Orange Segment

914 in action in the AvD Histo Monte

The Porsche 914 was an unusual beast. When released in 1969 it was seen as out of step with Porsche’s thinking. Certainly very different from the fêted 911, initial reception was a little mixed: it didn’t look like a Porsche, it used VW parts, it was mid-engined, and it only came with with a targa top.

Even professional drivers were put off by its twitchiness when pushed to the limit. But that didn’t stop this quirky Porsche taking-on the big boys. And winning. In Europe, 914s came home first in their class and took overall victory numerous times, and repeated the feat in the US. 914s were driven to at least 41 class wins, in addition to a minimum of 71 podium positions. They’re still winning, with 914s regularly used across the US and Europe to this day.

The 'original' 914

Cast your mind back to 2016, and you may recall the release of Roy Smith’s Porsche: The Racing 914s. This comprehensive study of the motorsport exploits of the 'funny little car' created as an entry-level Porsche proved much more popular than we ever imagined, gaining a place in BookAuthority's Best Car Racing Books of All Time. Originally a hardback limited to 1500 copies, we've decided to bring this great book back to the bookshelf in paperback format.

If you're not familiar with the 914's origins, or Roy's book, you'd do well to take a look at our 2017 interview with Roy – watch it on the book page over on our website, or here …

As chance would have it, and whilst working on the new edition, we received a message from a customer, Tolo Palmer, enquiring if the book was being reprinted. Nothing too unusual there; we get such enquiries all the time. What is unusual, though, is that Tolo’s friend owns a couple of 914s, including one in Roy's book. 

Tolo (centre), and Dominik (right) with co-driver Gerd Ottenburger in 2015,
after his fifth win in Mallorca.

We simply couldn’t resist sharing some of Tolo's story. Over to you, Tolo …

I grew up in Mallorca, and one day in 2003, being 11 years old and a little ill, my mother took me to see the doctor, followed with a visit to a local town bakery. While taking my medicine, I started to feel the ground shake and hear a loud noise. But it wasn’t the medicine: I turned my head to see a beautiful, original, orange Porsche 914/6 GT. I immediately ran behind the car, which stopped to turn at the next junction, and saw a line full of stunning classic cars behind it –  a 911ST driven by Walter Röhrl, and a 911SR driven by Jürgen Barth, to name just two.

 

I was so excited that as soon as I got home I told dad what had happened. He told me that there was a Classic rally going on, and that we could go and see it on Saturday. The day came, and we went to the race track, spending the whole day there. Ever since then, I’ve been a classic car lover.

 

The rally was held again the following year, so I went to see some of the stages. Sliding around the track, and smoothly driven – and driven hard – was an orange 914/6 GT, similar to the one I saw last year. On the last day of the rally, again at the track, the orange 914, driven by Dominik, took the overall win in the Trofeo Baleares Clasico, part of the European Rally Championship.

 

I had a photo taken of me leaning on the car (right), and hoped to see it again the following year. Sadly, that didn’t happen, but in 2008 Dominik returned to Mallorca with a beautiful 911 3.0 RS. Being just a teenager, my English was pretty poor, but I was very curious and went over to Dominik to ask for his autograph, which he supplied with pleasure.

 

On the second day of the Rally, Dominik saw me in the service area and came over to chat. I was very shy but couldn’t resist asking him if he still had the orange beauty that won in 2004. That put a big smile on is face, and after an interesting conversation he offered for me to spend the final day of the Rally with his service crew at the track.

 

On that day, I took the photo of me and the 914 to show Dominik and the crew: they loved it. Better still, Dominik won the Rally, and jumping out of his 911 afterwards, handed me his gloves as a memento. I put them on and sat in the car in tears of joy! Our good friendship has grown ever since. In 2009 he brought me a set of his first race overalls as a memento, and won the Rally Mallorca once again.

 

Going back to the 914, I went to Germany for a few years, where a 914 replica was being worked on. Dominik said that when the car was ready (it was finished in 2014), he was going to use it at the Eifel Rallye Festival – so, of course, I went. Dominik had owned an original 914 since 1999, but it sat idle in Dominik's workshop until 2015, when it was raced for the last time at the AvD Histo-Monte Rally – and won!

 

In 2022, for my 30th birthday, Dominik took me on a rally stage in the 914. I have quite a lot of experience around cars, but this all new to me; I couldn’t even put my seatbelt on. All I can say is that before we crossed the finish line, I was in tears. So many emotions came together for me, a mix of nostalgia and, I think, love. But that car is very special; as special as my friend Dominik. And that’s how I came to befriend a very special 914 and its very special driver.

