Karl Maybach by Harry Nieman

Colin Chapman Wayward Genius  by Mike Lawrence

     Reviewed by Roger James, Sept 2003

This is an important book for enthusiasts of the Lotus marque to read as the author has utilised the 20 years since the death of Chapman in 1982 to sort out the fact from the fiction, myth from make-believe and media- hype from mystery as presented by previous histories.

The book begins with the list of spivs and scams that were responsible for the creating of the Chapman image and legend. It is a surprise to read that Chapman did not de-siamese the Austin 7 engine, design independent front suspension, exchange aerodynamics for streamlining or originate the clubman style of sports racing car. Not many people know he lifted numerous ideas from his highly motivated band of helpers, friends, colleagues and when the company was at its peak, his large number of skilled employees. Whilst Lawrence dispels these and more previously concreted facts, he demonstrates the engineering motivation, self belief, dedication bordering on fever and futuristic thinking which made the man world famous world-over, that he was an unquestionable hero. Hence the clever title of this book.  

In the end, Chapman does die unlike Elvis and of a true heart attack unlike the pressure of drugs, jail sentences or bankruptcy that claimed the lives of some of his last group of business colleagues.  

For the Australian reading, the amount and quality of influence given to Chapman and his Lotus organisation by Derek Jolley, the South Australian racing driver will also come as a big surprise. 

All in all, it’s a most interesting book and you can decide whether you believe Mike Lawrence or the other authors of Lotus stories that include Doug Nye, Ian Smith and Robin Read. Priced at $66.00 from VHRR member Tony Johns Motorbooks.

[Back]

HAWKEYE by Ivan McLeod
     Reviewed by Roger James, Jan 2004

The author certainly has done a very good job of researching the story of Paul Hawkins in asking many of his contempories for their memories on the man, for his life took place during the 1960’s. It is most interesting to read the impact John Roxburgh and VHRR club members George Makin and Syd Fisher had on his career. Paul never had much success in Formula One, but his efforts in sports car racing was a different story. Here the book gives a fascinating history of the international long distance races which at that time were as big to drivers, manufacturers and the fans as F1 is today. Quite an eye opener. The man himself was rough; rough to look at; rough to his father; rough on adversaries and rough on authorities especially race officials. But he was determined; determined to win; determined to finish with an ailing car; determined to get manufacturers to listen to his modifications and determined to have a good time in living life to the full. Then one day in a sports car race at Oulton Park in the UK……To sum up, the story of Paul Hawkins is a very good holiday read. Available from Tony John’s Book Shop- Saturday afternoons. 9899-9898.
[Back]

Kings of the Nurburgring by Chris Nixon

     Reviewed by Adam Davis April 06

Chris Nixon completed his life’s work with an in-depth look at that most fearsome of race circuits, the North Circuit of the classic Nurburgring, referred to as the Nordschleife (and by some as the “Green Hell”- a reference to both its tree lined perimetres and its danger factor).

Following a well researched look at how the circuit came to be, and how it continued on evolving, the author chooses to chronicle the history of the circuit in an unusual but entertaining way. Nixon selected 14 drivers whom he felt conquered the circuit with flair, and focussed on their achievements. By doing this he covers many of the significant Nordschleife events spanning mid 1920’s through to the early 1980’s.  It is interesting to note that Nixon acknowledged being ruthless with his driver selection, and that many may disagree with his final choices, which leads one to believe that the choices made had a degree of personal attachment.

Pre-war heroes Caracciola, Nuvolari and Rosemeyer make the first three “Ringmeister” sections, and Nixon is clearly passionate about this era, with several of his previous works covering this time period, one of thunderous Mercedes’ and Auto Union’s taking on and largely destroying the best of the rest Europe had to offer, though of course Nuvolaris’ incredible Alfa victory in the 1935 German race is recounted in detail.

Ascari, Fangio, Moss, Brooks and Phil Hill are the post-war stars whose stories are retold in the book.  It is through studying these pages that you see the author has not only concentrated on Grand Prix races, for there are several references to certain Ringmeister’s sportscar achievements.  Stirling Moss’ entry is rightly focussed more on his hat trick of victories in the Nurburgring 1000kms races between 1958-and1960 rather than his 1961 victory in the GP Lotus.  The decision to not concentrate solely on GP cars adds depth and interest to the book, as sportscar racing has traditionally been less publicized yet could provide similar spectacle.

The remaining Ringmeisters include world champions Graham Hill, Surtees, Clark and Stewart.  Finally, Elford (6 major wins) and Ickx again provide a wider perspective for the reader with their successes being based more in the sportscar category, though Ickx mixing it with the Formula One cars in his F2 Matra in the 1967 Grand Prix is worthy of note.

The final section of the book table’s race results at the Nurburgring fom 1927-1983, Ringmeisters highlighted where appropriate.  This level of information, combined with some rare photos and interesting side notes (such as the “What’s in a name” section, which translates the famous corners of the Nurburgring), complement the work found in the main body of the text.  Chris Nixon’s writing style, though perhaps heavy-handed at times for a casual reader, conveys a sense of reliving these moments, many of which are so important to the fabric of motor racing. This book adds further allure to the most fascinating race circuit in the world. 

The author’s untimely death at the age of 67, whilst sitting at his desk, has robbed the motoring world of an insightful author.

Book Published by Transport Bookman Publications, 2005.

 [Back]

UNIQUE MOTOR BOOKS
             Reviewed by Roger James, June 2003

Research Material for the restorer and historic motor racing enthusiast.

Unique Motor Books, all presented in their bright yellow covers are edited and published from their headquarters in Essex UK. There are individual books on over 200 topics and the motor racing titles include the famous cutaway drawings from the English Magazines, lists of specifications with dates, race results and reports together with numerous structural photographs. Restorers and historic racing enthusiasts will find all of this information very useful for vehicle rebuilds and in the preparation of applications for CAMS certificates of description.

The most useful titles include:

Formula Junior- Cars from 1959-1963

The Cooper Years-Sports and Racing Cars to 1964

Cooper 500 and Its Rivals- The Motor Bike Engined Cars

Brabham-The Man and His Machines-Extracts from UK Magazines

Lotus Sports Races-Lotus 6 to 30 in Detail

Australian Motor Sport-Nation-wide Events 1948-1966

The last listed book warrants special mention because it is a valuable collection of magazine articles complete with tabulated results and memory beckoning photos. The cover displays Lou Molina in his red Monza sports car. All the books are reasonably priced between $45 and $60 and are available from Tony Johns Motor Books.
                                                                                                         [Back]