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I went back and looked through the archives and couldn’t find much information on this older book. Did anyone here purchase it and is it a worthwhile book?

 

I recall checking it out when first published but didn’t think it worth $500. I’m more selective in my book purchases now so $125 might be better spent elsewhere. Did the author also write Metal Memory or something like that?

 

They did reduce the price considerably!

 

No but I do have the Gilco book

 

I got the 2020 edition, which was printed "on-demand"
The content is interesting, since it looks at Ferrari "in context" of the period covered; the presentation feels a little bit home-made, but after all, that gives it some charm...
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I bought ‘Metal Memory’ when it came out. At the time it was about US$300.- Now this title is US$750.- which is just too much. It reads more like a novel, not bad but it takes an aquired taste, I guess.

 

There was some discussion about it back in 2021. I had the same reaction then as SCM does now about the lack of source citations, but the author posted an interesting reply about his intent for a conversational style. Here's a couple links. https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/147955018/ https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/147962073/

 

Detailed information and preview released now on the Bamford book:

https://porterpress.co.uk/products/bamford-ferrari-specials

Scheduled release in October, so just about to happen.

 

Just glad for the sake of storage it's not another landscape sized book.

 

Indeed! As it is the same format as the "Exceptional Cars" series, it perfectly fits into my Porter Press collection

 

From Maserati Classic group, on Facebook :

In Memory of Marc Sonnery (†2025)
The Maserati community has lost one of its passionate voices with the passing of Marc Sonnery, journalist, historian, and author. This information has been confirmed by his next of kin and the local authorities in France.
Marc’s fascination with Maserati began in childhood, when his father, CEO of Citroën in Sweden, Portugal, and Germany, brought home Maseratis during the golden era of 1968–1975. That spark became a lifelong devotion. He went on to author “Maserati, the Citroën Years”, a book that quickly became a reference point for collectors and historians alike. Hailed as “Book of the Month” in multiple publications, it captured the spirit of a fascinating, sometimes misunderstood era in Maserati’s history and soon sold out.
Over decades, Marc contributed countless articles and features to the world’s most respected automotive magazines, cementing his reputation as a Maserati authority.
But it was with the Khamsin that Marc carved out his most enduring mark. In 2004, he founded the Maserati Khamsin Registry, an ambitious undertaking that, thanks to his relentless research, allowed him to document around 345 of the 430 examples ever built. His magnum opus for the model was the Khamsin Quaranta gathering in 2012 (which he repeated with Khamsin Cinquanta in 2023). In that 40th anniversary celebration, he brought together 27 Khamsins, including the prototype, alongside legendary figures such as designer Marcello Gandini, historian Ermanno Cozza, and Maserati Classiche’s Fabio Collina.
He was also a strong force in making the Classiche Masters book of 2019 a reality, pushing forward with his knowledge, energy, and unwavering dedication to the marque.
Marc was, in every sense, a character. He was sharp, witty, stubborn, and always passionate. He had the courage to say what he thought, but also the warmth to connect people, to share his knowledge generously, and to make you feel part of something larger. Conversations with him were never dull – he had stories, details, and anecdotes at the ready, and he lived every bit of the passion he carried for the cars.
And of course, Marc was the kind of man who would never shy away from a great Barolo – a reminder that life, like a fine wine, is best savoured with intensity, depth, and a touch of mischief.
Through his writings, his registry, and his tireless efforts, Marc Sonnery aimed to ensure that future generations would understand and cherish the extraordinary cars that shaped an era.
We raise a glass to Marc Sonnery – a man who gave the Khamsin its voice. He will be remembered as a journalist, an author, a Khamsin’s greatest ambassador—and above all, as someone who lived his passion fully, leaving an unforgettable mark on everyone who has met him.
Marc,
Some say heaven is quiet. Clearly, they’ve never met you. By now, you’re probably explaining the difference between a Khamsin prototype and production model to a very patient angel… with a Barolo in hand. We’ll keep the stories alive down here, just as you would.

 

This is shocking. Truly,I was just wondering yesterday, “I haven’t seen Marc on Ferrarichat for a long time.” I’ve really enjoyed his books and articles in Octane.

I met Marc years ago when he would come to Ft. Lauderdale for the winter to sell Ferraris for Ed Waterman at Motorcar Gallery. He’ll be missed. Does anyone know the cause of Marc’s death?

 

Marc in his element……


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Very saddened and shocked to learn of Marc Sonnery's passing.

 

Very, very sad news

He took it with much noblesse and generosity when I once confused him with Doug Nye on a picture ...