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John Woolfe

The Man Who Bought a Porsche 917

The long awaited story of a gentleman race driver.

Available Now!

The Untold Story of a 1960s Motorsport Legend

John Woolfe was one of the most vibrant, passionate, and versatile figures in 1960s motorsport. Driven by sheer enthusiasm and natural talent, his racing career spanned a remarkably diverse range of machinery, from raw UK dragsters to iconic sports prototypes.

This definitive 172-page hardback biography offers an intimate look into the life of a true privateer racer whose daring spirit captured the essence of a golden era in racing history.

Inside the High-Stakes World of 1960s Sports Car Racing

In the late 1960s, the Porsche 917 emerged as a formidable yet notoriously unpredictable machine. When John Woolfe purchased chassis 917-005, he stepped into motorsport lore as the first privateer to buy and race Porsche’s ultimate super sports car.

Tragically, Woolfe lost his life behind the wheel of his 917 on the opening lap of the 1969 Le Mans 24 Hours, a pivotal moment in endurance racing history that reshaped safety regulations forever, including the end of the traditional "Le Mans start."

Authentic Insights, First-Hand Accounts & Rare Archives

Written by award-winning author Ian Wagstaff alongside Woolfe’s business partner Dave Riswick, this book bridges personal nostalgia with precise historical accuracy:

  • Exclusive Interviews: In-depth contributions from colleagues, rivals, and close friends who knew Woolfe best.

  • The Drag Racing Legacy: Discover how John Woolfe Racing survived its founder and continues to shape the UK drag racing and custom car culture to this day.

  • Unseen Visuals: Liberally illustrated with rare period photography, personal memorabilia, and pristine historical assets sourced directly from the Porsche Archive.

Specifications

Attribute Specification
Title John Woolfe – The Man Who Bought A Porsche 917
Authors Ian Wagstaff & Dave Riswick
Foreword Richard Attwood (1970 Le Mans Winner)
Publisher BHP Publishing
Format Hardback, High-Gloss Finish
Length 172 Pages
Illustrations 100+ Rare Archival & Color Photographs
ISBN 9781738508563

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