Karl Ludvigsen's Updated Porsche: Excellence Was Expected ranked #1 on Car and Driver's Summer Reading List

Janet E Barnes posted on Jun 25, 2020

We are delighted to see that Car and Driver magazine has put together a list of 8 books that every car enthusiast should read, and the 2019 edition of Porsche: Excellence Was Expected by Karl Ludvigsen is their #1 pick! So if you are just putting together your summer reading list - this one purchase should take care of all your reading needs for the next three months (and more!).

Find the full list of Car and Driver’s top 8 books for car enthusiasts here:

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g32905877/books-every-auto-enthusiast-should-read/

The revised 2019 edition of Excellence Was Expected is available now.

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
2019 Edition, 4-volume set

by Karl Ludvigsen

Buy Directly from Bentley Publishers at List price: $524.95

Or buy from your favorite book seller or parts dealer.
Holiday Pricing is Looking Good.
Taxes and shipping will impact your delivered price, but here are some options.

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-Excellence-Was-Expected-2…/…/

Pelican Parts: https://www.pelicanparts.com/…/B…/POR_BOOK_POREXC-detail.htm

ToadHall
https://www.hobbydb.com/…/toad-hall-mo…/collectibles/1819247

Block's Books:
https://blocks-books.com/BLOCKS-BOOKS/9780837617695.html

ECS Tuning
https://www.ecstuning.com/…/porsche-excellence-wa…/gpxs~bty/

Updated Excellence Was Expected Deemed "Excellent" by Panorama magazine

barnes (Unlicensed) posted on Dec 19, 2019

Rob Sass, editor of the Porsche Club of America's monthly magazine, Panorama, has reviewed the 2019 edition of Porsche: Excellence Was Expected by Karl Ludvigsen, and declared it to be "an utter necessity for both fanatics and newcomers who wish to understand both the fundamentals and the fine details of why Porsche is one of the most admired and storied brands on the planet."

Read the review in the December 2019 issue of Panorama here:

The revised 2019 edition of Excellence Was Expected is available now.

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
2019 Edition, 4-volume set

by Karl Ludvigsen

To Order from Publisher

Buy Directly from Bentley Publishers at List price: $524.95

To Order from Amazon

Or buy from your favorite book seller or parts dealer.
Holiday Pricing is Looking Good.
Taxes and shipping will impact your delivered price, but here are some options.

Amazon:
Current price on Amazon is only $369.99 - though it may not last long.
https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-Excellence-Was-Expected-2…/…/

Pelican (14% discount): https://www.pelicanparts.com/…/B…/POR_BOOK_POREXC-detail.htm

ToadHall ($439.95)
https://www.hobbydb.com/…/toad-hall-mo…/collectibles/1819247

Block's Books:
https://blocks-books.com/BLOCKS-BOOKS/9780837617695.html

ECS Tuning ( $367.47)
https://www.ecstuning.com/…/porsche-excellence-wa…/gpxs~bty/

book-news

High Praise for Porsche: Excellence Was Expected in Classic Porsche magazine

barnes (Unlicensed) posted on Dec 18, 2019

The December 2019/January 2020 issue of Classic Porsche magazine features a terrific story by Kieron Fennelly about Karl Ludvigsen and his significant revision and update of Porsche: Excellence Was Expected. The article gives insight into why Porsche: Excellence Was Expected is considered the definitive history of Porsche, and why Karl Ludvigsen is uniquely suited to tell Porsche's story.

Read the article in Classic Porsche here:

The revised 2019 edition of Excellence Was Expected is available now.

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
2019 Edition, 4-volume set

by Karl Ludvigsen

To Order from Publisher

Buy Directly from Bentley Publishers at List price: $524.95

To Order from Amazon

Or buy from your favorite book seller or parts dealer.
Holiday Pricing is Looking Good.
Taxes and shipping will impact your delivered price, but here are some options.

