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every automotive term being used. However, nearly any term can easily and quickly be defined on the internet. For those who may be less familiar with automotive systems and mechanics, a simple search on ‘two-stage supercharger’, ‘automotive engine torque’, ‘pushrod engine’ or ‘vacuum servo brake assist’ will yield good results. The same is true for information about many of the cars, racing drivers and other personalities mentioned in the text.
Regarding the 1930s and 1940s, I had no intent to detail persecution, atrocities and war crimes committed by the Nazi regime and certain individuals mentioned in Chapters Three and Four. As with other people and companies in this period, Porsche’s role may remain controversial. In this volume, Dr. Porsche’s work in supporting the German war effort is covered as a significant portion of his engineering career. As an amateur historian of World War II, I must say that nothing can overstate or forgive the horrific loss of life and suffering caused by the Axis powers, including Nazi Germany. Interested readers should research this topic further and make their own judgments regarding the actions of Porsche/Piëch family members during that period. This also includes assessing the relevance of the Nazi period to the post-war history of Porsche. Porsche AG has
taken significant steps in recent years to research and address the role of Porsche before, during and after World War II. Please see the references in the bibliography relating to this topic.
The large number of sources in the Porsche literature occasionally conflict on small and sometimes significant details. Every effort has been made to resolve these conflicts and I have generally deferred to the most recent published source. I invite feedback on any areas with potential inaccuracy.
I also wish to recognize the important work of so many authors who have written a multitude of Porsche books and articles over the years. In many cases, the writers have done the invaluable service of recording information from people who are no longer with us. They have also cataloged technical information that might be difficult to reassemble today. I am honored to encourage readers who might be new to exploring the library of Porsche information.
All photos courtesy of Porsche AG Corporate Archive unless otherwise noted.
Jay Gillotti March 2024
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to the following people, without whom this book would not have been completed:
First Readers: Joe Gillotti, Duncan Newell
Photos and research assistance:
Jens Torner and the Porsche AG Corporate Archive
Additionally:
Chris Powell, Mike Piccolo, Ben Przekop, Sherwin Eng, Bill Sargent, Dean Holbrook, John Mueller, Brian Redman, Frank Mandarano, Nick Leader, Paul Hageman, Karl Ludvigsen, Jason Tang, Karl Noakes, John Ficarra, Deanna Johnson, Kurt Oblinger, Norbert Kremsner, Christian
Bouchez, Brent Jones, Harry Hurst, Rob Powell, Patrick Kelley, PCA Historian Linda Goodman, Dan O’Connell, Eric Kent, Bruce Canepa.
Sincere thanks to Miles Collier for the Foreword.
Glyn and Jean Morris and especially Jodi Ellis for her design skill, enthusiasm and positive energy.
Finally, I must thank the late Allan Caldwell and Paul Risinger for their inspiration, firsthand stories, experience and perspectives shared as Porsche Club members over many years.
–JayG.
PORSCHE DECADES Preface
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