Vic Elford: Reflections on a Golden Age in Motorsports [Hardcover]

Vic Elford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2006

Vic Elford is the epitome of the classic racing driver: smart, brave, and, above all, versatile. His autobiography offers a personal perspective on the initiative and skills required to build a career in racing and in the 1960s and '70s.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Vic Elford was born in London and raced in Britain, Europe, the United States, and Japan in a career that spanned rallying, sports cars, Formula 1, Can-Am, Trans-Am, and NASCAR. During the latter part of his career, Elford lived in France. After retiring from driving he briefly ran his own team, then managed the French Inaltera sports car team's successful bid to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In the mid-1980s, Renault offered him th position of competition director for the United States. He now lives with his wife, Anita, in Florida. This is is second book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: David Bull Publishing (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893618528
• ISBN-13: 978-1893618527
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,053,264 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vic Elford: Reflections on a Golden Age of, July 31, 2007

By 

Stephen Deiters (Cincinnati, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vic Elford: Reflections on a Golden Age in Motorsports (Hardcover)

To read an articulate and well written book on automobile racing and one's life in it is a rare treat indeed and "Reflections on a Golden Age in Motorsports" by Vic Elford certianly meets that criteria. He traces his life in racing from an afternoon outing with his father to the British Grand Prix just after the war through driving in road rallys in Europe with much success to becoming one of the premier endurance drivers of his era with significant victories both in Europe and North America in the late 60's and early 70's while driving for Porsche. He gives interesting insight into the life and demands of such an occupation, but it is written with the feeling one derives from totally emersing themselves in their chosen lifes work with all the triumphs and tragedies that accompany it.
People looking for more technical focus in auto racing books will not be disappointed either. He gives interesting insight into the driving of rally cars, the powerful Porshe 917 and its variants, as well as the original Shadow Can-Am car, and the legendary Chapparal 2J "sucker" ground effects car as well as development work he contributed to on the Porshe 911 rally cars, and the Toyota Can-Am car not to mention his forays into Formula One and NASCAR.
The book is written in an easy conversational narration style that flows easily from one topic to the next. Generous use of photos from Mr. Elfords' personal collection coupled with good editing and a complete index augment this work even more.
Whether you are a die hard or passing race fan from any era this is a very worthwhile read and a welcome additon to anyones racing library. Racing books of this caliber only come along every once in a while. The reader will feel fortunate to have shared some of Mr. Elfords' racing life through this book. You won't be disappointed. I'm already looking forward to his next book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sharing secrets of the golden era, December 8, 2010

By 

Mr. John Evans (Pasadena, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vic Elford: Reflections on a Golden Age in Motorsports (Hardcover)

This very well written account of Vic Elford's racing career will appeal to all those who were fans of motor sport during the 1960s and '70s. What a contrast with today's drivers. Quick Vic piloted anything and everything, and was always brave and always fast. It would seem amazing to a driver today to hop out of a rally car and into a Grand Prix Car, then pitch up a few weeks later to race a Porsche sports car. Vic tells the story with modesty, humour and honesty. The book is one of the best of its kind - very well illustrated, nicely produced and easy to read. Strongly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars one legendary driver, May 20, 2010

By 

advtracing "advtracing" (new zealand) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Vic Elford: Reflections on a Golden Age in Motorsports (Hardcover)

a great bio and history of vic , very interesting reading and gives alot of back ground to the Porsche years and victory's