The motor sport photography books you need to own

Bookshelf essentials

If there’s one topic that’s impossible to cover in a single column, it’s motoring books. Think of this as the first in a series of occasional columns covering different aspects of the automotive book market, and where better to start than a simple introduction to a few must-haves. If you want to build a library, there are some cornerstones such as biographies, historical references and marque specials but let’s start with photography.

We’re not talking coffee-table books here, but photographers’ books – books that transport you to the moment through great images, books designed for sheer visual enjoyment. Here are four personal recommendations, inset: Monaco Grand Prix by Michael Hewett; The Golden Age of Formula 1 by Rainer W Schlegelmilch; Master Motorsports Photographer by Louis Klemantaski; and Driven by Jesse Alexander.

Let’s start with Hewett, the greatest ‘amateur’ motor sport snapper. Specialist at Monaco, it’s the care he takes with timing, distance and light that make the difference. In Monaco Michael often positioned himself at the hairpin for Thursday practice to catch the sun falling on the Casino in the background. In others he’s leaning across railings, almost getting his toes run over.

Schlegelmilch is one of the biggest names in F1 photography, and The Golden Age… showcases some incredible 1960s imagery from the days of Jim Clark, Jacky Ickx, Graham Hill and more.

Louis Klemantaski is the father of motor sport photography. He’d capture sights many would miss. It’s a unique perspective: he even co-piloted on the Mille Miglia to get close to the action.

Alexander’s book covers F1 from 1954-62 and is packed with shots of Fangio, Moss and co, particularly in the rain.

Each of these is hugely enjoyable, readily available and reasonably priced, so they’re ideal building blocks for any collection. Happy hunting.

Signed Nigel Mansell book
This new 30cm square photobook is a must for any Red 5 fan. Containing hundreds of colour photographs spanning Nigel Mansell’s illustrious career, it features a foreword and a signature from the main man himself. £49.95 unsigned, £89.95 signed, thesignaturestore.com

Bulova Shelby racer watch
New York-based Bulova has been making watches since 1875, and has tied up with another American icon, Carroll Shelby, to celebrate its 150th anniversary. This limited edition chronograph comes in a collectors’ box with a die-cast Mustang GT500. £995, uk.bulova.com

Hot Wheels x Kyte baby romper
Start your young ones’ love of Hot Wheels with this partnership between babywear brand Kyte Baby and everybody’s favourite 1:43-scale models. Made from silky smooth bamboo-derived rayon and bearing prints of classic hot rods. £36, kytebaby.com

Aston Martin x Egg
Here’s a collaboration nobody saw coming between Aston Martin and pushchair brand Egg – “where high performance meets parenting”. Aston logos and design details abound but please keep your Lance Stroller jokes to yourself. Packages from £2500, eggstroller.com

Häkkinen bodywork & photo
Race-used bodywork for modern F1 cars is pretty easy to get hold of, but older grand prix cars can be more appealing. How about this framed set of a piece of Mika Häkkinen’s 1998 McLaren MP4/13, complete with a shot of the Flying Finn winning in Japan? One of just 50. £249, f1authentics.com

Adidas Japanese Racing T-shirt
Adidas is king of collabs at the moment, largely thanks to its global tie-in for Oasis merch. However, this new line of Japanese Racing catches our eye. It bears the original Adidas logo and F1 (or should that be Super Formula?) inspired artwork on the back. £30, adidas.co.uk

Andrew Francis is director at The Signature Store. thesignaturestore.co.uk