Now, that’s a story all us petrolheads can relate to. Dominik’s original 914 was special for a number of reasons, not least of which being its appearance in Roy's book. But his replica is equally special. Following his 2015 win, and after being offered a lot of money for the car, Dominik had something of an epiphany. It dawned on him that, should he total the 914, he wouldn’t simply be destroying any old car, he would be destroying a very important piece of Porsche history. 

The replica 914, Mallorca 2014

Dominik decided to make a clone of his original 914, which he still owns, but is now retired from competition. So began a journey of discovery, as Dominik built-up a 914 road car shell into a machine suitable for the rallying circuit. Originally, the replica was intended to be a straight copy, but studying the FIA's historic racing regulations, he soon realised that there were many areas of the car that could be changed without falling foul of the rules. 

The build that followed involved a deep-dive into the nitty gritty details. The end result? A car with 250 shorter, lighter or smaller replacement components, and a 140Kg weight saving over the original car – an 800Kg rally rocket. The car has even been catalogued as 'the best rally Porsche 914 ever made.' The work Dominik undertook, and the racing exploits of this 914, deserve a book of their own; we don't have that, but, fortunately, in 2018 Petrolicious penned this great piece on the 914: take a look here. 

We’d like to thank Tolo for sharing his photos, his story of friendship and two very special 914s. We wish Tolo, Dominik, and, of course, the orange 914 many long and happy races in the future!

Hi-ho Silver!

It'll come as no surprise to hear that Roy has a 914 of his own, it is his second 914 and its a tad special. Incredibly, the paperwork trail verifies nearly every year of its life – not something many classics can boast. And this is no ordinary example. The car left the factory almost exactly 53 years ago – the 12th October 1970. The 13th car produced that day, this was a special order, specced with black paint, tinted windows, 1.7-litre 4-cylinder engine, and sporting factory Minilites, pus a rarely requested limited-slip diff option. 

The car was ordered by an American Porsche-loving couple. They wanted a car to run in motorsports events across the US, and ended up winning several Porsche Club of America awards. It was later sold to another couple who continued to compete with the car. They even took it to Italy, while the husband was stationed with the US military there, before returning to the USA in the 1980s.

Brought to the UK in 1990 by non-other than Henry Pearman, of Eagle fame (you really must check out his collection), it was sold by the Lenham Motor company, Kent, to its first UK owner, whose partial restoration included changing the colour to silver. In 1994 it was acquired by a 914 fan and made several appearances in magazines during his 25 year ownership, before it was acquired by Roy in early 2020.  

Roy commissioned Greatworth Classics near Banbury, to install a fresh, period 6-cylinder Porsche 2.7-litre engine, with high compression heads, polished ports and a reprofiled cam, fully balanced, its 5-speed 'box retaining the limited slip diff. Body and chassis are original, apart from the usual work needed to keep a 53 year old car in perfect condition, and now of course has uprated suspension, and brakes. 

So, there is the tale of some very special 914s. You can discover even more of the 914's racing exploits and successes in Roy Smith’s Porsche: The Racing 914s, reprinting in paperback format, and available in the UK early next year. Keep your eyes on our social channels for more details closer to publication, or head over to our store and pop your email in the Notify Me field to get an email when the book is available to buy.

Porsche
The Racing 914s

Roy Smith

The remarkable little car that turned into a big hearted racer. A study in pictures, statistics, factory information, and interviews, that show the Porsche 914 in a whole new light.

£40 UK 🇬🇧 $65 USA 🇺🇸 $78 CAN 🇨🇦

V5934 • Paperback • 22.5x22.5cm • 320 pages • 452 pictures
ISBN: 978-1-787119-34-5 • UPC: 6-36847-01934-1

Click here to find out more

If you’ve an interesting story to tell us, get in touch by email, or send a message on social; we’d love to hear it.

Guild of Motoring Writers Dinner and Awards

On the 1st December, the Guild of Motoring Writers held its annual Gala Dinner and Awards at the RAC Club, Pall Mall. Along with GOMW members, attendees included some very special guests, including our own Rod Grainger, of course. 

This year saw a few new award categories, including the Mercedes-Benz Technical Publication of the Year, created specifically to recognise publishers who have created books that: 

"successfully translate automotive content with a focus on cutting-edge technology and innovation to a consumer audience." 

If there's one book that does precisely that, it has to be Inside the machine. We knew we were not alone in thinking that – after all, as AutoCar said;

Who could write a book from the engineering back rooms of the motor industry and make it honest-to-God fascinating? David Twohig, that's who. Don't miss it."

