Hemmings book reviews: Must-have books for Porsche 911 and Aston Martin enthusiasts

Many, many books have been written about the Porsche 911, but if you’re looking for a single, readable volume that tells the story of how the model has evolved over its six decades, then this may be for you. Author Sylvain Reisser has approached the subject by examining the variants that have helped to define each generation of the 911. As he makes clear at the start, this isn’t meant to be an encyclopedic listing of all the special models, but a carefully chosen selection of those that tell the story of the car’s ceaseless development by Porsche.

The 224-page book is divided into eight chapters that address the generations in chronological order, from the Type F of 1963 to the present-day Type 992. A two-page overview of each generation provides just enough historical context, and serves as an introduction to sections focusing on specific models, each illustrated with high-quality photography. Reisser, a seasoned automotive journalist, has certainly done his homework, judging by the concise, detailed description of each 911. These 75 profiles include some of Zuffenhausen’s greatest hits, like the 1972 Carrera RS, but also many models known well only by the Porsche cognoscenti.

This medium-format, hardbound volume represents an excellent overview of the 911 and can serve as a jumping-off point for any enthusiast wishing to take a deeper dive on a particular model. Don’t be fooled by the affordable price tag—the quality is top-notch throughout. —David LaChance

Aston Martin is a keenly respected marque with an exciting back catalog of desirable racing, sports, and grand touring cars. For more than a century, the British automaker has been influenced by fascinating characters and endured corporate upheaval. While much has been written about the brand and its products through the years, there hadn’t been a comprehensive account of Aston Martin history that crossed into the 21st century before this exciting new book set was published.

Russell Hayes has authored a richly illustrated history, with 704 pages split between two hardback volumes in a cloth-bound slipcase. “Volume 1: 1910s to 1980s” takes readers from the company’s establishment as Bamford & Martin Ltd. in 1912, through its prewar racing and road cars, and into the David Brown era during which Aston Martin achieved global recognition on road and track. “Volume 2: 1980s to 2020s” begins with Ford ownership and the popular DB7, moves into the Gaydon era, and continues to the present with the company’s racers and hypercars. Naturally there are appendices covering “007” movie cars and the company’s Continuation models.

In addition to some 600 handsomely presented black-and white and color images, the two volumes’ chapters include sidebars highlighting key personalities, technologies, and special cars, plus comprehensive model specification charts. Endnotes, indexes, and bibliographies underscore these books’ usefulness as timeless reference material. For the devoted Aston fan, they’re a worthy investment.—Mark J. McCourt

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