Porsche Sounds is another fine publication to have been produced by the Porsche Historical Archives in Stuttgart. But why, you may ask, do we need another book on Porsche’s long and well covered history, and what makes this book any different from the many others out there? Valid questions indeed. In response, and perhaps in defence of this fine product, is the fact that this is a complete history of the marque covering motor sport, 911 production models, and more recently models such as the Boxster, Carrera GT, Cayenne, Cayman, 918 and the Macan.
In addition to this wealth of content, the text is richly supported with many previously unpublished archive images, both colour and black and white. The whole package is extremely well presented in an attractive cloth-bound hard cover, ready for display in your Porsche den, or on your coffee table.
As one walks through each chapter, the quality of the presentation of Porsche Sounds is something that is never far from one’s mind, as the tactile feel of the book’s finish is impressive. Although not a great fan of dual language publications, as this format reduces the amount of history that can be shared with the reader, it does reduce the final cost of the product which favours the reader’s pocket. In this case, the layout is tasteful and so one can overlook this factor.
The author’s selection of images is both considered and impressive, as he has obviously given thought to each chapter and how best to illustrate the text. He has direct access to the company’s wealth of historical text and images, and the reader can be grateful for this, but selecting the right images for a book is no easy task. Full marks must therefore be allocated for this aspect of the book.
The best bit of news though has been saved for the end of this review, because this is a real bonus for the reader. This publication is the first official Porsche book to be published with original engine sounds, and located on the inside rear cover is a CD with 30 engine sounds of selected Porsche types, both production and racing cars. Listening to these sounds is interesting in that one can hear first hand the difference in the exhaust note between a production 356 or 911, and a full-blooded racing thoroughbred, from the comfort of your armchair or on your computer.
The book is written by Dieter Landenberger, Director of Porsche’s Historical Archives in Stuttgart. Landenberger was just 31 years of age when he came to Porsche in 2005 from Stuttgart’s other motor manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. His deep knowledge of, and appreciation for the value of Porsche’s heritage that he carried even then, on such young shoulders, was impressive. Having met him now on a number of occasions, one is left with little doubt about his enthusiasm for the marque, and having authored several books, this has just grown.
Porsche Sounds is a worthy addition to one’s library on the marque, and the CD of engine sounds will certainly encourage some great discussions over a cup of coffee.
Key information
Porsche Sounds (Special Edition)
Author: Dieter Landenberger
ISBN: 9783943573190
Price: £34.99
Hardcover, cloth binding
Size: 28×28 cm, 252 pages
300 photographs (colour and b/w)
1 CD with original engine sounds
Text: English/ German
Written by: Glen Smale
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