Karl Ludvigsen Books

The book showcases the remarkable photography of Rodolfo Mailander, capturing the essence of Porsche during its formative years from 1950 to 1955. Featuring over 300 previously unpublished images, it highlights thrilling moments from races, rallies, and the development of iconic Porsche cars. Karl Ludvigsen provides insightful commentary, detailing Porsche's significant achievements, including class victories at Le Mans and the introduction of the 550 Spyders. The collection also offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Porsche factory and profiles of key figures in the company.

In 1952 Mercedes-Benz astonished the racing world with the successes it achieved with its 300SL, exploiting an advanced space-type frame and aerodynamic body with gullwing doors. Already the subject of a Ludvigsen Library Series book, the racing 300SL inspired the creation of a production version, which first took flight in 1954.The 300SL stunned critics and experts alike with its fabulous performance-more than 150 miles per hour-exotic looks and superb build quality. Not just a pretty face, the 300SL was also extremely successful in competition on both sides of the Atlantic. The original coupe was followed by a roadster version in 1957; in all, 3,258 were made.Drawing on his unmatched archive of Mercedes-Benz photos, including coverage by Rudy Mailander and Edward Eves of the 300SL production line, Karl Ludvigsen presents the 300SL in all its glory. He also draws on his own experience as an owner of one of these great cars.

In-depth, richly illustrated account of Ferdinand Porsche's design and production for the military .

Renowned as one of the greatest creative forces in the world of the automobile, Lotus's Colin Chapman (1928-82) left a mixed legacy. Was he an unparalleled innovator or an uninhibited exploiter of the uncredited ideas of others? In this landmark book, celebrated author Karl Ludvigsen gets to grips with the legend.

A look in 'Ludvigsens rear-view mirror' takes us back to a time when cars definitely had combustion engines, when motor races were life and death struggles, and groundbreaking successes were made in the fields of safety, design and technology.