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).

 

I don't think approval would be needed. My copy of the book just arrived so I haven't read any of it yet, but they are Ferrari chassis with Ferrari engines so that surely entitles them to wear Ferrari badges just like Ferrari chassis and Ferrari engines wearing bodies by Touring, Vignale, Ghia, Pinin Farina et al. Besides which Lord Bamford is a long-standing and important Ferrari collector and customer.

 

That doesn't mean anything in Maranello

Incidentally, I just read the story of one of the Marzotto brothers being so angry about the bad treatment by Ferrari (although they bought numerous Ferraris) that he told Enzo Ferrari that red was a totally ugly livery and painted his MM winning car blue.

 

Worth watching since it’s one of his cars.

 

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I just finished reading the book and recommend it. Based on my layman knowledge, I would say it provides a good overview of the history of the Italian auto industry beginning with the formation of Fiat through Fiat's stake in Ferrari and consolidation of other Italian marques. The history is discussed in the context of the political and economic situation and business and racing competition in Italy and the rest of Europe and the USA at the time. The author discusses the key industrialists, manufacturers, designers (engineering and styling), races and race car drivers. As most of the protagonists are discussed in 4-5 page chapters, there isn't a lot of in-depth discussion about a particular person's life or career, but its enough to get a sense of his contributions as a starting point for further reading if interested. A couple notable gaps are recognition of smaller brands (etceterinis) and after market manufacturers and tuners (Abarth, Nardi etc), and there is little discussion beyond the late 1960s other than noting that Fiat acquired a number of brands and Stellantis was formed. Maybe that's because Japan and Germany's ascendance overshadowed Italy by then. Based on the bibliography provided, it appears the author relied primarily on secondary sources from within the past 50-60 years for his research. As opposed to Scott Callan's Observations on Ferrari 1946-1966 book, the author does provide endnote citations for many of the assertions and quotes provided. I found it odd however that he cited secondary sources such as Ludvigsen, Nixon, Nye and Yates for quotes attributed to Ferrari instead of Piloti che Gente or other direct sources even though he did cite My Terrible Joys for some items. But overall this is a small nit considering the broad scope of what was covered in a clear and engaging manner.

 

I noticed that Porter’s most recent newsletter made no mention of DCN’s NART/Chinetti book, unless I missed it.

 

The Fondation Cartier is publishing a book of the 1987 exhibition they organized.
https://eshop.fondationcartier.com/en/products/tribute-to-ferrari-an-exhibition-ahead-of-its-time

Editor: Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris
Format: Hardback, 24 × 30 cm, 244 pages
200 color and black-and-white reproductions
ISBN 978-2-86925-192-2
Release October 2025

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a little overview of the making of and exhibition:

 

From the link "...In 1987 the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain organized a major exhibition in tribute to Enzo Ferrari, one of the greatest designers of the 20th century...". I will be most interested to read about all the things Enzo Ferrari designed.

 

That was my first thought, too.

 

Shipping only to French addresses, at least for now or until vendors like Horton’s, Motors Mania, etc. can get copies for sale.

 

The original in the French text is "créateur" (creator, which could apply to anything in French, e.g. a company) - designer is a possible translation in English (for créateur) but probably not the most appropriate in this case.

 

Another criminal waste of trees!