Friday 20th January 2023

BOOK REVIEW  By Peter Baker 

FERRARI 1960-1965: The hallowed years 

This very collectible book is as much a testament to the outstanding ability of motorsport photographer Bernard Cahier, as it is the ongoing talent and determination of the late Enzo Ferrari and the book’s author, French journalist William Huon.

Bernard possessed not only the canny knack of being in the right place at the right time, but knew exactly, to the nth degree, when to open the shutter of his well-used Leica. Thus, we have an astonishing record of early sixties Grand Prix racing. His son, Paul Henri, has continued in his father’s footsteps allowing the famed Cahier Archive to boast a collection of over 400,000 important images.

So, what we have here is a combination of quality, both in words and photography, that even Enzo himself would have approved of. Every race, every driver, every win, and every loss. All the highs and lows, and all the bits in between. From the 1,000km in Buenos Aires in January 1960, and won by Phill Hill/Cliff Allison (Ferrari 250 TR), to the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix, last of the 1.5-litre races and won by Richie Ginther driving the new Honda RA272 V12. The best Pedro Rodriguez in the red Ferrari could muster was a disappointing seventh.

The shrill sound of 12-cylinder engines vibrate every page, as does the smell of oil and rubber burn the pages black. I guarantee, once comfortable, you’ll not want to put this book down.

Well presented, and a joy to behold, I have no option but to present Evro Publishing with five stars. Simply Superb.

FERRARI 1960-1965: The hallowed years
Written by William Huon, Photographs by Bernard Cahier
ISBN 978-1-1910505-81-6
Published by Evro Publishing
Price £75.00