The 200mph Steamroller Subseries
After a multi-year hiatus, Levy returned to Buddy's world with a subseries focused on the legendary 1960s Ford vs. Ferrari rivalry. This trilogy shifts the timeline forward into the mid-1960s, documenting the Detroit "steamroller" taking on the established Italian powerhouse at Le Mans. These books should be read in order after the original four novels:
- The 200mph Steamroller: Red Reign (2014)
- The Italian Job (2015) — Also known as The 200mph Steamroller Pt. II: The Italian Job.
- Out of the Mist (2021) — The third installment of the Steamroller saga, published in late 2021.
Companion Collections and Standalones
If you want a break from the main narrative, Levy has also published shorter pieces that capture the exact same passion for motorsport:
- A Potside Companion (2001) — This is a collection of humorous essays, tall tales, and mostly true anecdotes from Levy's own racing and car-selling adventures. While it features real-life figures (including Levy himself) rather than Buddy Palumbo, it serves as a wonderful companion piece that matches the series' signature gearhead tone.
What to Know Before You Start
Burt S. Levy's books are highly celebrated for their rich, historical accuracy and deep understanding of vintage automobiles. As a vintage racer himself, Levy weaves real-life historical drivers (such as Toly Arutunoff) and authentic historical events directly into Buddy's fictional narrative. While the novels are highly detailed and technical enough to satisfy hardcore gearheads, they are grounded in human relationships, class divides, and coming-of-age themes that make them highly accessible to non-car enthusiasts as well.