Randy Leffingwell

I have come to really enjoy and appreciate these automotive coffee table books that give the fascinating history as well as wonderful photographs of these vehicles and the company. Porsche 75th Anniversary by Randy Leffingwell is an excellent addition to this group.

I am always intrigued and a little surprised when I learn the early history of many of these companies. The hardships and the creative dreams of the founders make for a nice story. The early designs, whether the successes or the failures, make for great viewing. Watching the development of specific models and learning why changes were made gives the kind of insight that makes you appreciate the work, both creative and physical, that goes into these vehicles.

Highly recommended for Porsche fanatics and those who simply enjoy automotive history. Will make an attractive coffee table book that will likely start some conversations, possibly about dream cars and the fun of the road.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (mehr)

Classic Porsche 911 Buyer's Guide 1965-1998 by Randy Leffingwell is a valuable book for anyone considering buying a 911. What to watch for and what to avoid, as well as what jump at.

I admit I am not in the market, I was interested in the book for two reasons. The first was to take a bit of a nostalgia trip (I use books for nostalgia a lot more often than I probably should). A friend of mine owned several Porsches and a couple were 911s. The other reason was simply to see what types of things to look out for in general when buying used cars. While the year-by-year breakdown was specific, the opening sections offered some very good general advice that could be applied to other cars. I wish I had had a similar book on the first Fiat X1/9 I bought. I got lucky but could have done better. In my case, trial and error helped me shop for my second one much better.

If you like Porsches or just like technical information about the evolution of a classic automobile, this book offers quite a bit. While it is an information-first volume rather than a picture or coffee table book, the photographs are still good, especially the large one for each year that highlights problems and improvements. If you really are considering a 911, this book is an absolute must, it will help you find the best car for whatever budget you've made.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (mehr)

Corvette: Chevrolet's Supercar, by Randy Leffingwell, is another addition to a lengthy list of books about Corvettes. I looked back at some of the ones I am have read and liked and found that this one does indeed add to the discussion, so is worth adding to your library if you're a Corvette lover.

I have only ever owned one Corvette and while I enjoyed it I am not what one would consider a true Corvette fan. So for this book to engage me and keep my interest speaks to both the appeal of the pictures as well as the approach Leffingwell takes. This volume covers the model in all of its many incarnations, not zooming in on one specific aspect or concept like many more narrowly focused books. Yet depth is not sacrificed in achieving this breadth.

This edition will satisfy everyone from the most dedicated Corvette fan to the casual car lover who by extension loves a car like the Corvette. This will also interest both the readers who want some engineering insight as well as the reader interested in public reception and marketing. All in all a very informative book with wonderful pictures, many of which are newly published.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (mehr)