Best Porsche Books of 2024 – not just coffee table
Mads van Appeldoorn
November 12, 2024
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All time favourites
Some readers of my blog asked which books I would recommend about classic Porsche cars or car scene in general. Some asked for the best do-it-yourself books and some for the best coffee table books, the best history books, etc. I’ve bought quite a few over the years, this is the list of books I recommend. I will keep adding great classic car books in the future. If there is anything I should read and might want to add – let me know!
Best Porsche 911 (Coffee table) books
Honestly, I have much much more. I am currently updating this list. Reason why? I am moving again and container space for shipping halfway around the world is expensive. Therefore, I have to select some keepers, others have to go. These books here will definitely stay. My all time favourite!
Porsche 70 Years: There is no substitute
There is No Substitute, author Randy Leffingwell offers a richly illustrated and detailed book that captures the full story of one of the world’s leading automotive companies. Beautiful, contemporary photos and rare historical images accompany in-depth analyses of milestone cars and events, the 356, 904, 917, 911, 928, 935, 956 and others—as well as its key players. Comprising the most comprehensive overview of the company’s entire history, Porsche 70 Years truly has no substitute.
1. Porsche 70 Years: There is no substitute
There is No Substitute, author Randy Leffingwell offers a richly illustrated and detailed book that captures the full story of one of the world’s leading automotive companies. Beautiful, contemporary photos and rare historical images accompany in-depth analyses of milestone cars and events, the 356, 904, 917, 911, 928, 935, 956 and others—as well as its key players. Comprising the most comprehensive overview of the company’s entire history, Porsche 70 Years truly has no substitute.
Porsche 911: 50 Years
Porsche 911: 50 Years by Randy Leffingwell celebrates the iconic sports car’s history, from its design and development to racing and engineering. The book features all the famous 911 models, including the original 901 prototype, the legendary RS models, the infamous Turbo, the fabled 959 and many more; the people behind them, and the culture surrounding them. A must-have for Porsche enthusiasts.
2. Porsche 911: 50 Years
Porsche 911: 50 Years by Randy Leffingwell celebrates the iconic sports car’s history, from its design and development to racing and engineering. The book features all the famous 911 models, including the original 901 prototype, the legendary RS models, the infamous Turbo, the fabled 959 and many more; the people behind them, and the culture surrounding them. A must-have for Porsche enthusiasts.
The Complete Book of Porsche 911
The Complete Book of Porsche 911 offers a comprehensive year-by-year account of the iconic sports car’s evolution, from the original 901 prototype to the latest 992-generation. Author Randy Leffingwell highlights racing, prototype, and limited-production models, with behind-the-scenes information and technical specifications. The book features images from Porsche’s archive and stunning photos by Leffingwell.
3. The Complete Book of Porsche 911
The Complete Book of Porsche 911 offers a comprehensive year-by-year account of the iconic sports car’s evolution, from the original 901 prototype to the latest 992-generation. Author Randy Leffingwell highlights racing, prototype, and limited-production models, with behind-the-scenes information and technical specifications. The book features images from Porsche’s archive and stunning photos by Leffingwell.
The Porsche 911 Book
Just like Peter Fox’s song, “Hey, alles glänzt, so schön neu” (Hey, everything shines so beautifully new), René Staud’s The Porsche 911 Book has been updated with a new format, new content, and a new price, after selling over 35,000 copies in various editions. Staud’s unique style showcases the evolution of the iconic sports car, from its debut as the 901 to the current generation, while Jürgen Lewandowski provides insightful historical context.
4. The Porsche 911 Book
Just like Peter Fox’s song, “Hey, alles glänzt, so schön neu” (Hey, everything shines so beautifully new), René Staud’s The Porsche 911 Book has been updated with a new format, new content, and a new price, after selling over 35,000 copies in various editions. Staud’s unique style showcases the evolution of the iconic sports car, from its debut as the 901 to the current generation, while Jürgen Lewandowski provides insightful historical context.
