Legendary Race Cars

by Wasef, Basem; Moss, Stirling

• ISBN13: 9780760335482
• ISBN10: 0760335486
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-10-09
• Publisher: Motorbooks

Summary

More than any other sporting pursuit, racing is a test of both human and machine. This beautifully illustrated book is a celebration of that unique union of sweat and grease, blood and gasoline, courage and fear, elation and terror, triumph and tragedy. Through vivid, human detail, writer and photographer Basem Wasef brings to life more than two dozen racing legends, including the story of Mario Andretti and the Lotus 79 that he drove to the 1978 Formula 1 world championship-a triumph trumped by the tragic loss of his teammate, Ronnie Peterson. We ride along with the incomparable Stirling Moss as he pilots his Mercedes-Benz SLR to an improbable victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia. And we feel our teeth rattling and our bones shaking as we race with for nearly seven grueling hours Ray Harroun in hisMarmon Wasp, en route to a controversial win at the very first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Filled with fascinating stories of humanity and machinery, this book is a must for all race fans.

Author Biography

Basem Wasef is the author of the acclaimed Motorbooks best-seller and Dean Batchelor Award finalist, Legendary Motorcycles. His fascination with all things automotive spans back to his childhood in London, where he was known to sing Happy Birthday to his extensive collection of Matchbox cars. Although his enthusiasm has taken him from the Arctic Circle to Modena in pursuit of extraordinary and exotic vehicles, he can’t imagine living anywhere but car-crazed Los Angeles. Basem has written articles for numerous magazines, including Popular Mechanics, the Robb Report, DUB Magazine, Conde Nast Portfolio, MPH, and others. You can visit his website at http://www.basemwasef.com.