Open Roads & Front Engines

During the remarkable period from 1953 through 1961, the most famous long-distance epics such as Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, Sebring, Nürburgring, the Carrera Panamericana, and Dundrod all experienced their finest moments. Classic marques such as Jaguar, Mercedes, Maserati, Porsche, Aston Martin, and Ferrari achieved championships while producing models of timeless beauty and importance, and engaging in some of racing’s most enthralling battles.

This meticulously researched and edited photographic essay captures an era of spectacular World Sports Car Championship competition. In addition to covering the major manufacturers, Open Roads and Front Engines explores a fascinating supporting cast of smaller-displacement cars, specialty builders, and “one-offs.” Many of the great drivers, team leaders, and constructors are revealed in compelling portraits.

János Wimpffen, author of the critically acclaimed history of sports car racing, Time and Two Seats, weaves each image into the context of that season’s racing and the various themes of the era. Most of these photographs have never been published before, and each was personally selected by the author during his visits to archives throughout the world.