Amazon:
Current price on Amazon is only $369.99 - though it may not last long.
https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-Excellence-Was-Expected-2…/…/

Pelican (14% discount): https://www.pelicanparts.com/…/B…/POR_BOOK_POREXC-detail.htm

ToadHall ($439.95)
https://www.hobbydb.com/…/toad-hall-mo…/collectibles/1819247

Block's Books:
https://blocks-books.com/BLOCKS-BOOKS/9780837617695.html

ECS Tuning ( $367.47)
https://www.ecstuning.com/…/porsche-excellence-wa…/gpxs~bty/

book-news

Review of Excellence Was Expected on DriveNation

barnes (Unlicensed) posted on Sept 16, 2019

Click the graphic below to read a short but glowing review posted to DriveNation by Andrew Frankel of Porsche: Excellence Was Expected by Karl Ludvigsen.

The revised 2019 edition of Excellence Was Expected is available for order now.

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
2019 Edition, 4-volume set

by Karl Ludvigsen

To Order from Publisher

List price: $524.95

To Order from Amazon

Also Available from Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-Excellence-Was-Expected-2019/dp/0837617693/

Excellence: Expected and Delivered - article in August 2019 issue of Panorama

barnes (Unlicensed) posted on Aug 27, 2019

The August 2019 issue of Panorama magazine (the magazine of the Porsche Club of America) features a terrific story by Kieron Fennelly about Karl Ludvigsen and his significant revision and update of Porsche: Excellence Was Expected. The article gives insight into why Porsche: Excellence Was Expected is considered the definitive history of Porsche, and why Karl Ludvigsen is uniquely suited to tell Porsche's story.

The revised 2019 edition of Excellence Was Expected will be published in September and is available for order now.

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
2019 Edition, 4-volume set

by Karl Ludvigsen

To Order from Publisher

List price: $524.95

To Order from Amazon

Also Available from Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-Excellence-Was-Expected-2019/dp/0837617693/

Read the article in Panorama here:

book-news

All New Porsche: Excellence Was Expected by Karl Ludvigsen Available for Pre-Order Now

barnes (Unlicensed) posted on Aug 20, 2019

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
2019 Edition, 4-volume set

by Karl Ludvigsen

List price: $524.95 (from Publisher)

To Order from Amazon

Also Available from Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-Excellence-Was-Expected-2019/dp/0837617693/

New for this edition:

Revised from beginning to end and updated through model year 2020
New 4th volume (up from 3 volumes)
132 chapters (up from 66 chapters)
Over 1,000 additional pages
Hundreds of new color photos and illustrations, with nearly 3,000 photos and illustrations total
12 new chapters covering 911 (Types 991 and 992), 918 Spyder, 919 Hybrid, Taycan and Porsche company evolution
10 new chapters with updated coverage of Boxster, Cayman, Cayenne, Macan, and Panamera
32 new Focus chapters highlighting fascinating people and rare Porsche cars through the decades
All new Porsche model timelines featuring exclusive color illustrations of key Porsche models from 1948-2020
Updated Competition Victories appendix

Featuring all new Porsche model timelines depicting the evolution of Porsche production and competition cars.

Every chapter has been updated and redesigned for this edition, including the additional of hundreds of new color photos and illustrations.

According to Jim Donnelly, longtime Senior Editor of Hemmings Classic Car:

I'll say this right now: This is the finest, most authoritative marque history that I've ever read on any make of car, and from any author. I challenge anyone to dispute that. Retail on the four-volume set is $524.95. I know that's not cheap. Think of it as an investment in your field of automotive knowledge. It will be money well spent. --JimDonnellyOnWheels.com

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
2019 Edition, 4-volume set

by Karl Ludvigsen

Great holiday gift idea - Pre-Order now!

List price: $524.95

book-news

Porsche-Origin of the Species by Karl Ludvigsen ranks #3 on Antique Car Museum's list of 10 Best Automotive Books!

barnes (Unlicensed) posted on Oct 25, 2018

Porsche - Origin of the Species

by Karl Ludvigsen

List price: $149.95

Great holiday gift idea - Order now!

The Antique Car Museum has posted a list of what they consider to be the 10 Best Automotive Books of all time - and Karl Ludvigsen's Porsche-Origin of the Species ranks #3.

