Rarely if ever will you read a review written by someone who freely admits to not having read the entire book, but this is the case here. Let me explain–I had only a brief time to write this review, and I’d read the three previous editions. So, a little book history:

Back in “the old daze”, in the mid-1970s, automotive historian Karl Ludvigsen wrote a huge and then-complete history of Porsche: the people, the cars, and the company. Porsche, Excellence Was Expected (PEWE, for short) was first published in 1976 by L. Scott Bailey’s Automobile Quarterly. Priced at a then-astronomical $59.95 (or a then-outrageous $79.95 for the leather-bound version), it quickly and justifiably succeeded, setting the standard for marque histories. Porsche enthusiasts devoured every word.

Updated three-volume editions came in 2003 and 2008, published by Robert Bentley, though the original chapters were not rewritten. Now, all that has changed. This new fourth edition, likely the last (after 50-plus years, Karl is slowing a bit), has been totally rewritten and dramatically expanded, incorporating a huge amount of fresh information and photographs. Karl has always enjoyed total access to Porsche’s archives, but his dedication and experience now mean more than ever. His experience working at GM, Fiat, and Ford broadened his views.

Our only complaint is that the printer’s color reproduction fails to meet the quality of previous editions. Still, those earlier editions won all of the most prestigious automotive book awards, and I expect this one will follow in their tracks. The massive, 30-lb, four-volume set (with 2,836 pages and 2,912 illustrations) retails for $524.95 and is available now. Truly, if you have only one Porsche book, this must be it.

OK, now I can take a month or so to finish reading the book!    
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FB

Rarity counts.  Whether you collect cars or books, the scarce ones are often the most valuable, the hardest to obtain.  Here, both book and subject fall into that same category.  A mere six Coupes were built, and they change hands only every Guardsman (or Viking) Blue moon, and for astronomical sums.  Likewise, their history book, Daytona Cobra Coupes, remains hard to find and to afford.  People hang onto good cars – and good books.

Who better than Peter Brock to describe the Coupes’ history?  In engaging detail, he leads you through the tedious fabrication, the race dramas, and mad thrashes necessary to beat the European competitors.  Although stretched beyond its limits, the team succeeded.

​Photographer Dave Friedman documented Shelby American’s efforts.  Hundreds of excellent period black-and-white images – from fabrication to pit work to finish line – give this book an authentic, you-are-there feeling, often missing in other histories.

Enthusiast, owner, and restorer George Stauffer conceived and published the book.  His own introduction defines its credibility, “Pete’s words and Dave’s photos and captions tell the coupe’s story as only insiders can...”

In America, the Cobra roadster wiped out the Corvettes, but it had the aerodynamics of a barn, so Shelby needed a slicker car for the faster European tracks.  Pete Brock risked his job at Shelby American to design the Coupe.  To maximize speeds, he minimized drag.  Lacking a wind tunnel – and despite naysayers, ace fabricator Phil Remington included – -Pete drew what he believed would work. 

The Coupe’s debut at Daytona in early 1964 was a fiery disaster but at least gave the car its name.  Brightened mainly by a Le Mans class win, 1964 was a learning year, but in 1965 things took off.  With the help of Cobra roadsters and co-entrant Alan Mann – and despite Enzo Ferrari’s politicking – the Coupes became the first American car to win a World Championship.  Nevertheless, the used-up cars were retired and later sold for a song.  The new GT40 had made them the final, the ultimate Cobras. 

Each Coupe’s tale is told, from their origins in America and Italy through their racing careers to their preservation in collections; since the book was written in 1995, recent transfers are not shown (addendum, anyone?).  One chapter documents the provenance of all–CSX 2286, 2287, 2299, 2300, 2601, and 2602–as well as CSX 2131 (Willment), A98 (AC), CSB 3054 (the unborn 427), and CSX 3055 (Willment/Ghia).  Their competition records include dates, car numbers, colors, drivers, results, and notes.

One discrepancy: on page 525, CSX 2299’s race dates are shifted. Typesetting was a little weak back then, and by now the aging varnish on the dust wrappers may have cracked, but what you’re getting here is genuine first-hand testimony. A total of 3000 standard-edition were printed plus another 400 “special editions” had a Cobra chassis plate attached with the book number etched on it plus the signatures of every living driver and team member (44 autographs!), priced at $400.

Today’s prices for excellent copies of the standard edition range from $1,000 to $1,500, and the ultra-rare “special edition” copies sell for about $4000. Find a copy of either edition, and you’ll hang onto it!

Frank Barrett