Book Suggestions

[Flieger]

Hi, I am looking for a good book detailing the technical development of the 911R, 911S, 911ST, 911RSR....

I have already read Fere's Porsche 911 Story and Ludvigson's Excellence was Expected, I have Porsche 911 in Racing and a few other books about driving and racing early 911s so I already know most of the history. I am looking for more of the inside information from the factory engineers. The little technical details that make subtle changes to vehicle dynamics....

I was thinking that Norbert Singer's 24:16 may be the best fit to what I am looking for.

Any opinions to guide me?

[John Z Goriup]

There's always John Starkey's "From R to GT3R - The Racing Porsches 911 & 930". This is actually a compendium of several books by the same author featuring the individual models, and was updated and combined into one volume in 2003 and now includes the water-cooled models.

It's not as technical and precise as Frere's book, rather it is written in a more anectodal style with heavy emphasis on the drivers, werks people and race results.

There is also a new, updated version of " The Porsche Book", Jurgen Barth's epic work, now in three volumes with never-before-seen or published photos and great insight into early history. I mean after all, who would have better access than Jurgen. I have been buying a lot of automotive books from David Bull Publishing, a specialist in the field ( www.bullpublishing.com ) and heartily endorse everything they bring out. Outstanding quality, great selecton of auhtors, subjects and lots of limited edition signed collectors copies. They also have a great print catalog, sort of like the ESSES, top quality work which I always read cover to cover. "The Porsche Book" is $ 300.00, but trust me, worth every penny.

There is one more very valuable scource: Blocks Books, in the Detroit area ( blocklab@aol.com ) Tel: 248. 672. 2637, a true labor of love run by Bill Block and wife. He invariably has the most sought after out-of-print books and sells at attractive prices. Extremely knowledgable and familiar with every single Porsche book ever printed.

Good Luck,

JZG

[Flieger]

Thanks for the tips. I had the impression that the Starkey book was more documenting each individual chassis' racing history as well as various race results from back in the day. I have the Porsche 911 in Racing book and these details do not interest me as much as the technical side as in Fere's book. I do like the photos, though.

Does the Starkey book also have some good technical information?

Thanks again.

[Flieger]

Alright!

My new book, Porsche 917: die Helden, die Siege, der Mythos by various German authors, just arrived. Cool German and English text side by side, awesome photos, and stories from the engineers and drivers of the 917K, 917LH, and the Can-Am racers. And, it is autographed to me from Vic Elford!

This ought to hold me for a while.