Porsche Racing

The fascinating story of Porsche's top class racing exploits, and the German-built machines that often dominated the competition world. This book is the definitive record of Porche's racing cars and racing history between 1953 and 1975. Included are 300 excellent photos.

For half a century, Porsche automobiles have been favorites of race fans and drivers in endurance events, rallies, hill climbs, Trans Am, Can-Am, and GT racing. This photohistory chronicles more than 100 racing Porsches that have been campaigned at circuits the world over, including Le Mans, Daytona, Sebring, Spa, Nurburgring, and Leguna Seca, to name a few. In addition to color photography of the cars today and archival race images depicting the cars and top drivers from the annals of motorsport, the author presents the histories of such legendary Porsches as the 550 Spyder, a customer version of which gained notoriety as the car in which James Dean died; the open-wheel 718/2 with which Porsche unsuccessfully contested Formula 1 in 1959 and 1960; the 904 GTS that dominated European circuits in 1964 and 1965; the 917's which in 1972 and 1973 halted McLaren's Can-Am cakewalk; the 1976 Martini-liveried 935; the pair of Rothman-sponsored 959's that easily swept Paris-Dakar in 1986; and today's successful 911 GT cars.

Detailed study of a remarkable little car that, when it appeared in 1969, was considered a mish-mash of ideas, and not a ‘proper’ Porsche. It’s also the story of the ‘little’ guys … the privateers and dealer teams who did most of the development that turned the 914 into great little racer.

Powered by Porsche – the Alternative Race Cars is a thorough and fascinating account of the racing cars that were powered by Porsche engines, but where the chassis and development of the car was carried out by others. The Porsche company in Zuffenhausen, Germany, can probably be said to be the most successful marque ever for victories in the motor racing scene. Likewise many firsts in innovation have come with the name Porsche attached. Many major racing car producers such as Elva, Lotus, Lola, or March, as well as many smaller independents, at some time featured a Porsche engine in their chassis. Demand for the services and supply of cars, chassis, and parts from Porsche, often outstripped their ability to deliver during the late ’70s to early ’80s. With many new projects in the rapidly expanding Porsche organisation, race car projects had to be prioritised. This would lead to the creation of the replicas, as opposed to the factory-built works race cars, and even Porsche was building ‘replica’ 935s to supply to clients, continuing into the 962 era. In turn, a whole new, highly specialised, high quality industry grew up to meet the demand for Porsche-powered racers. In this fascinating book we meet the racing cars, the teams and the people who turned to Porsche to utilise the power from, perhaps, the greatest of all engine makers. This is thought to be first book on the subject, covering the entire history of Porsche engines, detailed engine specifications, non-Porsche chassis, and race details, as well as team histories with anecdotes from drivers. It is illustrated with many previously unpublished photos, and provides fascinating reading for all racing fans, as well as Porsche enthusiasts.

This definitive volume tells the full story of Porsche’s famed sports prototype and competition sports cars from 1953-1973. Authoritatively written and beautifully illustrated, it chronicles the ‘giant-killing’ years when Porsche was locked in combat with its arch rival Ferrari, and celebrates Porsche’s victories at events such as Le Mans and the Targa Florio, and its excellent placings in other World Sports Car Championship events.

Carrying on Adrian Streather’s tradition of exemplary Porsche 911 technical guides, this book contains everything a 997 owner needs to know, plus a lot more. From engines and transmissions to engine management software – no matter what model of 997, it’s all covered here.

Subtitled: 356 to 962. From the first aluminum 356 coupe at Le Mans in 1951 to the all-conquering 962 of the 1980s, the story of Porsche's competition cars is told through many never-before-seen vintage images and hundreds of color photographs from the 1998 Monterey Historic Races. Porsche brought many of its museum cars to this event, and Hal Thoms captured them in beautiful color at rest and on the track. Hdbd., 10 1/2 x 9 1/2, 224 pgs., 100 b&w and 250 color ill.