10998 replies to this topic

[RS2000]

"Rally Giants - The Healey 100/6 and 3000" by Graham Robson (Veloce).
Many have dismissed this series as books too short to be other than retreaded material from more comprehensive sources. That was my firm expectation with the Escort MK1 and Escort Mk2 books in the series but I was wrong. In those, inter alia, GR addressed the question of re-shelling cars with much greater accuracy and openness than in his so-called definitive work on the subject, something that has been exposed on the Internet and something that I note auction houses finally seem to be taking very seriously in more recent months, when selling "ex-works" cars of all types.
I have not read the Peter Browing "Works Healeys" and I am no "big Healey" expert but I found GR's short Healey book interesting and useful. I'm not too sure what you call a big Healey chassis - it seems something of a half way point between a traditional chassis and full unitary construction. Either way, the subject of changing worn out "chassis" and keeping the same reg number is not avoided this time around.
I would strongly dispute GR's description of the big Healey as "the first homologation special". I believe that term is now well-established as referring to very limited production cars that may or may not (largely not) have actually achieved the minimum production quantity required for the homologation granted. The big Healey was made in comparatively massive quantities, way in excess of homologation minima, compared to many other cars. GR uses the term here for a car that was developed over a period of time making maximum use of the modifications permitted under Appendix J.
This book may be dismisssed by Healey experts as too short to be of interest but it certainly wasn't to me. I eagerly await the promised additions to the series covering the Cooper S - and the works Saabs. (but I will not be troubling the publisher to obtain a copy of the Subaru Imprezza or even Audi Quattro editions...)

[kayemod]

Originally posted by RS2000
(but I will not be troubling the publisher to obtain a copy of the Subaru Imprezza or even Audi Quattro editions...)

".....when I was a lad, this was all fields...."

[RS2000]

Originally posted by kayemod
".....when I was a lad, this was all fields...."

Then 4wd chewed up all the fields and ruined them for everyone else.
It's why it's called "Nostalgia".....

[Magee]

Originally posted by Rob Semmeling
Could someone perhaps comments on the following two items I am considering for purchase?

Tom Johnston, Westwood: Everyone's Favorite Racing Circuit, 2008

DVD, Racing Through Time: Great Circuits, 2008

/Rob,

The Tom Johnston book has been reviewed several times on this Forum. It has received positive results.

[Jack-the-Lad]

David Bull Publishing confirmed to me today that it is the publisher of Brothers Rodriguez in English, now scheduled for release in October, 2008 (presumably).

Jack

[green-blood]

great, everything is quality from DBP

[Rob Semmeling]

Originally posted by Magee


/Rob,

The Tom Johnston book has been reviewed several times on this Forum. It has received positive results.

Well, the search function turned up one review, by Michael Gee, but maybe I've overlooked something. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has read it and how well it tells the story of how the Westwood circuit came about.

The "Great Circuits" DVD reportedly features the Nürburgring, Silverstone and Monaco. I'm curious as to what vintage footage in on there, but I haven't been able to find any reviews.

[Magee]

Have you looked at the publisher's web-site?

http://www.granville...story/#westwood

[Magee]

Contack Tom and ask him your questions. He's very approachable.


tomjohnston@shaw.ca

[Rob Semmeling]

Thanks for those links, Magee. It really does look tasty and right up my alley. Will order it soon.

[M Needforspeed]

For info, SUNSET ON KYALAMI 1961 - 1971 book is still available here at Seven Sea Traders. Scroll down to the bottom of this page.

http://www.autobooks.co.za/index.htm


Seven Sea Traders have been very reliable and quick to answer .Ken is very helpful and quickly answered to mails .Despite the difficulties and risk above mentionned for International shipping from South Africa, the book arrived today, August 1st to France . Just 8 days "only" with Insurance Value Declared (that I would strongly recommend).

more feelings about the content , later.

Michel

[Frank S]

Originally posted by Rob Semmeling
Thanks for those links, Magee. It really does look tasty and right up my alley. Will order it soon.

I have Tom Johnston's Sports Car ROAD RACING In Western Canada. It's one of my best purchases. Solid in every respect.

