5 Amazing Porter Press Titles Nominated For Motoring Awards

Porter Press International, renowned for its captivating motoring books, has set a new standard in automotive publishing with five impressive nominations at the 2024 Royal Automobile Club (RAC) Motoring Book of the Year Awards. This Worcestershire-based publisher has once again captured the attention of judges and motoring enthusiasts alike, underscoring its dedication to celebrating motoring history in all its detail, adventure, and charm.

Porter Press’s journey to the top of the publishing world has been a remarkable one, and this year’s nominations further reflect its varied catalogue and unparalleled commitment to quality. With that in mind, here’s a closer look at each of the five shortlisted titles, all of which make a compelling case for this year’s top honours. If any of them take your fancy, or any other book at Porter Press, use our discount code Heaven10 to get 10% off the price.

Category: Best Debut Author

Jaguar Sport XJR-15: A Personal History of the Design and Development of the Legendary Supercar

Author: Peter Stevens

Peter Stevens offers an insider’s account of the legendary Jaguar Sport XJR-15, a supercar that continues to captivate enthusiasts with its sleek design and roaring performance. As someone who was deeply involved in the XJR-15’s development, Stevens recounts both the challenges and triumphs of creating this high-speed icon. Furthermore, he captures the intricate process from concept to completion, revealing the human passion and ingenuity behind a car that would eventually hold a revered place in automotive history.

Key Highlights:

• Rare insights from Peter Stevens himself, one of the primary minds behind the XJR-15.
• Stunning design sketches and technical details bring readers up close to this iconic vehicle.
• An engaging look into the inner workings of JaguarSport and the wider automotive world of the 1990s.

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Category: Best Debut Author (Shortlisted in Two Categories)

Three Men in a Land Rover: 40,000 Miles, 40 Countries, One Unique Adventure

Authors: Waxy Wainwright, Mike Palmer, and Chris Wall

Few books capture the spirit of adventure quite like Three Men in a Land Rover. Indeed, this engaging account follows the journey of three friends who took on an epic 40,000-mile expedition across 40 countries, braving varied terrains and unpredictable challenges along the way. As readers turn each page, Wainwright, Palmer, and Wall bring them along on an exploration filled with laughter, friendship, and, occasionally, an engine failure. Their journey in a classic Land Rover celebrates both resilience and the enduring appeal of exploration.

Key Highlights:

• Real-life stories from a journey spanning multiple continents and diverse cultures.
• Humorous, candid tales that capture the camaraderie and determination needed to face rough roads.
• Evocative descriptions of landscapes, experiences, and unexpected adventures along the way.

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Category: Books About Motor Cars and Motoring Costing No More Than £50

Three Men in a Land Rover (Second Shortlisting)

Three Men in a Land Rover also earned a place in the category for books under £50, making this thrilling story more accessible for readers and adventure-seekers alike. The affordability of this book aligns with the authors’ intent to inspire wanderlust without breaking the bank, sharing their unforgettable journey with a wider audience.

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Category: Books About Motor Cars and Motoring with No Price Limit

The Austin Pedal Car Story: The Fascinating History of Austin’s J40 and Pathfinder from 1946 to Present Day

Author: David Whyley

David Whyley’s The Austin Pedal Car Story delves into the enchanting world of the J40 and Pathfinder pedal cars, exploring their origins, evolution, and lasting influence. Starting with their production at the Bargoed factory in South Wales, these miniature classics quickly became treasured by generations of children and adults alike. Moreover, Whyley’s detailed research sheds light on the social and cultural impact of these pedal cars, seamlessly blending historical facts with charming anecdotes.

Key Highlights:

• Rare archival photos of the J40 and Pathfinder pedal cars, showcasing their journey from the factory to households worldwide.
• Insight into the nostalgic appeal and enduring legacy of Austin’s pedal cars.
• An engaging exploration of British craftsmanship and its influence on car culture.

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Category: Books on a Motor Sporting Subject with No Price Limit

The Last Eyewitness: The Pioneering Motor Racing Photography of Maurice Louis Branger 1902-1914

Author: Doug Nye

Doug Nye’s The Last Eyewitness takes readers back to the pioneering days of motor racing through the lens of Maurice Louis Branger, one of the earliest photographers to capture the sport. Branger’s work offers a fascinating glimpse into the thrill and intensity of early racing events, documenting everything from the grit of the drivers to the awe of the spectators. Meanwhile, Nye brings Branger’s images to life by combining them with historical insights, which together transport readers to the dawn of competitive motorsport.

Key Highlights:

• An extraordinary visual journey through the early 20th-century racing scene.
• Rare photographs depicting legendary races, drivers, and historic racing machines.
• Captivating historical context, framing each image within the broader story of motorsport’s development.

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Porter Press: A Legacy of Quality and Excellence

Founded in 2005 by Philip Porter, Porter Press International has consistently earned recognition for its high-quality publications. Over the years, with more than a decade of nominations and awards, the press has carved out a unique niche, specialising in capturing motoring stories that blend adventure, history, and technical excellence. Now, these five nominations for the 2024 RAC Awards further reflect the publisher’s versatility and dedication, from recording personal journeys to documenting iconic automotive designs.

Porter himself expressed his gratitude, noting, “We are humbled, honoured, and thrilled in equal measure to once again receive such a wonderful endorsement from the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year Awards committee on a selection of our recent books.”

Why Porter Press Deserves to Win

Each nominated title exemplifies Porter Press’s passion for uncovering the stories behind iconic vehicles and the people who made them possible. Whether it’s a supercar’s development, an epic journey across continents, or a nostalgic look back at pedal cars, these books offer readers a window into the motoring world that’s as thrilling as it is enlightening.

Final Thoughts – Which Porter Press Title Captures Your Interest?

With such a remarkable line-up, Porter Press has truly outdone itself this year. So, which of these shortlisted books would you be most excited to add to your collection? Furthermore, do you prefer tales of adventure, deep dives into automotive design, or historical photography that transports you to racing’s earliest days? In conclusion, let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear your thoughts.