In exemplary Japanese economy of form in style, the subtitle declares on the cover "14-Cars", and that's what you get in this book. No clutter, no fuss, and no rhapsodic prose, either! The text, by Jürgen Lewandowski, is presented in German and English--but it, too, is a model of economy. The famous sports car writer uses exactly two sentences to describe each car, and then retreats to let the photographs tell the story. Ah! The Spyder gets three sentences.

The compositions throughout exploit all that is best about the 356--which make up 9 of the 14 models represented. The single spyder, a lone 904 and three early 911s make up the balance. License plates are replaced with "S-year" designators, reflections are used creatively and whimsically to tease the curves out of the flat photograph. In only two pictures, both of a twin-grill Roadster, can any human be seen--and then only a driver's hat. Hanoka's background is in advertising art and the craft of making the subject the focus of the photograph, while allowing the background to support the car being of the scene is well applied throughout. Economically, subtly. The photos could be from anywhere in the world; Europe, the US (there is a du riguer "Porsche by an Old Barn" photo, again the twin grill "B"), or Nihon, but there is only one which puts the book in temporal context. A "Gap" billboard ad behind the '71 Targa entreats us to "not open the door until 1999". An effective way of dating the collection. Print effects are held to a minimum, usually color control, and used effectively to augment the mood of a photo--or of the car. The style of the photographs match the maturity and character of the cars very well. The Furhmann motor is shown in a garage; the split window Cab on a brick drive by an immense hedgerow, the red SC Coupe in urban canyons.

The softcover title text and slipcover spine text are a bit confusing in exactly what someone might find in this book should they see it on a shelf or a coffee table, but then this book is for the old Porsche enthusiast, and they'll get whatever expectation they may bring completely filled. My copy was to be returned after I'd finished making up the website advertisement for the Goodie Store. Instead, I returned a check. This book stays with me.

The publisher is 356 Registry member Kouichi Endo--who is also the Vice President of PORSCHE 356 Club of Japan--via KE Corporation. Endo is the owner of four of the cars presented, and they are presented equisitely. All of the cars in the book are located in Japan. The 356 Registry Goodie Store is the exclusive US distributor of this excellent artistic interpretation of the line, form and color of the early Porsche automobile.

I quote Hanaoka from his introduction:

Hanaoka-san, those Porsche will be very, very, happy.

Chris Markham, February 2000