--
Frank Sheffield
San Diego CA
USA


*I hope to die peacefully, in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming in terror, like his passengers.*

[Hieronymus]

Originally posted by M Needforspeed
For info, SUNSET ON KYALAMI 1961 - 1971 book is still available here at Seven Sea Traders. Scroll down to the bottom of this page.

http://www.autobooks.co.za/index.htm


Seven Sea Traders have been very reliable and quick to answer .Ken is very helpful and quickly answered to mails .Despite the difficulties and risk above mentionned for International shipping from South Africa, the book arrived today, August 1st to France . Just 8 days "only" with Insurance Value Declared (that I would strongly recommend).

more feelings about the content , later.

Michel

Great, Michel! At least some people that are still proud to be of service. I'll make a note of them.

[David M. Woodhouse]

For those waiting for the Rex Mays biography.

I saw Bob Schilling yesterday at the BUBAAHS meeting and he says: "We are doing page layout, and are hoping for release by the end of the year".

This has been a long time in gestation, but I believe it will see the light of day. Knowing Bob, I wouldn't bet the farm on seeing it this year, but it shouldn't be much longer.

Woody

[jumperjarier]

Originally posted by Jack-the-Lad
If no one objects, I would like to post a "want ad" here...

I would like to purchase a copy of:

Grand Tourisme-Porsche Racing History in Photographs Part I 1970-1975

Published by Petropics in a limited edition of 911.

If anyone can direct me to a copy I would appreciate it very much.

Thank you.


Jack

jack,
have you tried horton books, I know they had only a couple left when I was at Goodwood
part 2 is already available,both of them i can highly recomend

[Jack-the-Lad]

Originally posted by jumperjarier


jack,
have you tried horton books, I know they had only a couple left when I was at Goodwood
part 2 is already available,both of them i can highly recomend

Yes, I've ordered volumes I and II from Ben and hope to have them later this month. He always seems to have the books that can't be found, doesn't he? And thanks for thinking of me.!


Jack.

[raceannouncer2003]

The Historic Motor Races take place August 16-17 at Mission, British Columbia, Canada. More info here:

http://www.vrcbc.ca/

In attendance will be Tom Johnston with his Westwood book. More info here:

http://www.granville..._titles/sports/

...as will Martin Rudow with his book, "Weekends of Glory" (Northwest racing, 1962 to 1970). More info here:

http://www.rspubs.com/ls/index.asp

As well, some B.C. racing stars of the 60s will also be there for book signings over the weekend, including Tony Campbell, Laurie Craig, John Hall, Tommy Hamilton, John Randall, and, hopefully, Terry Nilsson.

Vince Howlett, Victoria, B.C., Canada

[Vitesse2]

I've just finished "Freddie Dixon: the man with the heart of a lion" by David Mason. An interesting read (although I'll admit I only skimmed the motorcycling bit ). Mason "discovered" Dixon after buying a 1933 Riley Lynx and starting to research the history of the company. The author is a barrister from the NE, so Dixon was something of a compatriot.

He admits the book is compiled mainly from published sources - pretty inevitable these days, given that anyone who knew Freddie in his prime would now have to be upwards of 90 years old - and I have to say I recognised a lot of the stories even before I checked the (comprehensive) bibliography.

It's a well-written narrative but although Mason obviously knows his stuff when it comes to Dixon and Rileys, he's on less firm ground when he strays elsewhere: ill-fated MG mechanic Frankie Tayler is rendered as "Frank Tyler" and the author is under the impression that the unsuccessful 24-hour record attempt with the Napier-Railton was run at Montlhéry because the surface at Brooklands was too uneven (it was actually because night running wasn't permitted at Brooklands!) Perhaps it's time Haynes employed an editor with some pre-war racing knowledge?

A minor niggle is the lack of citation of sources - letters and other documents are quoted, probably sourced to Dixon's scrapbooks (sold in 1997) - but perhaps that's just me But overall - an enjoyable read (if a little overpriced at an rrp of £25.)

[rdrcr]

For some lighter reading, on the plane or for the vacation... I highly recommend "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. A very well written novel ~

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.

[fbarrett]

Originally posted by rdrcr
For some lighter reading, on the plane or for the vacation... I highly recommend "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. A very well written novel ~

Richard:

Having recently read it, I thoroughly agree. Automotive novels must be devilishly difficult to write, as there are so many bad ones, but this is not among them.

