Racing at Solitude 1949-1965

The competition cars by Thomas Mehne

Post-war Germany was full of young men keen to put the past behind them and get back to motor sport as they hurried to re-commission old tracks like the Solitude-Ring near Stuttgart. This book covers all the major races from its re-opening in September 1949 through to its closure in July 1965, due to safety fears. Like a baby Nürburgring, the circuit had little in the way of barriers and plenty of trees lining each bend.

Many of the day’s best drivers raced at Solitude, with names such as Amon, Clark, Von Trips and Brabham winning the non-championship Grand Prix.

There is very little text, but this well designed and image-led book allows the excellent-quality pictures to tell the stories. Clear layout of entry lists and starting grids and results for each race confirm it as a comprehensive reference point for this picturesque circuit. DC

Published by PETROLPICS, ISBN 978 3 940306 104, €149