Check out the full list here: http://www.antiquecarmuseum.org/10_amazing_automotive_books.html

book-news

Classic Racing Engines by Karl Ludvigsen Reviewed on The View Through the Windshield

barnes (Unlicensed) posted on Sept 26, 2018

Classic Racing Engines

by Karl Ludvigsen

List price: $79.95

Now Available !

Joseph Sherlock has posted an insightful review of Karl Ludvigsen's book Classic Racing Engines to the Book Review section of his blog The View Through the Windshield.

You can read the full review here: http://www.joesherlock.com/Book-Reviews10.html#Classic_Racing_Engines

book-news

Mechanical Ignition Handbook by Rob Siegel receives great review in Roundel

barnes (Unlicensed) posted on Dec 19, 2017

Mechanical Ignition Handbook: The Hack Mechanic Guide to Vintage Ignition Systems

by Rob Siegel

List price: $22.95

Now Available !

"The beauty of this book, much like his other works, is that Siegel takes the fear and mystery out of the subject matter, breaking down the complex into small, manageable concepts. The writing is clear, thorough, well-illustrated, and most of all human."

We also can't resist sharing these great comments by reviewer Paul Wegweiser:

"The book is a tutorial as well as a reference manual. Even as a professional mechanic, I find that my Bentley books all have dog ears from frequent visits on a particular subject or testing procedure.

Learn more about the Mechanical Ignition Handbook: The Hack Mechanic Guide to Vintage Ignition Systems by Rob Siegel on our webiste, or read Paul Wegweiser's full review in the December 2017 issue of Roundel, the magazine of the BMW Car Club of America, (and reproduced below).

book-news

Mark Donohue's "Unfair Advantage" a recommended read by Porsche Road & Race

barnes (Unlicensed) posted on Nov 28, 2017

"This story kept my attention from beginning to end, and I thoroughly enjoyed every page."

Read Glen Smale's review of The Unfair Advantage on PorscheRoadandRace.com or learn more about it on our bookstore webpage.

The Unfair Advantage

by Mark Donohue
with Paul van Valkenburgh

List price: $34.95

Now Available !

Here's the text of the review by Glen Smale, or just follow the link to read it on PorscheRoadandRace.com

The Unfair Advantage

27th November 2017 by: Glen Smale | Leave a Comment

The story of Mark Donohue’s racing achievements has been told in numerous magazine articles over the years. His achievements too, in the famous #6 Sunoco Porsche 917/30 in the 1973 Can-Am series, have been similarly covered many times. But until I read The Unfair Advantage, I had little knowledge of Donohue’s struggle through the various other racing cars and series that he competed in between 1958 and 1975.

Reading The Unfair Advantage recently, I discovered just what a down-to-earth guy Donohue was. His manner and his approach to anything that he tackled, whether small or large, was the same – he was thorough to the nth degree. In short, Mark Donohue was the sort of guy you would want to have as a buddy, because he would just as soon help you fix your soapbox as help you take the engine out of your race car.

There is no doubt that Donohue’s mechanical engineering studies helped him to develop an analytical approach to problem solving, which in turn made him an invaluable asset to the Penske organisation.

Together with work colleague and friend, Paul van Valkenburgh, the pair recorded on tape approximately 150,000 words covering Mark’s life as a racer. Van Valkenburgh then knocked that into shape so that the reader could enjoy this unparalleled story of pain, growth and glory. The author of the book, Paul van Valkenburgh, is quick to point out that he merely moved a few words around here and there, to make the story that much more readable. All of which just goes to show that Donohue dictated the narrative pretty much as you see it.

What makes this account of Donohue’s story so refreshing, is the fact that he is so honest in admitting when he made a mistake or messed up. This is so uncommon in today’s society where people are quick to look for someone else to blame in order not to look bad, because it may negatively affect their image. Donohue analyses the races he competed in, telling the reader where he blew it, or where he was able to get one up on the rest of the field.

The title of the book comes from his hard work in trying to improve the cars he raced in order to gain an advantage, or as he put it, an unfair advantage – hence the name of the book. The writer, or rather Mark Donohue himself, explains how they tested and retested numerous cars, exploring ways in which the team could improve their chances on the track. You have to take your hat off to Roger Penske, who in all of this, never wavered in his belief and support for Donohue, and this no doubt played a big part in building his confidence on the track.

