Roy P Smith – författare

There are still those who see the Porsche 914 model as a ‘funny little car,’ compared to the immortal 911. Granted, in its day, professional rally drivers were not keen on the 914: they were nervous driving it at the limit. Yet the records show that 914s were driven to at least 41 class wins, and at least 71 positions on the other two steps of the podium in Regional, National, and International Rallies.Racing on the circuits of Europe, 914s came home first in their class, and even took overall victory many times. In the USA, in IMSA GTU championship, in nationals, and internationals, it was the same story – and that’s not counting the multitude of SCCA regional races. The 914 first raced in 1970 … the last? Who knows: even now they’re still used in the USA’s SCCA GT classes.'Porsche – the Racing 914s' is a study in pictures, statistics, factory information, and interviews, that will show the Porsche 914 in a whole new light. Originally a hardback limited edition which has long since sold out, this richly illustrated book is now available in a revised paperback form, and is a must have for all Porsche 914 and racing enthusiasts.

Mercedes and Benz Racing: The First 55 Years of the RennabteilungStep into the thrilling world of Mercedes-Benz racing, where innovation, speed, and daring drivers shaped motorsport history. Mercedes and Benz Racing unveils the extraordinary story of the Rennabteilung – the legendary Mercedes-Benz racing department – from the birth of motor racing in the early 1900s to Daimler-Benz's dramatic withdrawal from Grand Prix and sports car competition in 1955.This superb photo-rich volume sets out to show the first 55 years of trials and tribulations of Mercedes and Benz racing, extensively illustrated throughout with period images, revealing the victories and setbacks, and the outside influences that impacted on the Rennabteilung.Historic RacesFrom Daimler and Benz and the birth of the Mercedes marque, and its withdrawal from Grand Prix and Sports car racing, this sweeping history spans the golden era of motorsport. Encompassing Grands Prix, wooden board racing, and endurance epics like the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, and Carrera Pan Americana to record-breaking hill climbs and land speed challenges across Europe, the USA, and South America.Famous facesMeet the fearless pioneers who pushed the limits of engineering and courage – Emil Jellinek, Ferdinand Porsche, Camille Jenatzy, Christian Lautenschlager, Otto Salzer, Ralph de Palma, Barney Oldfield, Alfred Neubauer, Manfred von Brauchitsch, Rudolf Caracciola, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, Juan Fango, Stirling Moss … just a few of the names that feature across Mercedes-Benz' long racing history.Prodigious paceFeaturing prominently, of course, are the mighty cars themselves, such as the Gordon Bennett racers, Blitzen Benz, the 1914 Supercharged Mercedes … plus W25, W125, W154, W196, and 300SL – mixed with those recognisable ones that it would be churlish to leave out! The more than 1200+ evocative period images, many of which have never been published, feature sources including the Porsche and Audi archives, with some outstanding images supporting the narrative, and the many dramatic photographs retrieved from the depths of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archives.A stunning volumePacked with over 1,200 rare and evocative period images, many published here for the first time, this nearly 600-page collector's edition is a treasure trove for motorsport enthusiasts. With its engaging storytelling and immersive format, Mercedes and Benz Racing is more than a book – it's a high-octane journey through one of the most exhilarating chapters in automotive history, capturing the passion, ambition, and relentless pursuit of speed that defined Mercedes-Benz as a true racing powerhouse.A wonderful appreciation of the first era of racing life of what became one of the most impressive racing teams of all time, and a superb addition to any automotive enthusiast's library.