Speedreaders - December 2024

'Porter Press has produced a well-designed and superbly illustrated book to tell the Prodrive story. There is a strong sense that the book is effectively Prodrive’s 40th birthday present to itself. While that isn’t a bad thing per se, this book is not a “warts and all” account of the firm’s decades in the sport, as the tenor of the text is relentlessly upbeat. One is reminded that author Ian Wagstaff is both a seasoned—and award-winning—motorsports writer and also a PR man.'

Jaguar Driver - December 2024

'My next choice deals with one of my all-time motorsport heroes - David Richards- and the amazing success story that is Prodrive, related by author Ian Wagstaff. If you have ever followed the World Rally Championships or the history of Aston Martin, you will be familiar with Prodrive and its inspired creator. 

A book about David Richards and his company is long overdue and as so often happens, it’s Porter Press to the rescue with a finely-produced volume marking 40 years of this exceptional motorsport company.'

Classic Car Weekly - January 25

'This celebration of Prodrive’s remarkable achievements over four decades of adrenaline-fuelled motorsport action is beautifully compelled and presented and features, via year-by-year chronology, fascinating those who have been a part of the story.'

Classic & Sports Car - March 25

'It’s a great read for those who want to learn more about this British success story.'

Octane - October 2024

'This book generates momentum with an initial whistle-stop tour of highlights from every one of the past 40 years, colourfully illustrated with great photos; then it takes a deeper dive into individual projects, starting with the Rothmans 911SC and 959 in 1984/85 and concluding with the latest diversifications such as the Prodrive Racing Simulator. It’s a beautifully designed, great-looking tribute to a British success story that’s still going from strength to strength.'

Book of the month, CAR Magazine - October 2024

'Ian Wagstaff and Porter Press impressed us massively on the effort that went into the Subaru Impreza WRC autobiography, which touched heavily into the Prodrive firm. This time, however, we have a history publication of Prodrive itself - and it's a must-have for any petrolhead if you’re shopping for an early Christmas gift.

But it's not just blue and gold Imprezas that this book lays its glory on; there's anything from its success with E30 BMW M3s in the BTCC and rallying series class win at Le Mans with the Aston Martin DBR9. But the highlights of Prodrive are complemented with quirkier stories with its Advanced Technology division. You learn some interesting new things; such as how the firm tuned the Dodge Viper to meet European regulations, and how it attempted to fix the handling of the Alfa Romeo Brera.

Each arm of the ProDrive story is stitched together beautifully with incredible photography to accompany it. To some, the engineering firm mainly specialised in rallying. But after reading this publication, you realise there’s quite a lot more to it than that.

Pros & Cons

• Amazing period and contemporary photography

• Chronologically and very well-written

• Keeps you engaged for hours on end

Cons

• It’s hard to think of any at this price point'