And it seems that the GOMW agreed; Veloce Publishing won the category with David's book!

We’d like to thank everyone at the Guild who read and voted for Veloce Publishing. And we’d like to thank David, especially, for the opportunity to publish it. We would also like to congratulate all the winners and finalists this year, and welcome all new Guild members.

The GOMW's Andrew Charman has penned a first-hand account of the evening, detailing the winners, so sit back and enjoy the Gala …

Guild celebrates its 2022 Award winners

Celebration was the order of business at the annual Guild of Motoring Writers Dinner and Awards on Thursday 1st December.

Members and their colleagues from the PR side of the industry, plus some very special guests, filled the banqueting room of the RAC Club in Pall Mall for the Dinner and Awards. Accolades on the night went to Guild members for the excellence of their work in 2022, to others for their meritorious service to the Guild, and to major names in the automotive industry celebrating their achievements.

Among the latter the Young Rider and Driver of the Year trophies were presented to speedway champion Dan Bewley and British Touring Car Championship winner Tom Ingram. One of the BTCC’s most famous names, Jason Plato, won the Outstanding Achievement in Motorsport Award, while Motorsport UK head David Richards CBE took the President’s Trophy and Formula One driver turned commentator Martin Brundle was made an honorary member of the Guild.

Commenting on what he described as another busy year, Guild Chair Richard Aucock also paid tribute to several members lost in 2022, especially in recent times. But he added that the Guild is attracting lots of new members, and looking forward to an equally busy 2023 which among other highlights will see the return of the Guild Classic. Next year’s event is set to be based in Wales and titled Guild Classic Cymru.

The awards were presented as follows;

Friend of the Guild


There are only ever a maximum of 25 Friends of the Guild and this year joining their ranks is former Kia UK PR, now Head of PR and Communications at Genesis Europe, Jon Walsh. He was presented with his tankard by Guild Chair Richard Aucock.

Life membership


A very surprised Colin Dawson was awarded Life Membership of the Guild, recognising the many years he spent masterminding essential communications, particularly Update, the hard-copy predecessor to the current News Briefs digital newsletter.

Pemberton Trophy


The citation of the Pemberton Trophy reads ‘for an outstanding contribution, not necessarily journalistic, to the cause of motoring’. It was presented to veteran journalist, former Guild Chair and now Vice-President and Trustee of the Guild Benevolent Fund, John Blauth.

Guild/MICA Young PR Professional of the Year, in association with the HCVA


The joint award made by the Guild and MICA - the Motor Industry Communicators Association, and sponsored by the HCVA – the Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance was open to entrants aged 30 and under, judges looking for the best examples of performance, professionalism and practice in automotive PR.

The winner was Elizabeth Waddup, Automobile PR & Events Manager at Honda UK, and she received her award from Guild Chair Richard Aucock, MICA Managing Director Richard Gotch and the HCVA CEO, Garry Wilson.

The judges felt that Elizabeth had shown an outstanding understanding of the accelerating rate of change in our industry, not just as a vehicle manufacturer but also from the dealer and customer perspectives, and were impressed by how this understanding is reflected in her work.

AA Campaigning for Motoring Award


New for 2022, this award merges the AA’s previous Campaigning Journalism and Safety awards. From road safety to electric vehicles, or roads maintenance to environmental issues, the judges wanted to see examples of how entrants have built and delivered their case to improve the lives of all road users.

The winner was Lucy Radley for a piece in Commercial Motor highlighting mental health and wellbeing in the industry. Judges felt her reporting showed how severe the issue can be, and how, until recently, support was not available. The feature highlighted how the industry is acknowledging and changing to offer support where it’s so vitally needed.

Unfortunately Lucy was unable to attend the dinner so her award was collected from AA PR Manager Tony Rich by Commercial Motor Technical Editor Colin Barnett.

BCA Feature Writer of the Year


The hotly-contested Feature Writer of the Year Award was won by James Taylor for a feature in Car magazine on the Lucid Air electric saloon, combining a first drive with an interview with Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson. Judges felt the piece skilfully balanced driving impressions with insight into the development process and market aspirations and James received his Award from BCA Head of PR Tim Naylor.

Footman James Classic Writer of the Year


Again attracting the most entries among all the Award categories this year, the Classic Writer of the Year Award was presented by David Bond, Managing Director of sponsor Footman James, to Giles Chapman. The judges felt all three of Giles’ submitted features stood out while the profile of Geneva-based old car dealer Simon Kidston really got under the skin of the man, a fabulous piece of writing.

