Since I already have Karl Ludvigsen's Excellence Was Expected 2008 ed. (EWE), the comparison must be made between the two.

First off, The Porsche Book (TPB) is in a much smaller format (size / pages / weight) than EWE and it's text isn't as comprehensive or thorough. As well, there is no index at back of each volume. The pictures though seem to be better reproduced (perhaps because of smaller size). Fortunately there is little pictorial overlap between the two sets, most pictures haven't been seen before. I would say there is more pictures than text.

Each volume has production / performance specs of all model types and is easier to hold / read, again because of it's smaller format \ lighter weight. Vol 1 (thickest) covers the 356 / 911. Vol 2 covers the water cooled / front engined models and ends by briefly touching on the Panamera . Vol 3 covers all the racing types. EWE is more of a 'company / people' story, whereas TPB is focused on 'model types'. In a way they compliment each other.

Volumes are of sturdy build (though vol 1 had to have one cloth endpiece reglued) and come in slipcase like EWE. I still would rank EWE as being more 'robust' but then it weighs 50% more. Paper quality is good and most pictures are B+W but reproduced generally better than EWE.

Price wise, at $160, find it a bit pricey, even for a David Bull book(s). My value criteria (based on the several other Bull Publications purchased) says it should be priced @ $100-125 max. EWE @ $190 (in past) was a better value and the $300 price the publisher charges directly for TPB is way overpriced.

Being a Porsche fan, felt I had to have it but still consider EWE the #1 history of the cars from Zuffenhausen. Like past reviews, I consider it to be the definitive Porsche book set and if I had to choose one of the two, EWE would be it. TPB though, can be considered #2. I gave EWE a 4 star rating, thus TPB gets 3.

Postscript: after reading it thru, I must say again, that this set focuses on the ALL the various models (up to 2009) incl Porsche engined cars like Elva / Abarth / Glocker / Bergspyder etc. Pictures are mostly B+W and reproduced very well incl factory air brushed technical shots of mechanical features / components (lots of engine pictures). Text isn't as comprehensive as EWE but every chapter has a comprehensive index of specs. This set is similar but different to EWE, if you can afford both, TPB is a great companion to Karl's reference set. TPB is handy for an easier read or perusing in bed, while EWE requires more time and a proper desk / chair to study in depth.

Revised rating of 3.5 stars.

The book lists all the AAR models produced but is not an extensive reference. Well organized and written but in medium sized format. Would have liked to see more on the original F1 racer of 1960's.

All in all an 'all right' book for the $45 but would have like to see it in a larger sized book with more substance in it. Give it 3.5 stars.

A quality book, of large proportions. Most photos are B+W but very sharp, there are very several color pictures as well. A nice mix of pictures and text with detailed picture descriptions. A nicely laid out book.

I knew nothing about Elva ('she goes')before buying this tome but now I know considerably more, it's like a time capsule of what racing was like during the golden years of sports car racing in U.K. / U.S. The listing of all the Elva drivers is quite remarkable as there is many famous names (Carroll Shelby / Jim Clark / Bruce Mclaren / Roger Penske / Bernie Eccelstone etc) Highly recommended and reasonably priced at $65, a definite reference.

In Schlegelmilch's reference book on Brit sports cars, the lone Elva road car that made the volume (Courier), got a poor commentary. Who would have known that this quircky, hitherto unknown 'cult' car would have such a rich and interesting racing heritage with ties to DKW, BMW and Porsche ?!

This expensive book is the only volume dedicated to the Brescia model. One third of book covers the history and the other 2/3 is short bio's / specs / history's on all the existing Brescia's that could be located. There is only 500 regular editions and 200 deluxe copies, hence the high cost.

An excellent book in a slipcase with quality photos / drawings, though don't expect double spread pictures.I have another book by the same publisher (Aston Martin by david dowsie) and it's exactly the same size / pages / quality and it was only $30, so there is quite a premium for the exclusivity, even if I only paid $242.

