Porsche 356

Born in Coventry, the heart of Britain's motor industry, Brian comes from a family with a proud heritage in the automotive and aviation fields. He trained as a mechanical engineer, and worked for a time at his father's garage. Brian became heavily involved in the classic car scene at 19, and says he turned to writing by accident. He now writes full-time and, since 1990, when his first book was released, he has had over 80 titles published. Brian and his wife, Miho, have two children, Louis and Sophie-Mercedes. They currently live in Chiba, close to Tokyo, where they can enjoy life with their Dobermann and a Thoroughbred racehorse, now retired from the tracks.

Birth of a legend - how the Porsche marque was born and a profile of Dr Porsche and his earlier work; the first Porsche - design, development and evolution of the early 356 models, public reaction, race and rally results; establishing a pedigree - early 550 models and the value of the racing programme; the 356A - development and evolution of the 356A, race and rally results; building the legend - later 550s (the 550A) and early 718s; the 356B - development and evolution of the 356B; more motor racing - a look at later 718s and F1 cars; last of the line, the 356C - development and evolution of the 356C; a new generation - the 901 and 911; living with a 356 - advice on buying, common problems, maintenance and generally getting the most from a 356 Porsche; replica 356s - a survey of replica cars from all around the world. Appendix: specifications.