Genesis Award for Automotive Technology Journalism


Now in its third year, the Genesis Award for Automotive Technology Writing was presented by Genesis Motor UK Head of PR & Communications Simon Branney to Tom Geggus. Tom submitted a multimedia feature produced for Autovista24 which included a podcast, a video and a whole host of related articles – a very comprehensive piece of multimedia journalism. The judges were most impressed with his ability to make technical subjects easy to read. 

Isuzu Photographer of the Year


Top quality in photography was the focus of the next two Awards and Isuzu Product & PR Manager Brian Wheeler presented the trophy in the General category to Jonathan Fleetwood. Jonathan triumphed for the second year in succession with a portfolio judges felt excelled in both quality and content – technically first-class, but equally highly pictorial.

The Motorsport category award went to Drew Gibson – Drew won the award in 2020 and was highly commended last year. The judges agreed his high-quality portfolio displayed a mastery of techniques plus evidence of him looking for the different angle to capture highly pictorial images.

IVECO Commercial Vehicle Writer of the Year


Iveco replaced sister company CNH as the sponsor of the Commercial Vehicle writing trophy and Brand Marketing & Communications Manager Lisa Fuller presented the Award to Louise Cole. A holistic, exhaustively-researched and well-argued appraisal of the era of unprecedented technological and legislative change now facing all truck makers, operators and users earned Louise her third triumph in the category.

Mercedes-Benz Technical Publication of the Year


Mercedes-Benz transferred its sponsorship to a more technically-orientated award this year, with judges looking for publications that have successfully presented automotive content to a consumer audience, with a focus on technology and innovation that can be easily understood.

The winner was Veloce Publishing for Inside the Machine, a publication that gives a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the automotive industry through the development stories of three very different, but highly significant, vehicles. Veloce director Rod Grainger received the award from Mercedes-Benz Automotive PR Manager Hunter Skipworth.

Prodrive Motorsport Award


This ever-popular award recognises an outstanding achievement by a Guild member writing about motorsport at any level and this year provided Car magazine’s James Taylor with his second triumph of the evening, receiving his trophy from Prodrive Marketing & PR manager Jamie Stanton.

James wrote an exceptional piece about the Race of Remembrance, a prestigious event that really epitomises the spirit of motor racing. Judges felt his eloquent writing style and thoroughness helped to create a truly immersive reader experience.

Prova PR Business Writer of the Year


Prova PR has sponsored the Guild’s Business Writer of the Year category for 14 straight years, and this year the winner was Jack Carfrae. Writing for Transport News, Jack explained in simple terms how time-of-use energy pricing works and how the right technology can unlock its potential to save fleets money while also potentially delivering valuable data to inform further efficiencies. Judges felt this was a strong, easy-to-read commercial/business piece that doesn’t skimp on technology insight.

Jack is based abroad and was unable to attend the dinner, so his award was collected by his former editor and Guild Vice-Chair Simon Harris from Prova PR Director of Strategy Gill Holtom.

RAC EV Journalist of the Year


This award recognises the increasing role electric vehicles are playing in today’s motoring arena and RAC Senior Press Officer Rod Dennis presented the trophy to Mark Bursa.

In a series of articles for Professional Driver, Mark guided readers through the various aspects of switching to an electric vehicle – the target audience being the self-employed (such as taxis and private hire) who are responsible for obtaining and maintaining their own vehicles and for whom the move to EVs is essential. Aspects covered included the slow pace of EV infrastructure and how rising domestic electricity prices are impacting home charging.

Torque Agency Business Publication of the Year


This, the second new award for 2022, was open to all automotive business media publications, and the judges were looking for clarity in editing, design and writing, together with well-researched content which helps readers understand the complexities of the business side of the UK auto industry.

Winner of the inaugural award was Auto Retail Profit and its Editor, Guild Chair Richard Aucock, stepped up to receive the trophy from Torque Agency Group Associate Director, Alex Michaelides. The judges felt that the publication demonstrated a laser-like focus on its purpose without becoming dry or repetitive. Features are well-researched and insightful, with the breadth of industry contributors clearly demonstrating the title’s reputation within the sector.

Bentley Editor of the Year


The Bentley Editor of the Year trophy was presented by one of the award’s judges, Ray Hutton, to Erin Baker of Auto Trader. The judges commented that under Erin’s direction Auto Trader has expanded to become an important publication in its own right, now among the five most valuable automotive media outlets in the UK. It is tough to get recognition for independent editorial content in a highly commercial advertisement medium, but Erin has done just that.

Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy


This year sees the Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy share its 50th anniversary with its founding partner, the National Motor Museum and welcome a new sponsor in Suzuki UK. Open to both Guild members and non-Guild members alike, the award caters exclusively for books and the entry list reflected an interesting and eclectic mix of submissions.

CEO of the National Motor Museum Trust, Dr Jon Murden and Suzuki Head of Press and PR Alun Parry presented the first, second and third-place awards. The winner was Jon Pressnell for Marcel Pourtout – Carrossier, the first book devoted entirely to the company behind the rakish Darl’mat Peugeots of the 1930s. Unfortunately Jon was unable to attend the dinner so fellow member Russell Hayes collected his trophy.

Second place went to Ian Wagstaff for his book Formula One’s Unsung Pioneers – The story of the British Racing Partnership and how it launched motorsport into the modern era, while in third was Michael Barton with Fast Lady – The Extraordinary Adventures of Miss Dorothy Levitt.

Sue Baker Journalist of the Year, sponsored by loop


Before this award, sponsored by loop, was presented Guild Chair Richard Aucock announced that it was to be renamed in honour of our sadly recently-departed member Sue Baker, a trailblazer for women in automotive journalism.

The judging panel carefully assessed the winning entries of the Guild Awards looking for submissions with a particular emphasis being placed on initiative and endeavour – Richard and loop Head of Agency Tim Bowdler presented the Award to Erin Baker.

Kia UK Special Contribution to Motoring


The final honours of the evening were bestowed by the Guild to those which have made a notable impact on the automotive world during the past 12 months. First was the Special Contribution to Motoring, presented by Guild Chair Richard Aucock and Kia UK Head of Press and PR Daniel Sayles to John Hogan.

John went from nine years in the Army to work experience at Autocar, stints in journalism and PR, then staffer, editor and finally owner of SuperBike. He has written a biography of Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness, freelanced for titles across the world and is now communications head at Norton Motorcycles, having saved the company with his investigation of its previous owner. 

Young Rider of the Year


The Guild’s two prime motorsport awards now specify that they are awarded for entrants aged under 30, and the Young Rider of the Year Award this year went to Dan Bewley. Starting speedway racing just five years ago Dan won a championship in his first season and has continued to rack up titles, in 2022 winning the British Championship with a flawless 18-point maximum, back-to-back Grand Prix races in Cardiff and Wroclaw and, as part of the Great Britain team, finishing runner-up in the Speedway of Nations.

Training commitments in Poland prevented Dan attending the Dinner so his trophy was collected by Guild member and lifelong speedway fan Ian Wagstaff.

Young Driver of the Year


Tom Ingram was named the 2022 Guild Young Driver of the Year. This season Tom finally achieved his dream of winning the British Touring Car Championship, triumphing in a three-driver shoot-out at the final round with two wins and a fifth place. Starting his career in karting, Tom has been in the BTCC since 2014, racked up 25 race wins and two independents titles, and been a contender for the overall title in four of the last five season finales.

Tom was unable to attend the Dinner so his trophy was collected by Guild News Briefs Editor and BTCC specialist Andrew Charman.

Outstanding Achievement in Motorsport


Another award new for 2022, this recognises an outstanding achievement made by a British driver or rider of any age in any form of motorsport and a very worthy recipient of the inaugural award was Jason Plato.

Jason took his first race victory in a kart in 1989 before making his way up the single-seater ladder. He won Championships in both the Formula Renault Eurocup and Spider Cup but is best known for his exploits in the British Touring Car Championship, where since his debut in 1997 he has amassed 97 race wins and two championship titles. He is also well known as a TV presenter, mainly on Fifth Gear.

Interviewed by the evening’s master-of-ceremonies, Ben Edwards, following the trophy presentation, Jason told the remarkable story of how his BTCC career might not have started had he not doorstepped Renault BTCC and F1 team boss Frank Williams. He also emphasised that while he had stepped back from the BTCC at the end of 2022, he had not necessarily retired!

Jason later commented, “I am truly honoured to receive this award from the Guild. To be applauded in this way is really quite something.”

Honorary Membership


The Guild Dinner saw the appointment of a sixth Honorary Member in Martin Brundle. Formerly a racing driver who had the measure of Ayrton Senna in Formula Three and who rose to compete in 158 Grand Prix races for such teams as Benetton, McLaren and Williams, Martin has since forged an equally successful career behind the microphone as an expert pundit on F1. Learning his trade alongside the legend that was Murray Walker, Martin is today a lynchpin of Sky’s F1 coverage. Martin described his award as “a great honour indeed”.

