Just as special as The Magnificent Jalopy--a conventionally plotted but totally entertaining sequel. Wally, Link and Injun are a year older and show it: Wally's no-backfire narrative is laced with some pretty large words (not harming that great low-keyed humor); always-serious Injun is downright grim sometimes about his steady girl and his money problems, even briefly considers dropping out of college; Link seems half out of their life already, a now-you-see-him-now-you-don't type who's lost almost all his charm. The three-some pool their talent (mostly Injun's) and their money to build a small sports car, and race it several times over the summer. Link's bad humor and worse driving technique makes it less fun than it could be, but Wally finds his place as a potential driving pro and Injun as a competent mechanic. Tensions over Link's failures and Injun's financial worries pull the three apart, but they pull together to win the climactic race in a harmony more apparent than real; the comradeship of the Magnificent Jalopy is doomed by growing up and growing apart. For readers seeking an action story that also packs style and good characterization, keep this little nothing special up your sleeve.