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.
This beautifully illustrated photographic history chronicles Porsche's half-century in motorsport, covering the evolution of the marque's race cars, the developing technologies, drivers, and the common thread that links the 550 Spyder of the carefree 1950s to 911 GT cars of today. Each car featured is examined in the context of its race record and specifications. Interviews with drivers and engineers are accompanied by an in-depth examination of such feats as Porsche's unmatched 16 wins at Le Mans and a gallery of contemporary photography, technical drawings, and specially commissioned paintings that depict 50 years of Porsches at the world's greatest circuits.
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.
Unbekannte Preziosen Wenn Autofirmen Studien und Prototypen zeigen, erlauben sie damit einen Blick hinter den Vorhang, eine Vision von dem, was kommt oder kommen könnte. Neben dem, was bei offiziellen Terminen und auf Messen gezeigt wird, gibt es aber eine überwältigende Menge von Entwürfen und Modellen, die der Öffentlichkeit aus verschiedensten Gründen verborgen bleiben. In diesem Buch wird das unmögliche möglich: ein Blick auf noch nie gesehene Porsche - Porsche Unseen. Stefan Bogner durfte exklusiv im Allerheiligsten des Porsche Designs fotografieren und beschert uns absolute Aha-Momente. Die Porsche-DNA ist in jedem der gezeigten Modelle erkennbar, die Ausführung aber so neu und zum Teil so unerwartet, dass man meint, in einem Paralleluniversum gelandet zu sein. Ein 1-Liter-Auto von Porsche? Ein coupéhafter 4-Sitzer mit 911-Zügen? Einsitzige Roadster mit dem Geist der 50er-Jahre? Das alles hat Stefan Bogner im Modell oder sogar fahrfertig vor der Linse gehabt. Die erhellenden Hintergründe hat Jan Baedeker im persönlichen Gespräch mit Designchef Michael Mauer notiert. Folgen Sie uns auf eine unvergleichliche Entdeckungsreise durch die Welt des Porsche Designs! Zweisprachig: Deutsch/Englisch Unknown valuables When car companies present studies and prototypes, they allow a glimpse behind the scenes, a vision of what will come or might come. Apart from what is shown on official events and at fairs, there is an overwhelming number of drafts and models, that remain hidden from the public for various reasons. This book achieves the impossible: a look at Porsche cars the public never laid eyes on - Porsche Unseen. Stefan Bogner was exclusively allowed to take pictures in the Porsche Design sanctum, aha-experiences guaranteed. The Porsche DNA is recognisable in any of the models shown, but the design is so new and unexpected that it suggests the existence of a parallel universe. A 1-litre Porsche? A coupé-like four seater with 911-looks? Single-seated roadsters with 50's flair? Stefan Bogner took photos of all of them - either as models or ready to drive. Jan Baedeker talked with Michael Mauer, Head of Design, and took down the enlightening background information. Join our extraordinary expedition of discovery through the world of Porsche Design!
Looking back on 70 years of the legendary marque at one of the world's greatest races, Porsche at Le Mans is authoritatively written and packed with photos, history, and results.
Derek Bell’s name became inextricably linked with that of Porsche during his long and hugely successful career as a racing driver. In this new 276-page book, Bell collaborates with renowned motorsport author Richard Heseltine to give the reader a very personal insight into his experiences racing for the legendary German marque. The approach taken by this latest publication from Porter Press International is to look at every race Bell drove for Porsche, in detail and with revealing comments from the book’s subject. Light is cast on Bell’s most prestigious victories with Porsche - four of his five in the Le Mans 24 Hours, three in the Daytona 24 Hours, two in the World Sportscar Championship - and many more besides. Bell describes the Porsches he raced, from the fearsome 917 to the iconic 956, 962, and 911. And he shares his thoughts on the now-legendary drivers he raced with, including six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx, the famously flamboyant Hans Stuck, and two immense talents who lost their lives to the sport, Jo Siffert and Stefan Bellof. The overall effect is a fascinating trip back in time to a golden era for Porsche and sports car racing as a whole.
No other sports car has had a run like Porsches, on the street or on the world's racetracks. This richly illustrated volume tells the story of that fabled marque. Renowned automotive writer and photographer (and Porsche aficionado) Randy Leffingwell focuses his lens on each important model the first 356 to today's Cayman and 911. His pictures, in-depth analyses of each car and its context, and interviews with key personnel comprise a complete, compelling, and often revealing history of the world's premier name in sports cars.
Today, one cannot escape the fact that the words "Porsche" and "racing" go hand in hand. This book follows Porsche’s year-by-year progress in top flight racing, and looks in detail at the pure competition cars that brought the German marque such immense success on the tracks and worldwide acclaim. This particular volume starts with the story of the giant killing 550 Spyders of 1953 vintage, and takes the reader through a series of racing models, including the glorious 917, up to 1975 via contemporary photography and words from an acknowledged Porsche authority. The book includes detailed year by year coverage of Porsche’s top class racing exploits in words and 300 excellent photos.