President’s Trophy


The final award of the evening was the President’s Trophy and presented by Guild President Nick Mason, newly returned from the latest section of his highly successful Saucerful of Secrets tour playing early Pink Floyd material.

The Trophy went to David Richards CBE, a man whose involvement with motorsport spans most forms of four-wheeled competition. As a professional rally co-driver he won the World Rally Championship title with Ari Vatanen, and having hung his helmet up he then developed his company Prodrive into one of the largest multi-disciplined motorsport specialists in the world, winning championships in a host of on and off-road categories including World Rally titles with such star names as Colin McRae and Richard Burns. 

As if this isn’t enough, David now heads the motorsport’s governing body in the UK, Motorsport UK. Ben Edwards commented that reading through David’s extensive CV, it’s hard to find an area of motorsport he hasn’t influenced. 

Graham Robson 1936–2021

Last month saw the sad loss of another good friend of Veloce Publishing, and a true great from the world of motoring and auto journalism, Graham Robson, who died peacefully on 5 August at his home in Dorset.

Graham lived only a short drive along the coast from Veloce HQ, and was a frequent visitor throughout the year. With over 20 Veloce books to his name – and even an entire series in Rally Giants  – Graham often popped-in to talk shop and answer questions about his latest work. 

He was also equally inclined to pop in for a coffee and a catch-up, happy to chat about any and every subject from the latest engineering tech, to behind-the-scenes rally stories that only someone who was there could tell – as well as a myriad of things auto-related or otherwise. A dog lover with a soft spot for British Bulldogs, he was equally at home talking pups and pooches as he was pistons and prototypes.

Graham was a straight-talking Yorkshireman, and proud of it. He was also proud of his achievements, but never in a boastful way. With such a long and varied history, he had the remarkable ability to put his own achievements into context without hyperbole or ego creeping in. His directness and desire to get to the nitty-gritty of a subject is evident from his writing, and all Velocisti who had the pleasure to work with him could expect nothing less than utter professionalism and accuracy … with a rollicking good tale or two thrown in for good measure.

A welcome figure on the talking and eventing circuits, Graham was a regular up and down this country, and the USA, commentating, compering and presenting with a knowledge and humour that always made for engaging, enlightening and fun listening; he rapidly became a firm favourite with crowds and organisers alike. Our YouTube channel has a number of videos of Graham that are well worth a watch, including this great Author Profile, recorded in 2014.

His Veloce books hint at just how broad his knowledge was, covering everything from the technicalities of groundbreaking Rally cars, to the global commercial pressures that shaped empire-building brands. He was a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers, the winner of many national and international awards and the author of nearly 170 books. His personal experiences of the people, places, and races that have become landmarks in automotive history meant he could talk with an authority unmatched by many writers. 

Graham will be sorely missed by all the Velocisti. What better way to celebrate Graham's life and work than with his Veloce titles, from his first Veloce book in 1998, Cortina: The Story of Ford’s Best Seller, to his soon-to-be published Classic Reprint edition of The Cars of BMC.

**UPDATE**

We have added a new category to our website featuring all of Graham's Veloce books; you can find it under Automotive > Collections > Graham Robson

Graham's Veloce books

BMW M3 & M4

The complete history of these ultimate driving machines

Fully updated, highly detailed, this brand-new edition of Graham Robson’s original Haynes publication explores every aspect of BMW M3 history, including its motorsport success worldwide. From the original E30 of 1986, through E36, E46, and E90 to the 6th gen of 2020, and the M4, it includes full, detailed specifications for each generation, and brings the M3 story right up to the present day, covering all models produced between 2013 and 2021, including M4.

£40.00 – BUY NOW

SKU V5579 • Hardback • 23x28cm • 256 pages • 263 pictures

Cortina

The Story of Ford’s Best-seller

The definitive history of the hugely successful model which stayed in production for five generations, enjoyed great success in motor racing and rallying and which redefined the family car. With over 180 colour and black and white photos this is the fascinating story of a incredibly successful car.

£27.50 – BUY NOW

SKU V5100P • Paperback or eBook • 20.7x25cm • 160 pages • pictures • Flowing format eBook

Cosworth

The Search for Power (6th Edition)

This book covers the entire history, life and times of the famous British high-performance engineering company, from its 1958 foundation by Mike Costin and Keith Duckworth, through its often-exciting and always fascinating evolution, to its expansion and worldwide success in both motorsport and high-performance road cars.