Frank

[Bjorn Kjer]

Do any of you have the book : The Marzotto Saga (author : de Agostini) ? Any picture (also part pictures) of transporters in the book? Thanks in advance.

[pilota]

Originally posted by Bjørn Kjer
Do any of you have the book : The Marzotto Saga (author : de Agostini) ? Any picture (also part pictures) of transporters in the book? Thanks in advance.

Yes, on p.145. Send me your email address and I will send you a scan.
Nathan

[Dennis David]

Well I've pretty much cataloged all of my motorsports books here LibraryThing Use the Cover view to better "enjoy" my collection ... oh and since I haven't bought any motorsports books in over a year don't harangue me if you don't find the latest biography of Lewis Hamilton in my library.

BTW,

If you have less than 200 books LibraryThing is free if not a lifetime membership is only $30. Now on to some of my history books!

[Bjorn Kjer]

Thanks Nathan (pilota) for your help ! Much appriciated !

I also had a look at your homepage , a lot of interesting things still to have , I am more to the older stuff , but will have a look again .

[HDonaldCapps]

The Ed Otto book arrived the other day. Skimming it first and then reading it was interesting because there are nice little tidbits scattered through the book that provide some interesting background on both Otto and the ways & wiles of American track promoters. The book is not going to be submitted for any book awards, but I am glad it is on the shelf. One of the things that caused me to laugh when I first opened the book was that on that very page there was a circuit diagram of the course used at Linden in 1954....

[Mark A]

Originally posted by Dennis David
Well I've pretty much cataloged all of my motorsports books here LibraryThing Use the Cover view to better "enjoy" my collection ... oh and since I haven't bought any motorsports books in over a year don't harangue me if you don't find the latest biography of Lewis Hamilton in my library.

BTW,

If you have less than 200 books LibraryThing is free if not a lifetime membership is only $30. Now on to some of my history books!

Just added mine here.
LibraryThing

Judging by the names appearing on some of the books I've added a few regulars from here are doing so as well.

[Dennis David]

Mark looks like I'll need to check out those Bauhaus books.

[fbarrett]

Friends:

Just received Karl Ludvigsen's new Ferdinand Porsche, Genesis of Genius, and it is fantastic. Congratulations to Karl for what must have been a huge effort and to Bentley for publishing this great book. It's basically a 1900 to 1933 biography covering his automotive, racing, aviation, and other accomplishments and innovations for Lohner, Austro-Daimler, Steyr, Wanderer, Mercedes-Benz, Auto Union, and more. The Porsche and Piech families are covered extensively, which nicely brings out the human side. It's a very high-quality limited edition of 500 numbered copies, so don't wait. For me, this is without question the best book in years!

Frank

[MichaelM]

I have to agree that Genesis of Genius is just fantastic. I love the mechanized
military vehicles. This book is so big, it really could have been split into two
volumes.

Have just come back from Monterey Automobilia where I picked up a copy of
Weekends of Glory by Martin Rudow which is volume two to Long Straights and Hairpins Turns.

Also Cris Bertschi was there with his latest: Ferrari Argentina. Of course I had to get it...

Monterey is already proving to be expensive this year.


MichaelM

[fbarrett]

Michael:

Check the David Bull stand this weekend for my new book, Shelby Cars in Detail, individual histories and Boyd Jaynes' studio photography of the Cobras, GT40s (and J-Car), and GT350 prototypes in the Shelby American Collection in Boulder, Colorado. The book isn't generally available yet, but a limited number will be at Monterey.

Frank

[MichaelM]

Frank;

Will do, I need to pick up Janos Wimpffen's latest as well.


Michael

[Jack-the-Lad]

What is Janos's new book?

Jack

[MichaelM]

Jack;

I'm assuming Janos will have his fourth in the series "picture" book out.
I believe it is called Monocoques & Ground Effects.

Michael

[Jack-the-Lad]

Originally posted by MichaelM
Jack;

I'm assuming Janos will have his fourth in the series "picture" book out.
I believe it is called Monocoques & Ground Effects.

Michael

Thanks, Michael. Yes, that's the one. I didn't realize it was out already. If you go to the David Bull stand perhaps you could ask when they plan to release Brothers Rodriguez.

Thanks again.

