Le Mans 100 – A Century at the World’s Greatest Endurance Race, Autographed by Author (FREE Postage in UK)

For a limited time only, while stocks last, you will receive with each purchase of the book also one Porsche Motorsport pen, Porsche Motorsport notebook and a 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours sticker.

The book is autographed by the author. Please enquire for shipping around the world.

The book is a comprehensive record of the 100 years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans packed with photography, narrative, and race results. Comes with official endorsement of the ACO and foreword by Tom Kristensen, Mr. Le Mans.

Held on the Circuit de la Sarthe comprising closed public roads and dedicated race track, Le Mans features cars and two-driver teams (now three-driver teams) that can cover more than 3,000 miles during the race. Le Mans 100 is a thorough year-by-year history showcasing all aspects of the gruelling contest, including:

An abundance of legendary marques and models, including Porsche, Ferrari, Ford, Corvette, Cobra, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, BMW, McLaren, and more; a who’s-who of motorsport legends such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, Carroll Shelby, Dan Gurney, Ken Miles, Jacky Ickx, Derek Bell, and Tom Kristensen (among dozens of others); all the classes that ran in each year’s event, including the top LMP1 and LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype) classes and GT (Grand Tourer); a list of each year’s top three overall finishers

In addition, author and award-winning Le Mans historian Glen Smale details touchstone events such as the late-1960s battles between Ford and Ferrari popularised in the film Ford vs Ferrari, the 1955 tragedy that claimed the lives of so many spectators, and the dominant achievements by Audi and Porsche.

The oldest active endurance race is intended to showcase mechanical reliability as much as driver skill and fortitude. This beautifully designed and extensively illustrated book celebrates those attributes, chronicling the exploits of both factory-sponsored cars and privateer entries, from the early open-cockpit racers right through to today’s hybrid era.

Compiled by a meticulous author with a passion for motorsport, Le Mans 100 is the ultimate chronicle of this iconic race.

And here is a review from Winding Road Magazine at windingroad.com:

“As a devoted motorsport enthusiast, my anticipation for the Le Mans 100 book by Glen Smale was sky-high following the thrilling and unforgettable 24 Hours of Le Mans that took place this year. Upon acquiring a copy, I delved into a treasure trove of history, captivating stories, and mesmerising imagery that took me on a journey through the legendary endurance race’s rich past.

One of the standout features of the Le Mans 100 book is the exceptional collection of photographs. The high-quality images bring the essence of the race to life, capturing the essence of the race, the cars, and the drivers in a way that immerses you in the action. Whether it’s the iconic moments of triumph or heartbreak, each photo perfectly encapsulates the intensity and drama that has defined Le Mans for a century.

Smale’s meticulous attention to detail shines through in the narrative, which guides readers through the significant events of each race. From the inaugural race in 1923 to the present day, the Le Mans 100 book covers it all, giving readers a comprehensive understanding of the race’s evolution and its impact on motorsport as a whole. Smale effortlessly blends historical context, technical insights, and human stories to create a well-rounded narrative that both educates and entertains.

The book excels in providing a balanced perspective, not just focusing on the winners and record-breakers, but also shining a light on the lesser-known stories and underdogs who have left their mark on Le Mans. Smale’s storytelling prowess ensures that each edition of the race receives its due recognition, shedding light on the heroic efforts, close battles, and remarkable achievements that have unfolded over the years.

The organisation of the Le Mans 100 book is commendable, allowing readers to easily navigate through the book and dive into specific races or eras of interest. The inclusion of comprehensive race statistics, such as lap records, distances covered, and class winners, adds another layer of depth to the book, making it a valuable reference guide for motorsport enthusiasts and historians alike.

Furthermore, the book benefits from interviews and contributions from prominent figures in the world of motorsport. These firsthand accounts provide unique insights and personal anecdotes, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the race’s significance and the challenges faced by the participants.

If there is one minor drawback to the Le Mans 100 book, it would be the occasional brevity of some race summaries. Due to the sheer number of races covered, a few events receive relatively shorter descriptions, leaving readers craving more details on the events that shaped Le Mans. However, this is a minor quibble that does not detract significantly from the overall experience.

In conclusion, the Le Mans 100 book by Glen Smale is a book that motorsport enthusiasts and Le Mans aficionados should not miss. Its stunning visuals, captivating narratives, and comprehensive coverage of a century of racing make it an essential addition to any motorsport library. Smale’s passion for the subject matter shines through on every page, ensuring that readers will be captivated by the stories and images, just as I was.”