£55.00 – BUY NOW

SKU V4895 • Hardback • 25x25cm • 256 pages • 312 pictures

Ford Focus WRC

The auto-biography of a rally champion

The story of the 97 Ford Focus WRC cars during their 12-year rallying career; there were 44 World Championship victories, and the team won the World Rally Manufacturers’ Championship. Drivers included Colin McRae, Carlos Sainz, Marcus Grönholm and Mikko Hirvonen, with sponsors including Martini, BP (and Castrol), and the state of Abu Dhabi.

£35.00 – BUY NOW

SKU V5020 • Hardback • 20.7x25cm • 192 pages • 240 pictures

Grand Prix Ford

In 1965, Colin Chapman persuaded Ford to underwrite development of a V8 for the new 3000cc Grand Prix formula. Built by Cosworth, the new DFV engine won Lotus four World Championship Grands Prix in 1967. A year later, and now available to other constructors, the engine began its domination of Grand Prix racing. This important book is illustrated with more than 300 photographs, most of which come from the UK Ford Motor Company’s own archives.

Price varies – BUY NOW

SKU eV5502 • Flowing-format eBook

The Book of the Standard Motor Company

Starting with the original Standard prototype of 1903, this book covers the scores of Standard models built until the brand was discontinued in 1963 (Britain) and 1987 (India). It also covers the Ferguson tractor involvement, millitary aero-engine manufacture, military aircraft manufacturer (including Beaufighter and Mosquito fighter-bombers), Rolls-Royce Avon turbo-jet military engine manufacture, and Triumph cars. This is the first definitive book to cover this major British marque.

£35.00 – BUY NOW

SKU V4343 • Hardback • 20.7x25cm • 208 pages • 262 pictures

The Cars of BMC

A Veloce Classic Reprint

The Cars of BMC is the most detailed record of the origins, operations, and legacy of one of Britain's most historically important industrial concerns. This is a unique record from one of the most respected automotive historians, and a key player in the British automotive industry. This new edition of The Cars of BMC covers the cars of the period 1945 to 1975, and the following marques: Austin; Austin-Healey; Innocenti; Metropolitan; MG; Morris; Riley; Vanden Plas; Wolseley; British Motor Holdsin (BMH) and British Leyland, plus subsidiaries and overseas connections.

£30.00 – COMING SOON

SKU V5632 • Hardback • 20.7x25cm • 304 pages • 440 pictures

The Daily Mirror 1970 World Cup Rally 40

The World's toughest Rally in retrospect

Lasting six weeks and covering 16,000 miles from London to Mexico City via some of the most varying, tortuous and difficult terrain on three continents, the 1970 World Cup Rally was a unique high-speed event. Attracting many serious works teams such as Ford and British Leyland, it was, and remains, the toughest rally of all time. This book, now reprinted in paperback, tells the complete story.

£25.00 – BUY NOW

SKU V5228P • Paperback or eBook • 22.5x22.5cm • 208 pages • 237 pictures • Flowing format eBook

The Great British Rally

RAC to Rally GB - The Complete Story

From the running of the 1932 RAC rally, mainly a social event, to the present day, when Rally GB is a high-speed endurance World Championship rally, this is the very first all-embracing history of an important part of British motorsport history. Descriptions of every event, opinions, and results  are brought together for the very first time, with year-by-year accounts of all events in the Rally’s history, and copiously illustrated with period photographs. It also covers the many and varied challenges posed by such crises as foot and mouth disease, weather conditions, and controversy over rules and regulations: this book is truly the definitive guide.

£30.00 – BUY NOW

SKU V5736 • Paperback • 22.5x22.5cm • 224 pages • 317 pictures

Triumph Cars

The Complete Story

The distinguished 130-year history of the Triumph company from original pedal cycles, to the first Triumph cars, and then every model up to the end of production. The authors reveal the in-house politics of the company, its design and engineering achievements, competition activities, and its international sales and marketing success.

£40.00 – BUY NOW

SKU V5289 • Hardback or eBook • 25x25cm • 256 pages • 250 pictures • Fixed & flowing-format eBook (check with vendor)

Rally Giants

Audi Quattro

Group B, Sport, Sport S1

The Audi Quattro is a Rally Giant because it was the first to combine four-wheel-drive and a turbocharged engine – not the most sophisticated, but it was the first, and very successful. It was also the first to run with more than 300bhp. As it was re-homologated/transformed from Group 4 into Group B in 1983, it was also the first successful Group B car. 

£15.99 – BUY NOW

SKU V5110P  • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 116 pictures • Flowing format eBook

Austin Healey 100-6 & 3000

Between 1957 and 1965 the six-cylinder-engined Austin Healey evolved into a formidable and increasingly specialised rally car. By any standards, it was the first of the ‘homologation specials’ – a type made progressively stronger, faster, more versatile, and more suitable for the world’s toughest international rallies. This book tells its story.