The book is written mostly in chapters that cover a year at a time, so that the reader can follow Donohue’s progress and development with ease. Donohue was also quick to give credit and praise where this was due, especially to his faithful chief mechanic, John Woodard, but he would equally not suffer fools who he came across on the track.

As van Valkenburgh pointed out in his introduction, Mark Donohue was not born a great racing driver, but that over time, with much hard work, he became a great racing driver. Having spoken with racing drivers and others who were around when Donohue was racing, you are left with no doubt that he was just like the guy next door. And couldn’t we do with a few more like him today!

If there is one thing that I was slightly disappointed with in this book, it is that there is no final chapter given to explain the circumstances surrounding the very untimely and tragic accident that took his life. It isn’t that, as readers of this type of book we are not aware of when or where he died, but it would have rounded off a truly engaging story of a great racing driver, in a respectful way.

I am sorry I was not able to buy a copy of the hardcover edition of this book when it was originally published in 1975, but the new softcover edition is enhanced with 100 new photos, as well as a preface written by Mark’s two sons, Michael and David. A chronology of Mark Donohue’s racing career is also included.

This story kept my attention from beginning to end, and I thoroughly enjoyed every page. If you are interested in historic racing today, or an avid follower of Porsche racing history, or simply a motorsport enthusiast, this book will satisfy all your needs. You don’t want to miss getting a copy of this new edition, if you, like me, missed out first time round.

Key Information

Title	The Unfair Advantage
Authors	Mark Donohue with Paul van Valkenburgh
Publisher	Bentley Publishing
Published	2000
ISBN	978-0-8376-0069-7
Pages & images	368 pages; 53 color/62 B&W photos
Format	155.5mm (6 1/8 in.) x 235mm (9 1/4 in.)
Cover	Softcover
Language	English
Price	$34.95

Written by: Glen Smale

book-news

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected2019 Edition, 4-volume set

Buy Directly from Bentley Publishers at List price: $524.95

Or buy from your favorite book seller or parts dealer. Holiday Pricing is Looking Good. Taxes and shipping will impact your delivered price, but here are some options.

Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-Excellence-Was-Expected-2…/…/

Pelican Parts: https://www.pelicanparts.com/…/B…/POR_BOOK_POREXC-detail.htm

ToadHallhttps://www.hobbydb.com/…/toad-hall-mo…/collectibles/1819247

Block's Books:https://blocks-books.com/BLOCKS-BOOKS/9780837617695.html

ECS Tuninghttps://www.ecstuning.com/…/porsche-excellence-wa…/gpxs~bty/

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected2019 Edition, 4-volume set

Buy Directly from Bentley Publishers at List price: $524.95

Or buy from your favorite book seller or parts dealer. Holiday Pricing is Looking Good. Taxes and shipping will impact your delivered price, but here are some options.

Amazon:Current price on Amazon is only $369.99 - though it may not last long.https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-Excellence-Was-Expected-2…/…/

Pelican (14% discount): https://www.pelicanparts.com/…/B…/POR_BOOK_POREXC-detail.htm

ToadHall ($439.95)https://www.hobbydb.com/…/toad-hall-mo…/collectibles/1819247

Block's Books:https://blocks-books.com/BLOCKS-BOOKS/9780837617695.html

ECS Tuning ( $367.47)https://www.ecstuning.com/…/porsche-excellence-wa…/gpxs~bty/

Read the article in Classic Porsche here:

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected2019 Edition, 4-volume set

Buy Directly from Bentley Publishers at List price: $524.95

Or buy from your favorite book seller or parts dealer. Holiday Pricing is Looking Good. Taxes and shipping will impact your delivered price, but here are some options.

