Porsche by Mailander

Among the many holdings of the Ludvigsen Library were the works of Rodolfo Mailander, who photographed races, motor shows, new-car introduction and other events in Europe from 1950 through 1955. This book presents Mailander's photography, selected and with commentary by Karl Ludvigsen.

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Spread over 250 pages are some 300 images taken by a man who was intimately involved with this world. By far the majority of these photographs have never before been published. Ludvigsen provides a knowledgeable and entertaining commentary on each, together with a year-by-year overview of the activities of Porsche during these exciting early years. The early Fifties were the dramatic formative years of Porsche, which was founded as a sports-car producer in 1948. The first-ever Porsche car scored a race victory that same year. Porsche's first effort at Le Mans in 1951 brought a class victory, and Le Mans was destined to remain a major target for Porsche's racers in the future. With the arrival of the fabled 550 Spyders in 1953 Porsche scored class victories on all continents with such drivers as Stirling Moss, Hans Herrmann and Richard von Frankenberg. As well, during these years Porsche developed and expanded its range of sports cars for the road. Included in the book are: Exciting and evocative scenes from the great sports-car races, rallies, road races and hill climbs: Monza, Berne, the Nurburgring, the Mille Miglia, Monte Carlo, Reims and others.
Behind-the-scenes views of the Porsche factory and the building of these great cars. The Porsche road cars in their environment and at the great Salons of Paris, Turin and Geneva. Porsche people, including Ferry Porsche, his engineers and his drivers.