Books

Porsche Moments
Jesse Alexander

This is an evocative collection of photographs by American Alexander, who based himself in Europe in the 1950s and 1960s to pursue a career in motorsport photography and wound up with a special affinity for Porsches. Split into sections concentrating on tracks or events, it includes great shots of the full gamut of Porsches from Jim Clark’s 356 road car to Dan Gurney’s 1962 French Grand Prix-winning 804, via the Nino Vaccarella/Jo Bonnier Targa Florio 718 – hastily painted red as silver cars were reckoned to be at risk from bandits. Detailed captions help stoke up the atmosphere and add a personal angle. NP
Published by David Bull, £44.99. ISBN: 1893618706

1½-litre Grand Prix Racing
Mark Whitelock

The 1½-litre GP cars which raced from 1961-65 have long been seen as something of a poor relation to the spectacular 1930s Silver Arrows or 1980s turbos. Yet in a few short years the formula produced considerable technical advances and successes for BRM, Lotus and Coventry-Climax, which fortified Britain’s emerging motor racing industry. Mark Whitelock rightly believes 1½-litre F1 is due for reappraisal, and his painstakingly researched book provides a well-rounded survey. There are chapters detailing each year’s racing, sections on leading drivers and circuits, and expertly written technical coverage of all the chassis and engines. Abundant photographs, cut-away diagrams and stats add to this book’s usefulness. IM
Published by Veloce, £39.99. ISBN: 01845840016-X

Formula 1 In Camera
Paul Parker

We should be grateful to Haynes for continuing to publish what is fast becoming a library of motorsport books that has something for everyone. This collection of photographs covers grand prix racing from 1960 to 1969 and fits neatly into the Haynes series of Formula 1 in Camera that already includes the 1970s and 1980s. Mainly taken from the LAT library, the pictures tell their own story from Jack Brabham’s second title in 1960 through to Jackie Stewart in 1969. Some great memories here and a nice book to have on the shelf. RW
Published by Haynes, price £30. ISBN 1 84425 218 3

The British at Le Mans
Ian Wagstaff

A real enthusiast’s take on the great French race from 1923 to date – concentrating almost exclusively on British participants, with Le Mans legends like Jacky Ickx or Tom Kristensen only getting a mention as co-drivers of Brits. It is packed with interesting and off-beat detail: sidebars on Woolf Barnato’s cricket career, a couple of ‘mechanic’s tales’, Peter Dumbreck on his scary flying Merc shunt, and even a full chapter on Steve McQueen’s Le Mans film – from a British angle, of course. It’s an entertaining read with plenty of relevant illustrations and a comprehensive array of stats. NP
Published by MRP, £40.00. ISBN: 1899870806

Porsche Rennsport
Jeffrey R.Zwart

Wow! That was my first reaction on opening this superb photographic record of Porsche racing sportscars from 1949 to 2004. Jeffrey Zwart’s photography is simply sensational, the print quality is unusually high and the presentation of information is faultless. The perfect present for anyone who has even a passing interest in Porsche racing cars and essential for those who are passionate about the cars from Stuttgart. Even if Porsche is not your thing it’s worth buying just to gawp at the wonderful pictures and to revel in the quality of this definitive record. RW
Published by David Bull, £89.99. ISBN 1893618 69 2