Porsche 911 Red Book
Potential buyers, collectors and armchair enthusiasts crave all the details that make up the Porsche 911. This book provides all of the critical information (from 1964 to today) enthusiasts need and offers it in a convenient, portable package that can be carried to concours, auctions, club events, or anywhere that quick reference to accurate data is required.
5. Porsche 911 Red Book
Potential buyers, collectors and armchair enthusiasts crave all the details that make up the Porsche 911. This book provides all of the critical information (from 1964 to today) enthusiasts need and offers it in a convenient, portable package that can be carried to concours, auctions, club events, or anywhere that quick reference to accurate data is required.
Porsche Home
It’s a really really awesome book about Porsche collectors and their garages, which is, most of the time, not only a garage. It’s more an exhibition, museum or a spa but without the spa. You’ll find more than 20 stories with collectors like Hans-Peter Porsche, grandson of Ferdinand Porsche and Luftgekühlt organizer and Le Mans winner Patrick Long. A coffee table must have book!
6. Porsche Garages
It’s a really really awesome book about Porsche collectors and their garages, which is, most of the time, not only a garage. It’s more an exhibition, museum or a spa but without the spa. You’ll find more than 20 stories with collectors like Hans-Peter Porsche, grandson of Ferdinand Porsche and Luftgekühlt organizer and Le Mans winner Patrick Long. A coffee table must have book!
111 Porsche Stories You Should Know
What came first – the Porsche or the Beetle? Which Porsche racing car set every world record in the very year it was first presented in racing at Monza? Immerse yourself in the unique and visionary world of Porsche: in tales of secret prototypes, fascinating photos from the Porsche archives, magic words such as “Carrera” and “Targa”
7. 111 Porsche Stories You Should Know
What came first – the Porsche or the Beetle? Which Porsche racing car set every world record in the very year it was first presented in racing at Monza? Immerse yourself in the unique and visionary world of Porsche: in tales of secret prototypes, fascinating photos from the Porsche archives, magic words such as “Carrera” and “Targa”
Porsche 356: 75th Anniversary
Porsche 356: 75th Anniversary” celebrates the iconic journey of Porsche’s original sports car, from its inception to its status as a beloved collector’s item today. Discover the fascinating evolution of the 356, its racing triumphs, and the captivating stories of those who shaped its legacy. An essential read for Porsche enthusiasts and sports car aficionados alike.
8. Porsche 356: 75th Anniversary
Porsche 356: 75th Anniversary” celebrates the iconic journey of Porsche’s original sports car, from its inception to its status as a beloved collector’s item today. Discover the fascinating evolution of the 356, its racing triumphs, and the captivating stories of those who shaped its legacy. An essential read for Porsche enthusiasts and sports car aficionados alike.
Porsche 75th Anniversary: Expect the Unexpected
Dive into the captivating story of Porsche’s 75-year legacy in ‘Porsche 75th Anniversary: Expect the Unexpected.’ Renowned expert Randy Leffingwell chronicles Porsche’s remarkable journey, from the iconic Gmund coupe to today’s cutting-edge models. With rare images and key insights, this book offers a comprehensive look at Porsche’s history, appealing to enthusiasts of all generations.”
9. Porsche 75th Anniversary: Expect the Unexpected
Dive into the captivating story of Porsche’s 75-year legacy in ‘Porsche 75th Anniversary: Expect the Unexpected.’ Renowned expert Randy Leffingwell chronicles Porsche’s remarkable journey, from the iconic Gmund coupe to today’s cutting-edge models. With rare images and key insights, this book offers a comprehensive look at Porsche’s history, appealing to enthusiasts of all generations.”
