Celebrating 25 years of Porsche Racing: A Glimpse through Rainer W. Schlegelmilch’s Lens
In 1962, a motorsport event at the Nürburgring ignited Rainer W. Schlegelmilch’s enduring passion for Porsche and racing.
Starting from 1963, this mesmerizing collection of striking images transports enthusiasts back in time, guiding them through Porsche’s storied history in endurance racing – from renowned tracks like Le Mans and Monza to the Targa Florio and Spa-Francorchamps. Accompanied by Schlegelmilch’s narratives, the images unravel intriguing tales from both the racetrack and its periphery.
While the vehicles undoubtedly stand out as the stars – with evident admiration for each iteration of Porsche’s iconic designs – the gallery ranges from the pioneering prototypes of the 1960s like the 550, 718, RS, and RSK models, to the formidable 907 and 908, and onward to timeless classics like the 917, the 962, and the timeless 911. It’s evident: this collection is Schlegelmilch’s visual ode to his cherished “Porsche Racing Moments”.
His signature zoom technique transforms the dynamic velocity of the cars into an immersive experience, offering viewers a sense of palpable speed and motion. Whether rendered in monochrome or vivid color, one can almost feel the gust as these vehicles zoom past.
Yet, this compilation transcends mere vehicular admiration. It captures the essence of the racing world – from seasoned teams and contemplative drivers to the gritty details of mechanics at work and the wear of the racetracks. Schlegelmilch grants readers access to the raw, authentic side of motorsport, beyond the glitz.
Collector’s Edition (No. 201–962) is individually numbered and authenticated with Rainer W. Schlegelmilch’s signature.
The Photographer: Rainer W. Schlegelmilch stands as an iconic figure in motorsport photography, renowned for his chronicles of global racing. With around 40 published works revolving around motorsport and automobiles and photographs showcased in global exhibitions, his contributions are undeniably significant.
His critically acclaimed works include “The Golden Age of Formula 1”, “The Roaring 70’s”, “Schlegelmilch – 50 Years of Formula 1 Photography”, and the limited edition series “The Great Challenge”, which captures the driving eras of F1 champions like Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, and Michael Schumacher.