New books for Christmas

Porsche, Climax engines and the Brighton Speed Trials

Three new books have just been published that are worthy of inclusion on your Christmas list:

Porsche 911 - The Definitive History 1987 to 1997
Coventry Climax Racing Engines - The Definitive Development History
The Brighton National Speed Trials in the 1960s, 1970s & 1980s

Porsche 911 - The Definitive History 1987 to 1997 by Brian Long

Volume four in a series that will become the definitive reference to the Porsche 911 – the world’s favourite Porsche. Includes full year-by-year, model-by-model coverage, including all limited editions, with international markets covered in great detail. Over 200 pictures, mostly in colour, including contemporary advertising and sales brochure material. Each volume complete in itself there's a leather-bound limited edition (50 numbered copies) available at £250.00.

This volume continues the story of the 3.2 litre Carrera series, and goes on to cover the 959 production car and the last of the air-cooled 911s. A process of continuous evolution has kept the 911 fresh for nearly 40 years, while impeccable build quality has ensured that most of even the very earliest cars have survived as desirable and usable classics. This is the fourth volume in a set of books which will chronicle in definitive depth the history of the evergreen 911, from the earliest design studies to the water-cooled cars of today.

Author

Brian Long now has more than 30 books to his credit. Coming from an engineering background, he has been an automotive enthusiast for as long as anyone can remember. His passion for sports cars and vintage machinery remains as strong as ever. Born in Coventry, England, he now lives in Chiba City, Japan, with his wife, Miho, and their two children, Louis and Sophie-Mercedes. He is a member of the RJC in Japan, the Guild of Motoring Writers, and the Society of Automotive Historians.

Cloth hardback. 250 tall x 207mm (9-7/8 x 8-1/8in). 208 pages. Over 250 illustrations, mainly colour. ISBN 1-903706-39-4. £34.99 UK/$59.95 USA

Coventry Climax Racing Engines by Des Hammill

This book is about the classic racing engine. In the 50s and 60s Coventry Climax engines powered many race-winning cars, including those driven by Stirling Moss and Jack Brabham. Coventry Climax units were the first British engines to power world championship winners.

So, after 30 months of original research and writing, this book describes exactly how these famous engines developed from industrial fire pumps to the Hillman Imp, from Le Mans winning Lotus Elites to Formula One winners driven by Moss and Brabham, right through to, and including, the company’s takeover by Jaguar in 1963.

Viewed through the eyes of an engineer, and the detailed recollections of those who were there, this is a fascinating account of the trials and tribulations of leading edge race engine design from 1952 to 1966.

To get the true inside story, the author, an engineer, has talked to all surviving Coventry Climax personnel who were involved with the racing engines in the company's heyday.

The author was given full access to all of designer Walter Hassan’s papers, photographs and engine drawings.

Author

New Zealander Des Hammill is a professional engineer with engine oil running through his veins. Des has been building race and high performance street engines for over 30 years.

Cloth hardback. 225 tall x 152mm or 8-3/4 tall x 6in. 192 pages. c.75 illustrations. ISBN 1-903706-83-1/UPC 36847-00283-1. £16.99 (UK)/$32.95 (USA).

The Brighton National Speed Trials in the 1960s, 1970s & 1980s by Tony Gardiner

A book in the "Those were the Days ..." series, this includes over 150 previously unpublished photographs, many in colour. First run in 1905, the Brighton Speed Trials is one of Britain’s oldest motorsport events. Famous competitors include: Lord Brabazon, Malcolm Campbell, John Cobb, Peter Collins, ‘Goldie’ Gardner, ‘Jenks,’ Alex Issigonis and Raymond Mays. Not only was author Tony Gardiner a spectator at the Speed Trials for the best part of thirty years, during the 1970s he competed in a supercharged Mini Cooper.
Fast approaching its centenary, the Brighton Speed Trials event has always attracted full entries, mainly because of the opportunity to drive a highly tuned competition or road machine on a public highway at speeds well in excess of the national speed limit. The unlikely combination of motorsport and the facilities of one of Britain’s leading seaside resorts has made this uniquely atmospheric event part of Britain’s national heritage.

Author

Tony Gardiner is a highly experienced professional illustrator most of whose subjects relate to the ‘Golden Age’ of motor sport: the 1950s and 1960s. He has maintained a strong lifelong interest in motor sport, including club events, rallies and sprint races, as a spectator, official and competitor.

Hardback. 190 tall x 205mm or 7-1/2in tall x 8in. 96 pages. Over 140 colour photographs. ISBN 1-903706-88-2/UPC 36847-00288-6. £12.99 (UK)/$24.95 (USA)

View sample pages and sample text on www.veloce.co.uk

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