Porsche - The Racing 914s

Préface
The book includes much previously unpublished factory information and photographs, and describes all the detailed body and chassis changes from prototype, and from race to race. Including new and previously unpublished information, the author’s access to the archives of Porsche, in Stuttgart, has enabled him to study all the available in house memos and commands from the time. These details expose the ideas, the rifts, the mistakes – and the successes. Also included are detailed interviews from those involved at the time – both in Europe and the USA, Porsches biggest market and where much of the racing took place, and where some of the biggest names in American motor racing cut their teeth on the 914 model. Little known details about the true capabilities of the four-cylinder model, as opposed to the more popular six-cylinder, are described, along with detailed specifications for the race and rally cars. Concludes with a huge record of racing statistics, including not just the factory cars in the early years, but most of the privateers races too. For this is, above all, a book for the many ‘little guys,’ telling the stories of the non-factory teams in National and International races in Europe, and in IMSA in the USA.

Auteur
Roy Smith’s keen eye for detail was developed during a 40-year career in sales and marketing. Having written for club magazines during the 1960s, interviewing notables of the time, when Roy retired from business in 2003, he decided to turn his attention to writing about motor sport, and now has six previous works to his name, as well as continuing to contribute specialist articles for websites and magazines worldwide. As with Roy’s previous titles, his aim with this book is to provide a good read to newcomers and hardened enthusiasts alike. Previous titles by Roy Smith include: Alpine & Renault - the sports prototypes (two volumes), Alpine & Renault- the development of the first Turbo Formula 1 cars, and Amedee Gordini - a true racing legend.

Résumé
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.