Porsche at Le Mans: 70 Years
Discover Porsche’s thrilling 70-year legacy at Le Mans in ‘Porsche at Le Mans.’ This definitive illustrated history, curated by renowned Porsche historian Glen Smale, features captivating narratives, race results, and stunning photography. From the debut of the 356 in 1951 to the record-breaking victories of the 919 hybrid, explore Porsche’s legendary presence at the world’s greatest motor race. With insights into iconic models and the feats of motorsport legends, this book is a must-have for any Porsche or motorsport enthusiast.
10. Porsche at Le Mans: 70 Years
Discover Porsche’s thrilling 70-year legacy at Le Mans in ‘Porsche at Le Mans.’ This definitive illustrated history, curated by renowned Porsche historian Glen Smale, features captivating narratives, race results, and stunning photography. From the debut of the 356 in 1951 to the record-breaking victories of the 919 hybrid, explore Porsche’s legendary presence at the world’s greatest motor race. With insights into iconic models and the feats of motorsport legends, this book is a must-have for any Porsche or motorsport enthusiast.
The IROC Porsches: The International Race of Champions
The IROC Porsches” recounts the electrifying International Race of Champions (IROC) 1973–74 season, where top drivers competed in identical Porsche RSRs. Led by racing legend Roger Penske, this iconic series brought together talents from Formula 1, IndyCar, and NASCAR, showcasing thrilling battles on the track. Mark Donohue’s victory in the inaugural season remains a highlight in motorsport history.
11. The IROC Porsches: The International Race of Champions
The IROC Porsches” recounts the electrifying International Race of Champions (IROC) 1973–74 season, where top drivers competed in identical Porsche RSRs. Led by racing legend Roger Penske, this iconic series brought together talents from Formula 1, IndyCar, and NASCAR, showcasing thrilling battles on the track. Mark Donohue’s victory in the inaugural season remains a highlight in motorsport history.
Best Porsche 911 Workshop books & Manuals
The Haynes Manual is something very useful, no doubt about it. Almost anything you might need or want to know is covered. In case you want to a) rebuild your engine and/or b) get some more power out of your air-cooled engine, the other two books are very useful. Enjoy wrenching!
How to rebuild and modify Porsche 911 engines
From dropping the engine, to reconditioning and blueprinting, through final reinstallation and break-in, Dempsey guides you step-by-step through the pitfalls often experienced by even the best mechanics. Essential information for do-it-yourselfers and for those looking to hire a professional.
1. How to rebuild and modify Porsche 911 engines
From dropping the engine, to reconditioning and blueprinting, through final reinstallation and break-in, Dempsey guides you step-by-step through the pitfalls often experienced by even the best mechanics. Essential information for do-it-yourselfers and for those looking to hire a professional.
Porsche 911 Performance Handbook
This book shows anyone with the tools and a modicum of skill how to make this great car even better with performance-enhancing tricks and techniques ranging from subtle to extreme. Focusing solely on the air-cooled cars produced from 1963 (classic Porsche 911) through early 1998 (Porsche 911/993). Easy to follow instructions for making modifications to every working part of the car, from engine and transmission to suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, and more.
2. Porsche 911 Performance Handbook
This book shows anyone with the tools and a modicum of skill how to make this great car even better with performance-enhancing tricks and techniques ranging from subtle to extreme. Focusing solely on the air-cooled cars produced from 1963 (classic Porsche 911) through early 1998 (Porsche 911/993). Easy to follow instructions for making modifications to every working part of the car, from engine and transmission to suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, and more.
Porsche 911 Haynes Repair Manual
Haynes disassembles every subject vehicle and documents every step with thorough instructions and clear photos. Haynes repair manuals are used by the pros, but written for the do-it-yourselfer. For Porsche 911 from 1965 to 1989.
3. Porsche 911 Haynes Repair Manual
Haynes disassembles every subject vehicle and documents every step with thorough instructions and clear photos. Haynes repair manuals are used by the pros, but written for the do-it-yourselfer. For Porsche 911 from 1965 to 1989.
