{Review} Porsche 911 Story: The entire development history by Paul Frere

Over the course of a couple of decades, Paul Frere has established himself as the definitive expert on the Porsche 911, it's predecessors and the models derived from the basic 911 platform. This book is not for the faint of heart casual reader. There are endless pages of discussions of changes to transmission gearing, updates to engines, tweaks to suspensions and so on and so forth for hundreds of pages. There is also substantial coverage of the Porsche's racing career, but that could occupy a half dozen books by itself and so the coverage in this book is more of an overview, and for that it's surprisingly rather dull reading.

The book contains hundreds of photos, drawings and illustrations, including a color section, so the text is broken up and enhanced by them. Some details described in the text could use further illustration, but I suspect that the true Porsche aficionado (of which I am not one) is better informed.

This book is most definitely not recommended for the casual reader. Even those with a passing interest in automobiles should seriously consider the degree of commitment to which they might wish to aspire before undertaking this book. Only the true Porsche-o-phile might be inclined to give it a try.

Link to LibraryThing entry for this book

{Review} Cooper Cars (World Champions) by Doug Nye

This would have to be considered the definite work on the history of Cooper, as a constructor and also as a race team. It is a very sizable book and while it is well illustrated it also is quite detailed. Definitely not a coffee table book. Cooper Cars (the constructor) started off after world war 2 in a minor 500cc formula by welding together the wrecked rear ends of two Fiats, fabricating the bodywork and ended up with a superbly fast race car. From a small garage operation, Cooper expanded and by the late fifties was a major player in Formula 1 racing and also branched out into sports car and rallying. After the death of founder and owner Charles Cooper in 1964, son John struggled to manage the factory and the works team but eventually sold the business. In less than two decades Cooper had gone from a corner garage to one of the most revered marques in auto racing.

The author, Doug Nye, is one of the best automotive writers and this is one of his best works. The book touches upon the people and events, but also delves substantially into the design and construction of the cars. The photographs are excellent, including many candid shots of obscure but interesting events. The book not only deals in great depth with the grand prix and lesser formula race cars but also thoroughly explore's Cooper's other efforts, including several sports cars, some of which developed into successful race entries. Nye also relates the story of Cooper's entry into top rung of American motorsports, the Indy 500. Additionally there is a chapter devoted to Cooper's association with the British Motor Corporation's Mini, which turned a small economy sedan into an iconic symbol known all over the world.

Nye's writing style is informal and he obviously enjoys relating the small personal anecdotes he gathered over dozens of interviews. At times the relating of the events of each racing season become somewhat laborious, but Nye's intend is to give a thorough history of Cooper and so he includes all of the details of things Cooper.

Most heartily recommended for those with an interest in motor racing. Other may find the book a bit too challenging, but perhaps might be worth giving a try.

Link to LibraryThing entry for this book