Rating: 
Summary: THE Must Have Porsche book for all fans of the marque
Review: Although the first release of this book is over 20 years old, no one has come close to matching the depth and accuracy of Ludvigsen's work. Sure, there are some factual errors in this 900+ page book, but that doesn't detract from its value or from the fun you will have reading it. The author has structured the chapters like they were stand-alone magazine articles - you can jump into any one and start reliving the excitement. Porsche fans - especially those new the marque - should go get a copy, find a nice chair in good light and begin to learn all about this great car company. If you love German cars, Ludvigsen has also written some great books on Mercedes.More good news - Mr. Ludvigsen has released a completely revised "Excellence" - Excellence redux, as it were. Bigger, more color, heavier and filled with facts and figures on Porsches built after he completed the first release. A lot has happend since version 1 so the huge size makes sense. But it's not just about size - Ludvigsen still has the ability to captured the essence of Porsche-ness better than anyone. In my opinion, this continues to be the must-have Porsche book and it should be on every automotive enthusiast's book shelf (But you better make sure that it's a sturdy shelf first!).
Rating:
Summary: THE Must Have Porsche book for all fans of the marque
Review: Although the first release of this book is over 20 years old, no one has come close to matching the depth and accuracy of Ludvigsen's work. Sure, there are some factual errors in this 900+ page book, but that doesn't detract from its value or from the fun you will have reading it. The author has structured the chapters like they were stand-alone magazine articles - you can jump into any one and start reliving the excitement. Porsche fans - especially those new the marque - should go get a copy, find a nice chair in good light and begin to learn all about this great car company. If you love German cars, Ludvigsen has also written some great books on Mercedes. More good news - Mr. Ludvigsen has released a completely revised "Excellence" - Excellence redux, as it were. Bigger, more color, heavier and filled with facts and figures on Porsches built after he completed the first release. A lot has happend since version 1 so the huge size makes sense. But it's not just about size - Ludvigsen still has the ability to captured the essence of Porsche-ness better than anyone. In my opinion, this continues to be the must-have Porsche book and it should be on every automotive enthusiast's book shelf (But you better make sure that it's a sturdy shelf first!).
Rating: 
Summary: An Interesting History
Review: An nicely done tribute to Porsche's decades of dedication. It helps me understand how Porsche arrived at their unique automotive vision, even if the book sometimes feels written by Porsche's PR people. The rumor is that this book's been reprinted lately--maybe Amazon can find you one. One distributor listed the book for $180, but don't buy there--it's available for $80 elsewhere, hopefully at Amazon too.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Awesome book. Everything you could ever want to know about the company and it's cars. Very high quality and excellent writing. Buy this book, it's worth the money!
Rating: 
Summary: Porsche Through Rose Glasses
Review: If I'd realized Mr. Ludvigsen had a past history of writing for Automotive Quarterly, I would never have wasted this much money buying this set. Just like Automotive Quarterly (which never had a bad thing to say about any automobile) Mr. Ludvigsen glosses over the problems with the 356 and early 911 road cars, the internal power struggles within the company and board, and so on.
This is probably the most complete "racing" history of Porsche ever done and is worth it if that is what you want to know. If you are interested in the road cars, don't waste your time reading this or your money buying it.
Rating:
Summary: Porsche Through Rose Glasses
Review: If I'd realized Mr. Ludvigsen had a past history of writing for Automotive Quarterly, I would never have wasted this much money buying this set. Just like Automotive Quarterly (which never had a bad thing to say about any automobile) Mr. Ludvigsen glosses over the problems with the 356 and early 911 road cars, the internal power struggles within the company and board, and so on.
This is probably the most complete "racing" history of Porsche ever done and is worth it if that is what you want to know. If you are interested in the road cars, don't waste your time reading this or your money buying it.
Rating:
Summary: Tons of Technical Info
Review: If you need technical information about a pre-80's Porsche, this is the book for you. Nothing else out there compares to its depth and range. There are pages and pages of line drawings, blueprints, technical specifications, and lots of photos that I've never seen anywhere else. Digest this, and you'll be an expert on the marque. There are a couple of shallow spots. Professor Porsche's sometimes cozy relationship with the Nazis and his engineering work for them during World War Two is neatly sidestepped. Also, the coverage of the cars stops in the late '70's. If you have a newer Porsche, you'll be disappointed on what you can find out about your car. Still, though, nobody's touched this book before or since on research and content.
Rating:
Summary: Tons of Technical Info
Review: If you need technical information about a pre-80's Porsche, this is the book for you. Nothing else out there compares to its depth and range. There are pages and pages of line drawings, blueprints, technical specifications, and lots of photos that I've never seen anywhere else. Digest this, and you'll be an expert on the marque. There are a couple of shallow spots. Professor Porsche's sometimes cozy relationship with the Nazis and his engineering work for them during World War Two is neatly sidestepped. Also, the coverage of the cars stops in the late '70's. If you have a newer Porsche, you'll be disappointed on what you can find out about your car. Still, though, nobody's touched this book before or since on research and content.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Awesome -- and a Fantastic Value, Too
Review: It's expensive. And not for everyone. And to own it and enjoy it requires time and energy, with a substantial payoff in the form of a richer, deeper existence on our planet Earth. Am I talking about a Porsche? Yes, but also about Karl Ludvigsen's latest written masterpiece, Excellence was Expected. Simply put, this book is worth every penny, and more. Here's my advice: If you like Porsches, get this book. If you know someone who likes Porsches, get them this book. Get this book for that design afficionado you know -- even if they're not into cars.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Awesome -- and a Fantastic Value, Too
Review: It's expensive. And not for everyone. And to own it and enjoy it requires time and energy, with a substantial payoff in the form of a richer, deeper existence on our planet Earth. Am I talking about a Porsche? Yes, but also about Karl Ludvigsen's latest written masterpiece, Excellence was Expected. Simply put, this book is worth every penny, and more. Here's my advice: If you like Porsches, get this book. If you know someone who likes Porsches, get them this book. Get this book for that design afficionado you know -- even if they're not into cars.
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