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Written by automotive and Porsche expert Karl Ludvigsen, White Racers from Zuffenhausen: Porsche 904, 906, 907, 908, 910 
The book showcases action and technical photos of the Porsche 904, 906, 907, 908 and 910 race cars that bridged the gap between the “giant-killing” Spyders and the still formidable Type 917. A brief introduction provides color and insight into the motivations behind the development of these cars and the internal “race” between the Pieche and Porsche family members.
By no means should the reader think of this as an in-depth reference book similar to some of Ludvigsen’s other works. Instead, White Racers
Curiously missing from this printed account is any mention to the origin of the term “White Racers.” While many Porschefiles are familiar with the term and its etymology, to others a simple description would be helpful as the phrase is used not only in the introduction, but more prominently as part of the book title! The explanation is rather quite simple. Late model 904s along with the rest of the 900 series were predominantly painted white. This was a significant departure from the traditional silver racing colors of Germany and Porsche.
About the Author Karl Ludvigsen
In 2003, Karl Ludvigsen was awarded the Friend of Automotive History Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Society of Automotive Historians. He is also a three-time winner of their Cugnot award for best book of the year. Ludvigsen has served as technical editor of Auto Age and Sports Cars Illustrated magazines, as east coast editor of Motor Trend and as editor of Car and Driver. He has also worked on the inside of the motor industry at senior levels with General Motors, Fiat and Ford.
His Porsche history, Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
Upcoming Reviews
Over the next few weeks I’ll be focusing on a number of product and book reviews. Included in the mix will be the long-term/second stage review of both the Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel and the Porsche Design LaCie External Hard Drive. Upcoming book reviews include Porsche: The Fine Art of the Sports Car
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[...] Original post by 993C4S [...]
[...] 993C4S: Porsche Cars, Products and LifeStyle created an interesting post today on Book Review: White Racers from Zuffenhausen by Karl LudvigsenHere’s a short outlineLudvigsen has served as technical editor of Auto Age and Sports Cars Illustrated magazines, as east coast editor of Motor Trend and as editor of Car and Driver….Porsche 904, 906, 907, 908, 910 provides the reader with a graphical and written overview of the 900 series sports-racing cars….Upcoming book reviews include Porsche: The Fine Art of the Sports Car, Porsche Sixty Years, Porsche:… [...]
Wow, thanks for the nice review!
Yes, I should have explkained that it was significant that Porsche adopted the traditional German white for its cars after the silver 904s. This was a hallmark of the new racing regime of Ferdinand Piech.
I hope you’ll also be reviewing the other books in this Ludvigsen Library series for Iconografix, the two on the Spyders and one on the 917. This one completes that overview.
I’m thinking of some others on these lines. Perhaps Porsche single-seaters and then of course the 956/962. Comments welcome!
Karl,
Thanks for the comments and hopefully you’ll get some feedback! I look forward to reviewing more of your books just as soon as Motorbooks sends them!
On a personal note, I would love to see something in-depth on the 956/962 series. As one of the most winning designs in Porsche history, it is due.
Kind Regards,
993C4S
I thoroughly disapprove of Mr. Ludvigsen’s involvement with this book. I think his time would be best spent providing annual revisions of “Excellence Was Expected”, thus allowing me an excuse to re-read the whole thing every year.
Paul Frere produced seven revisions of “Porsche 911 Story” and still found time to vintage race. Surely Mr. L isn’t so busy writing for Hemmings that he can’t revise EwE annually?
I’m only half kidding
@Jack,
I’m currently waiting on my copy of Genesis of Genius so I might just have to go back and re-read something else in the interim.
Besides “Excellence Was Expected” what other Porsche books do you feel are a must have or must read for the Porsche owner/enthusiast?
Ps. Love the new Audi. Spot-on color choice!!!
http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/10/19/avoidable-contact-18-its-actually-rather-easy-being-green-the-case-for-front-wheel-drive/#more-954
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