Amazon:Current price on Amazon is only $369.99 - though it may not last long.https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-Excellence-Was-Expected-2…/…/

Pelican (14% discount): https://www.pelicanparts.com/…/B…/POR_BOOK_POREXC-detail.htm

ToadHall ($439.95)https://www.hobbydb.com/…/toad-hall-mo…/collectibles/1819247

Block's Books:https://blocks-books.com/BLOCKS-BOOKS/9780837617695.html

ECS Tuning ( $367.47)https://www.ecstuning.com/…/porsche-excellence-wa…/gpxs~bty/

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected2019 Edition, 4-volume set

List price: $524.95

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected2019 Edition, 4-volume set

List price: $524.95

Read the article in Panorama here:

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected2019 Edition, 4-volume set

List price: $524.95 (from Publisher)

New for this edition:

Featuring all new Porsche model timelines depicting the evolution of Porsche production and competition cars.

Every chapter has been updated and redesigned for this edition, including the additional of hundreds of new color photos and illustrations.

According to Jim Donnelly, longtime Senior Editor of Hemmings Classic Car:

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected2019 Edition, 4-volume set

Great holiday gift idea - Pre-Order now!

List price: $524.95

Porsche - Origin of the Species

List price: $149.95

Great holiday gift idea - Order now!

The Antique Car Museum has posted a list of what they consider to be the 10 Best Automotive Books of all time - and Karl Ludvigsen's Porsche-Origin of the Species ranks #3.

Classic Racing Engines

List price: $79.95

Joseph Sherlock has posted an insightful review of Karl Ludvigsen's book Classic Racing Engines to the Book Review section of his blog The View Through the Windshield.

Mechanical Ignition Handbook: The Hack Mechanic Guide to Vintage Ignition Systems

List price: $22.95

"The beauty of this book, much like his other works, is that Siegel takes the fear and mystery out of the subject matter, breaking down the complex into small, manageable concepts. The writing is clear, thorough, well-illustrated, and most of all human."

"The book is a tutorial as well as a reference manual. Even as a professional mechanic, I find that my Bentley books all have dog ears from frequent visits on a particular subject or testing procedure.

The Unfair Advantage

List price: $34.95

Here's the text of the review by Glen Smale, or just follow the link to read it on PorscheRoadandRace.com

The Unfair Advantage

Key Information

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
2019 Edition, 4-volume set

Or buy from your favorite book seller or parts dealer.
Holiday Pricing is Looking Good.
Taxes and shipping will impact your delivered price, but here are some options.

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-Excellence-Was-Expected-2…/…/

ToadHall
https://www.hobbydb.com/…/toad-hall-mo…/collectibles/1819247

Block's Books:
https://blocks-books.com/BLOCKS-BOOKS/9780837617695.html

ECS Tuning
https://www.ecstuning.com/…/porsche-excellence-wa…/gpxs~bty/

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
2019 Edition, 4-volume set

Or buy from your favorite book seller or parts dealer.
Holiday Pricing is Looking Good.
Taxes and shipping will impact your delivered price, but here are some options.

Amazon:
Current price on Amazon is only $369.99 - though it may not last long.
https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-Excellence-Was-Expected-2…/…/

ToadHall ($439.95)
https://www.hobbydb.com/…/toad-hall-mo…/collectibles/1819247

Block's Books:
https://blocks-books.com/BLOCKS-BOOKS/9780837617695.html

ECS Tuning ( $367.47)
https://www.ecstuning.com/…/porsche-excellence-wa…/gpxs~bty/

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
2019 Edition, 4-volume set

Or buy from your favorite book seller or parts dealer.
Holiday Pricing is Looking Good.
Taxes and shipping will impact your delivered price, but here are some options.

Amazon:
Current price on Amazon is only $369.99 - though it may not last long.
https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-Excellence-Was-Expected-2…/…/

ToadHall ($439.95)
https://www.hobbydb.com/…/toad-hall-mo…/collectibles/1819247

Block's Books:
https://blocks-books.com/BLOCKS-BOOKS/9780837617695.html

ECS Tuning ( $367.47)
https://www.ecstuning.com/…/porsche-excellence-wa…/gpxs~bty/

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
2019 Edition, 4-volume set

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
2019 Edition, 4-volume set

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
2019 Edition, 4-volume set

Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
2019 Edition, 4-volume set

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