Jack

[Bjorn Kjer]

I saw a short review in my motor mag. on Alan Henry 's book , Top 100 F1 drivers of alltime .The only significant note in the review was that Michael Schumacher is 11th !!! That to me sounds interesting. Do any of you have the book or any comments ? Sorry if it has been discussed earlier , but I do not recall that.

[Vitesse2]

Short answer: don't waste your money. If you really want one I dare say it'll be remaindered soon ...

http://forums.autosp...&threadid=99716

http://forums.autosp...478#post3026478

[HDonaldCapps]

The excerpt from the new McLaren book in Motor Sport left me wondering and seriously considering giving it a bye. It is finally available on this side of The Pond. It did not make me want to run out and put in my library right then and there. Judging it too much from one chapter? Or is it in the Nice-to-Have/Book-de-jour category? I am re-thinking my acquisitions policy and what I actually need to add to my library, hence the hesitation.

[petefenelon]

Originally posted by HDonaldCapps
The excerpt from the new McLaren book in Motor Sport left me wondering and seriously considering giving it a bye. It is finally available on this side of The Pond. It did not make me want to run out and put in my library right then and there. Judging it too much from one chapter? Or is it in the Nice-to-Have/Book-de-jour category? I am re-thinking my acquisitions policy and what I actually need to add to my library, hence the hesitation.

I had a good look through it the other week. There are some good period pics in the 60s and 70s parts of the book but it falls off with the Project Four merger and lacks any zing in the Honda years. It really does become very, very monotonous looking and dry in the McLaren-Mercedes era. A pity, as there should be some good stories in there - the relationships between Hakkinen, Coulthard, Dennis, Haug, Newey etc. should make compelling reading. They don't. And the pics don't inspire either.

Once again Coterie seem to have trotted out a superficially pretty book with little deep content - the best book by far that they've produced is Michael Oliver's book on the Lotus 72, which I think would've been superb whoever published it! Ortenburger's book on the Elite is great too. Peter Ross's book on the Early Years at Lotus would almost count, but the design is actively repugnant!

(I haven't seen Jim Clark: Life At Team Lotus, but I do hear good things about it).

[sterling49]

Originally posted by petefenelon



(I haven't seen Jim Clark: Life At Team Lotus, but I do hear good things about it).

This book is brilliant, it evokes so many memories for me, from a great period of racing with the great man, and so many of the races that I attended as a young lad. Superb photography as you would expect of the Team Lotus photographer

(I would guess there are not too many left in the system now as it had a very limited run)

[Paul Medici]

Not too many novels are mentioned here.
However this is one that I believe is worth the read.
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN, by Garth Stein, was recommended by
my sister who is not only a dog lover, but also understands my passion
for auto racing.

It would take all day for me to describe the plot so I suggest you just go to
www.theartofracingintherain.com for more info.

It's a quick read and I found it at my public library. My daughter has ordered a
copy from her local Starbucks for my overdue birthday present.

Was certainly a surprised to find a reference in the book to Peter Mitchell-Thompson
and some fellow named Chinetti!
.
.
.
.

[kayemod]

Originally posted by petefenelon


I had a good look through it the other week. There are some good period pics in the 60s and 70s parts of the book but it falls off with the Project Four merger and lacks any zing in the Honda years. It really does become very, very monotonous looking and dry in the McLaren-Mercedes era. A pity, as there should be some good stories in there - the relationships between Hakkinen, Coulthard, Dennis, Haug, Newey etc. should make compelling reading. They don't. And the pics don't inspire either.

Can't disagree with any of that. The publishers would have been doing us all a favour if they'd put it out in two volumes, Vol 1 with the interesting early stuff, and Vol 2 that's all Marlboro and Mercedes corporate speak. I bought it of course, I had to because it had orange McLarens inside, and there's a lot of interesting stuff I hadn't seen before on the earlier cars, but I doubt if I'll spend much time reading about the later red, white and silver pages. For anyone who wants to know about the earlier years of the Company, Phil Kerr's 'To Finish First' is unequalled, one of the best motor racing books of recent years.

