This work is a comprehensive account of the racing cars that were powered by Porsche engines, but where the chassis and development of the car was done by others. The first book on the subject, it is illustrated with many previously unpublished photos, and answers many questions for the enthusiast and newcomer alike.
Powered by Porsche – the Alternative Race Cars is a thorough and fascinating account of the racing cars that were powered by Porsche engines, but where the chassis and development of the car was carried out by others.
The Porsche company in Zuffenhausen, Germany, can probably be said to be the most successful marque ever for victories in the motor racing scene. Likewise many firsts in innovation have come with the name Porsche attached.
Many major racing car producers such as Elva, Lotus, Lola, or March, as well as many smaller independents, at some time featured a Porsche engine in their chassis. Demand for the services and supply of cars, chassis, and parts from Porsche, often outstripped their ability to deliver during the late ’70s to early ’80s. With many new projects in the rapidly expanding Porsche organisation, race car projects had to be prioritised. This would lead to the creation of the replicas, as opposed to the factory-built works race cars, and even Porsche was building ‘replica’ 935s to supply to clients, continuing into the 962 era. In turn, a whole new, highly specialised, high quality industry grew up to meet the demand for Porsche-powered racers.
In this fascinating book we meet the racing cars, the teams and the people who turned to Porsche to utilise the power from, perhaps, the greatest of all engine makers.
This is thought to be first book on the subject, covering the entire history of Porsche engines, detailed engine specifications, non-Porsche chassis, and race details, as well as team histories with anecdotes from drivers. It is illustrated with many previously unpublished photos, and provides fascinating reading for all racing fans, as well as Porsche enthusiasts.
The first book to cover all the non-Porsche racing cars that used Porsche Engines
Unique details and inside information on each car
100s of rare and previously unpublished images
Interviews from team owners, drivers, and the people from Porsche
Covers a huge period from the birth of the hybrid car in the 1890's to the Daytona Prototypes
Detailed descriptions of each team, with anecdotes from drivers
A complete description of all the non-Porsche built chassis, including those supplied to Porsche
Insight into the manufacturers’ organisations and the technology incorporated in their chassis
Details of the Porsche engines and all the type numbers and performance
In short, an encyclopaedia of non-works, Porsche-powered race cars
