One of my favourite Porsche researchers and author, Tony Adriaensens has just sent his latest book to the printers, which is a magical window focusing on early Porsche competition history.

Titled ‘SportErfolge’, this magnificent 640 page photo-essay covers a part of the rich racing and rallying history of the Porsches from as early as 1951 when the Austrian-built Gmünd 356 challenged the early post-war racing scene.  From there it goes all the way up to 1963 when the rare flat-eights showed great potential at the Targa Florio, Nürburgring and Le Mans.  In between are many events, national and international, that slowly but surely put Porsche on pole position among the world’s finest competition cars.

As always the research is highly detailed and accurate and is a great resource for any Porsche enthusiast. There are some truly amazing shots – Hans Herrmann in the 1954 Carrera Mexico class winning 550, full colour Mille Miglia and Bob Donner gunning his RS61 up Pikes Peak are just some examples.  Paddock studies feature strongly, and Tony has retained a typical feel for the 1950s culture.

As 550 Spyders feature at most of the race events in the 50s, the book covers the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race, Liège-Rome-Liège, Carrera Panamericana – Mexico, Pebble Beach, numerous Swiss hill-climbs and more, much more with over 110 colour and 250 black and white images throughout.

I have had a sneak preview and have attached a few select images that appear between the covers, but at 185 € it is a must on the bookshelf for both 50s racing followers and those with an interest in classic racing Porsches. The book should be out before Christmas and you can get it before everyone else from the CorsaResearch site.