Book Review: White Racers from Zuffenhausen by Karl Ludvigsen

Written by automotive and Porsche expert Karl Ludvigsen, White Racers from Zuffenhausen: Porsche 904, 906, 907, 908, 910 provides the reader with a graphical and written overview of the 900 series sports-racing cars. Carefully chosen pictures from the author’s own library present an extensive, black and white, first hand pictorial panorama and written account of the design, a development and driving of this important period in Porsche racing history.

The book showcases action and technical photos of the Porsche 904, 906, 907, 908 and 910 race cars that bridged the gap between the “giant-killing” Spyders and the still formidable Type 917. A brief introduction provides color and insight into the motivations behind the development of these cars and the internal “race” between the Pieche and Porsche family members.

By no means should the reader think of this as an in-depth reference book similar to some of Ludvigsen’s other works. Instead, White Racers provides a quick, easy to read and visual enticing overview of these legendary race cars sprinkled with just enough detail to spur the intrepid reader to further research and reading.

Curiously missing from this printed account is any mention to the origin of the term “White Racers.” While many Porsche files are familiar with the term and its etymology, to others a simple description would be helpful as the phrase is used not only in the introduction, but more prominently as part of the book title! The explanation is rather quite simple. Late model 904s along with the rest of the 900 series were predominantly painted white. This was a significant departure from the traditional silver racing colors of Germany and Porsche.

About the Author Karl Ludvigsen

In 2003, Karl Ludvigsen was awarded the Friend of Automotive History Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Society of Automotive Historians. He is also a three-time winner of their Cugnot award for best book of the year. Ludvigsen has served as technical editor of Auto Age and Sports Cars Illustrated magazines, as east coast editor of Motor Trend and as editor of Car and Driver. He has also worked on the inside of the motor industry at senior levels with General Motors, Fiat and Ford.

His Porsche history, Porsche: Excellence Was Expected, is considered by many to be a model of the researching and writing of the history of an auto company.

Upcoming Reviews

Over the next few weeks I’ll be focusing on a number of product and book reviews. Included in the mix will be the long-term/second stage review of both the Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel and the Porsche Design LaCie External Hard Drive. Upcoming book reviews include Porsche: The Fine Art of the Sports Car, Porsche Sixty Years, Porsche: The Road from Zuffenhausen and many others. Last but not least, I drive the Tamiya Porsche 911 GT3 Cup VIP 07 around the mini track and give you the inside scoop on how she handles 🙂

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