[Book Review] Vic Elford – Reflections on a Golden Era in Motorsports

Vic Elford – Reflections on a Golden Era in Motorsports

By Vic Elford

Vic Elford started his racing career in rally cars, where he forged a name for himself driving for the factory BMC and Ford teams. However, in 1968 Elford’s life would venture down a fascinating new path when he convinced Porsche competition director Huschke von Hanstein that Porsche’s new 911 would make an excellent rally car.

Victory in the Monte Carlo Rally would lead to an opportunity to race the 907 LH at Daytona, where he co-drove to victory in his first 24 Hours of Daytona. From there, Elford’s career blossomed to include victories in the Targa Florio, Sebring 12 Hours, Nürburgring 1,000 kms and many others.

In “Vic Elford—Reflections on a Golden Era in Motorsports,” Elford tells the story of his racing life—in his own words— and leads us on a fascinating journey through both ’60s and ’70s motorsport, as well as the ascension of Porsche as an international racing powerhouse. One of the facets of this book, that makes it such a great read is that Elford really paints a behind-the-scenes picture of what sports car and Formula One racing was like during this very memorable period—not just the on-track action, but also all the off-track dramas and happenings involving everything from travel nightmares to personality conflicts. The only way this book could have been better would be if it had been printed on coated stock, enabling the majority of photographs to reproduce more crisply. Regardless, this is an insightful read.

Available for US$39.95 (£19.95) direct from David Bull Publishing at (800) 831-1758 or online at www.bullpublishing.com