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The book is an examination of every angle of the 962 story in exhaustive detail

The sequel to a book many regard as the greatest ever on Porsche’s racing activities is finally set for its long-awaited release.

Ultimate Works Porsche 962 – The Definitive History, written by Stuttgart expert Serge Vanbockryck, is an exhaustive and definitive look at the car which evolved from the ground-breaking 956, helping to carry on a sports car legacy that would eventually make Porsche the most successful marque ever at Le Mans.

Published by Porter Press, the new book will be launched on September 14 at an exclusive event held at vintage car dealer Hexagon Classics.

The author Vanbockryck will be on hand to sign copies, as well as celebrated Group C racer John Fitzpatrick. Motor Sport readers are being offered the chance to attend this special gathering – details are at the bottom of the article.

The 962 had a fascinating competition life and is a key part of Porsche’s racing history

The book comes in the form of three hardback volumes weighing in at 1400 pages in total, with the story brought to life by almost 2000 images of the fearsome machine in development and competition, as well as specially commissioned artwork and technical drawings.

The 962’s story is driven as much by political intrigue as it is ground-breaking innovation. The car was borne of Porsche’s desire to run in the top tier American sports car series IMSA, and the latter’s safety requirements which the 956 – the 962’s predecessor – did not conform to.

These are none other than the first and last Porsches to win the Le Mans 24 Hours during the legendary Group C era. Not examples of those cars, but the…

The book details the hard bargaining of political wrangles as delegates from both sides flew from one side of the Atlantic to the other in attempts to reach an agreement, with fascinating notes and quotes from meetings included.

Once the green light was given, Weissach’s technical guru Norbert Singer and design team got to work, and Ultimate… tells the story through never-before-seen photographs of wind tunnel tests as well as sketches of designs which never made it out of the drawing room.

From there Vol 1 covers the period when the 962 was campaigned by the works team from 1984-1988, helping Porsche to cement its successful Le Mans history with two more victories in ’86, ’87 and ’94. Key in telling the tale is the minute detail of tests conducted in between races explaining the strategies used and the development of innovative components key to Porsche’s famous wins.

Vol 2 covers the ‘Joest Years’, when the car’s most successful privateer team took the lead with 962 activities after the end of Stuttgart’s works effort, whilst Vol 3 is an exhaustive technical detail of the machine’s journey, recording the story of all 19 works chassis, including set-up choices and modifications at every race and test.

Want to know what gear ratio Jochen Mass fancied at the ’87 200 Miles of Nurenberg, or Klaus Ludwig’s fuel consumption figures at the ’86 1000Km of Fuji? Vanbockryck has you covered, in a book of astounding depth.

The book’s launch will take place at London’s Hexagon Classics on the evening of September 14, which Motor Sport readers are invited to attend. As well as the author plus Daytona and Sebring winner Fitzpatrick being present, the venue’s Engine Rooms restaurant and licensed bar will be open throughout the evening.

Those wishing to attend should email us at [email protected] with Porsche 962 in the subject line. We will issue invitations on a first come first served basis.

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