£16.99 – BUY NOW

SKU V5324P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 140 pictures • Flowing format eBook

Fiat 131 Abarth

Fiat entered rallying in 1970, with the aim of becoming World Rally Champion – and it was the 131 Abarth of 1976-1980 which made that possible. It soon began winning World rallies, and, in 1977, 1978 and 1980, the 'works' team also won the World Championship for Makes, paving the way for successors the Lancia Rally 037 and the Delta Integrale.

£15.99 – BUY NOW

SKU V5111P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 100 pictures • Flowing format eBook

Ford Escort Mk1

The story of the Ford Escort MkI, a car that delivered everything its predecessor, the Lotus-Cortina, had promised. Versatile, accessible and competitive at all levels, it dominated international rallying throughout the 1970s, and became hugely popular with teams and spectators alike.

£15.99 – BUY NOW

SKU V5107P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 107 pictures • Flowing format eBook

Ford Escort RS Cosworth & World Rally Car

The Escort RS Cosworth became Ford's most successful model since the legendary Escorts of the 1970s. The combination of Cosworth power, 4WD transmission, and an effective aerodynamic package made it a Rally Giant in all conditions, making this generation of Escorts the most effective rally car that Ford had produced at that time.

£15.99 – BUY NOW

SKU V5171P • Paperback • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 146 pictures

Ford Escort RS1800

The Ford Escort MkII, the RS1800, became Ford’s most successful rally car, and is still winning historic events today. It brought new standards to the sport, inspiring many others to copy it. This books contains full details of every ‘works’ Escort MkII that went rallying, plus driver and personality profiles, and detailed car evolution.

£15.99 – BUY NOW

SKU V5109P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 112 pictures • Flowing format eBook

Lancia Delta 4WD/Integrale

The HF 4WD – a compact, five-door Lancia – dominated world-class rallying for six years, winning innumerable events, World Championships for Drivers, and World Championships for Manufacturers. Alongside the cars, driving heroes such as Markku Alan, Didier Auriol, Miki Biasion, Juha Kankkunen and Carlos Sainz also became legendary in this period.

Price varies – BUY NOW

SKU eV5153 • Flowing-format eBook

Lancia Stratos

This book describes the birth, development and rallying career of the Lancia Stratos, Europe’s very first purpose-built rally car, in the mid/late 1970s. It provides a compact and authoritative history of where, when and how it became so important to the sport, as well as telling the story of the team.

£15.99 – BUY NOW

SKU V5526P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 131 pictures • Flowing format eBook

Mini Cooper/Mini Cooper S

This book describes the birth, development, and rallying career of the BMC Mini-Cooper/Mini-Cooper in the 1960s, providing a compact and authoritative history of where, when and how it became so important to the sport. Even today, works Minis appear at every gathering of classic cars – and in 2009, Mini celebrates its 50th birthday. Packed with over 100 photographs, this book is a fitting and timely tribute to a much-loved Rally Giant.

Price varies – BUY NOW

SKU eV4921 • Flowing-format eBook

Peugeot 205 T16

Peugeot designed, developed, campaigned and won with the first truly sophisticated four-wheel-drive Group B Car – the 205 Turbo 16. Detailing the cars, the influences, and the personalities behind a magnificent success story, this book is packed with illustrations, and technical data on this innovative car, and is a must for any rally fan.

£16.99 – BUY NOW

SKU V5325P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 100 pictures • Flowing format eBook

Saab 96 & V4

The story of the front-wheel-drive Saab 96, which made the brand into a rally icon in the 1960s. It succeeded in events as diverse as the Monte Carlo, Britain's RAC Rally, many Scandinavian events, and the Spa-Sofia-Liége Marathon. The 96 and V4 models produced victory where no-one expected it.

£16.99 – BUY NOW

SKU V5332P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 135 pictures • Flowing format eBook

Subaru Impreza

This book describes the birth, development, and rallying car of the turbocharged, four-wheel-drive Subaru Impreza in the 1990s and early 2000s, providing a compact and authoritative history of where, when and how it became so important to the sport.

£16.99 – BUY NOW

SKU V5322P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 96 pictures • Flowing format eBook

Toyota Celica GT-Four

This book describes the birth, development, and rallying career of the Toyota Celica GT-Four, providing a compact and authoritative history of where, when and how it became so important to the sport. 

£16.99 – BUY NOW

SKU V5331P • Paperback or eBook • 21x19.5cm • 128 pages • 117 pictures • Flowing format eBook