Has anyone else ploughed through 'Hitler's Motor Racing Battles' by Eberhard Reuss ? It was mostly quite interesting, but as I think I said earlier in this thread, it raised many more questions than it answered, something that becomes very irritating after a while. If the Author doesn't know the answer, why bother to raise the question? In fairness to Herr Reuss, I think he may have suffered at the hands of a less than brilliant translator, who probably didn't do full justice to the original text. To describe it as 'turgid' would be an act of flattery. My German isn't all that brilliant, but I suspect I might have appreciated it more in the original version. A scholarly work no doubt, but deadly dull.

[Alan Cox]

I have recently received a couple of recent Haynes titles: Sports Car Racing in Camera, 1970-79 by Paul Parker, and Jim Clark - A photographic portrait by Quentin Spurring and Peter Windsor with photos from LAT.
I thought that Paul's book on 'sixties sports car racing would be a hard act to follow, but this latest offering succeeds and I found it no less fascinating. I think I must have forgotten quite how interesting some of those races were, providing a last opportunity for privateers to challenge the works teams, and a last chance for the top drivers to engage in another category of racing on weekends between grands prix. As before, the captions are fullsome and introduce plenty of side interest and the photo selection gives equal prominence to many of the also-rans.

The Clark book is also recommended and although many of the photographs are familiar, to have a photographic record of his entire career, principally sourced from the LAT archive, collected into one volume is a handy reference. Again it contains full captions and it includes photos of Jim's one-off drives in the Felday, Vollstedt, Holman & Moody Ford Fairlane, Arciero Bros. Lotus 19, Alan Brown Ford Galaxie and Gemini FJ, and concludes with an appendix of all events which he contested.

Two well-produced and researched volumes which offer fine value (£30 each, or about £20 from Amazon)

[Jack-the-Lad]

Originally posted by Jack-the-Lad


Thanks, Michael. Yes, that's the one. I didn't realize it was out already. If you go to the David Bull stand perhaps you could ask when they plan to release Brothers Rodriguez.

Thanks again.

Jack

DBP's web site has nothing about any of its new books, three of which (Barrett, Wimpffen and Alexander) have been released (or at least introduced) this weekend, I believe.

They seem to be a pretty savvy outfit. One would think they'd make better use of their web site in promoting their new books.

Jack.

[Doug Nye]

Originally posted by petefenelon
Peter Ross's book on the Early Years at Lotus would almost count, but the design is actively repugnant!

Exquisitely expressed - if I may say so. And so accurate.

DCN

[petefenelon]

Originally posted by Doug Nye


Exquisitely expressed - if I may say so. And so accurate.

DCN

There's a delightful bit on Tom Waits' album Nighthawks at the Diner where he talks about getting into a "monkeysh*t brown Buick". (ah, there's one for the Cars In Songs thread...). I have NO desire to get into a "monkeysh*t brown book".;)

[jumperjarier]

Originally posted by Twin Window
Tommy Byrne's book with Mark Hughes is out the first week of September...

I can not wait for this book to come out,spoke to Bernard Devaney about Tommy at the weekend at silverstone F3 meeting, had me in fits of laughter of some the stories he told me

[fines]

To be perfectly blunt: THAT cover text puts me off! :

[MichaelM]

Back from Monterey, David Bull Publishing only had a sample book of Monocoques
& Ground Effects by Janos. A "slight" printing set back, copies will be available
in September.

They did have the Shelby Cars in Detail so my truck was a bit heavier on the way home.

Sorry Jack, didn't think to ask about the Brothers Rodriguez.

PS: Featured marque next year will be Porsche. The crowds should be ummm excesssive...


Michael

[kayemod]

Originally posted by fines
To be perfectly blunt: THAT cover text puts me off! :

I've been hoping for a book on Tommy Byrne for ages, but the two words that put me off this one are 'Mark' and 'Hughes'. He was one of the main reasons I gave up on Autosport a couple of years ago.

[David M. Woodhouse]

I asked David about the Rodriguez Brothers book and he said they are still hoping for October. There will be additional text and more photos than the Spanish language edition, but the size and production quality will be similar.

On the lighter side, I had a glance at the manuscript of Toly Arutunoff's forthcoming book of stories, entitled "One Off". Anyone who has attended a party where Toly held court knows what a treat this will be. The foreward by Toly's wife Karen had me laughing out loud. He was in top form as usual at Friday night's 50s party in Pacific Grove.

Next year's featured Marque at the Historics will be Porsche.

Woody