Official book collectors thread

Copies of the Bamford book appear to have arrived on the Continent - my copy was shipped today in Germany.

 

In the meantime it's the last day of my 250 GTO Spotting Guide kickstarter campaign.

So far, I've reached 130% of the goal, so I'm super happy, and I want to thank everyone who contributed to this success! We've raised almost enough money to print 1,000 copies.
Well, I think now comes the most stressful part of the job: getting the book printed!

 

Taschen again! The same book, originally offered as a large format for euro 5k in a nice package, was subsequently done as a bargain version for euro 125,- Now, this latest version, souped up with a box, comes with a choice of two signed prints for euro 1.500,-- in an edition of 200 copies. But you cannot buy them, they're already sold out. Publication November 2025??? If you are really interested there is a waiting list in case a copy is available again. Available again? Sold out is sold out, isn't it? This is the worst kind of BS marketing, and I tested them some time ago for another book: they call to ask if you're still interested. What an honour. Buyer beware: don't fall for this kind of overhyped money grab!

https://www.taschen.com/en/limited-editions/sports/62173/ferrari-art-edition-no-101-200-rainer-w-schlegelmilch-the-ferrari-dino-206-s-calascibetta-lo-piccolo-targa-florio-1970/

 

Most annoying is this claim on the website:

"Reaping the benefit of unrivalled access to photos and documents from the Ferrari Archives and private collectors ..."

As I wrote two months ago, I looked thoroughly through the luxury edition of the book at Harrods, and many of the images looked familiar. In my opinion, the book offers unrivalled recycling of old pictures.

 

But euro 125,-- for the second (and expanded) iteration is not a bad deal, especially for a novice enthusiast.

 

Don't waste your money, buy the 125 Euro version and move on.

 

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I am through the new "Bamford Ferrari Specials" book by Porter Press now, which I bought primarily because I liked the beautiful images taken in British scenary which were shown at the sample pages (shame on me, but yes: I just wanted to enjoy pictures). In that respect the book keeps its promises as it shows really beautiful feature photography by David Shepherd. These are supported by catching period shots of the assembly of all three special cars by Michael Lee, who at that time served as official photographer of Bamford's JCB company, and who in addition was assigned the task to oversee the special projects.

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The book tells in excruciating detail the design and construction process of the three cars, the first two of which received donourship from Ferrari 400i engines and chassis, and other parts from a great variety of cars like Ford Fiesta, Ford Transit, Toyota Celica and Jaguar XJ40, while the third one is rather a modernly customised 1959 250 GT Pinin Farina Coupé (taken from Bamford's collection).

Of course, seeing wonderful 400i cars being slaughtered and a fantastic 250 GT being sacrificed to modern modifications opens much room for discussion. But as far as the book itself is concerned, I really enjoy the way it has been produced.

Nevertheless, the many details about which parts came from which cars can be tiring at times - but just skip these passages and dive into the period and modern photographic material.

In addition to telling the story of the Bamford cars, the book briefly provides information on the history of those Ferrari models, which either served as donours (400i, 250 GT PF Coupé) or inspiration (GTO, NART Spider).

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One big regret I have is that the book doesn't mention a single word about how Lord Bamford (aka Sir Anthony) succeeded in getting approval from Ferrari to officially call these "bastards" (not meant to be impolite) "Ferrari" cars, including the official Cavallino Rampante badge on the bonnets. We all know how unforgiving Maranello can be on these matters. The answer would really have made an interesting story!

All in all, at just 40 GBP / 50 euros, it's a fabulous little book, best enjoyed on a nice Sunday with a good cup of tea. But beware: Instantly you start dreaming of how it would be like to drive such exotic cars through the lovely British countryside or just around Bamford (?) castle.

 

I would like to add the following observation to my review:

Ironically, while it has become a common feature of Porter Press books to include a number of short biographies of key players of a car's history, this book on just one man and his cars contains almost no information about Lord Bamford himself and his JCB company. I wonder why.

 

Since the book has been commissioned by the Bamford family, maybe they wanted to avoid self-promotion.
Maybe their story is (somehow) covered in the books dedicated to JCB (e.g. the JCB scrapbook also published by Porter Press).