Post Script: I'm flabergasted at the current price of $91, a HUGE discount from my price of $242 (orig $300). How many copies are out there as publisher stated there was only 500 reg editions ? Makes me want to buy another copy !

Well the author has done it again. From Million Dollar Muscle Cars, to Complete History of Shelby and now Cobra 50 years: another steller work ! Witty, well written text,quality construction, reasonable price and excellent photography. Even the vintage B+W photos are well reproduced.

Speaking of the B+W pictures, I don't know where Mr.Comer digs these up, as again with his previous Shelby volume, virtually all of them are not in any of my several other Shelby / Cobra volumes and these incl from Shelby team photographer Dave Friedman's portfolio.

Overall, Cobra 50 years and his Complete Histroy of Shelby, are the best books I've come across, and yes, I did find cobra data that I hadn't come across before. Way to go Colin !!

Unlike the above description, this is a hard cover book with hard shell slipcase.

The book is medium sized with quality paper / binding. This is not a reference tome on the marque as only the major models are covered and no bio's on Ettore, Jean or Rembrandt. Does incl seven versions of the Type 57. Text ends with the EB-112, so no chapter on the Veyron supercar. The text is in french so beware.

The strength of this volume is the gorgeous pictures, very sharp photography. A very attractive volume. Just wish I understood en francais better. To me, it was worth the $55 price. For a definitive history of all the models ( and in english), will have to look elsewhere.

Great concert showing a side of Jeff we haven't seen before.

90 min concert and 75 min of special features which incl an interview, a segment of Jeff's favorite guitars and a couple of videos from an '83 Les Paul concert. All in all a great musical performance. Get the dvd, as opposed to the cd as it's missing some concert footage, as well as special features.

Another nice coffee table book from David Bull. Though it doesn't have the same author / writer as Shelby Cars in Detail, it's the exact same layout / photography / writing style. It is a smaller size book though.

The author sure knows his material and writes in an easy to understand manner. Photography is excellent and the book is well made with it's own slipcase. 22 cars are covered incl several Mclaren's,Porsche 917's, Lola's and Chaparral's. The rest being one off cars incl a Ferrari.

At $100, it's a bit pricey but you get what you pay for and this is probably the finest book on Can Am racing.

This book is well made by David Bull (as usual). It contains very artistic and gorgeous photos of the immortal 917. The brief stories / experiences by surviving drivers are quite interesting. A beautiful coffee table book in it's own slipcase.

I would have liked to have seen more in depth driver interviews and more technical photos / drawings, more technial specs and perhaps more 'vintage' photos of the 917 in action. Some of the double spread photos get 'ruined' by the center spine down the middle. Similar in concept to Shelby Cars in Detail (but with considerably less text), both share the same layout coordinator. I was lucky to get mine for $106 Cdn. For more technical info on the 917, will have to refer to Karl Ludvigsen's Excellence was Expected.

Consider this volume as a pretty picture book.

Like most people interested in this book, I was skeptical of it's price. Read the reviews and decided to take a chance. I'm glad I did.

First off the volume is massive in size (phonebook size) and heavy (requires both hands to lift off table unless you have an iron grip and good wrists/forearms !). The paper quality/binding is very good and it is published by David Bull (not the inferior Haynes). Content is a nice mix of well written text and hundreds of quality color/B+W photos, of various sizes. The layout lends itself to family scrapbook or photo album. Could easily stay up all night reading it, it is so captivating. Covers the brothers from birth to death and racing from bicycles to motorcycles to cars, as well as their personal/private lives.

Quite a fascinating time capsule of the brothers, the family, the golden era of racing and Mexican life in general. Truly a labor of love by the author (can see why it took a decade to create). Therefore, I highly recommend it and feel it is worth the high price. I was fortunate to get it for $110 cdn.

Definitely a keeper !!