TWR & Jaguar’s V12 Prototype Sports Cars

As a boy, Jaguar V12 Race Cars by Ian Bamsey and Joe Saward was a favourite, so I’ve looked forward to this arrival. It doesn’t disappoint: author Scott is the ultimate authority on Tom Walkinshaw Racing, having been the firm’s Engine Development Manager, and his third book on TWR concentrates on the formation, development and results of the sports-racing programme that ultimately led to wins at Le Mans in 1988 and 1990.

From forewords by Martin Brundle and Jan Lammers to the individual chassis histories, it is an exhaustive record – perhaps a bit much for those with only a passing interest, though there are gems throughout such as the early history of TWR, and the customer list for the XJR-15 racers. The only disappointment in comparison with my childhood favourite is the way it looks: it’s practical rather than seductive, with minimal imagery. But if V12 Jags are your thing, you’ll be too absorbed to mind. AC £49.99 Allan Scott, ASM. ISBN 978 0 473 44255 2 (via www.chaters.co.uk)