So it comes as no surprise that his latest offering, entitled “Group 4”, is another splendid publication. Written in conjunction with well-known rally figure, John Davenport, this just-released large format 255-page book ticks all the boxes if you are an avid rally fan.
While many other publications concentrate on the events and cars of much later years, “Group 4” covers the exciting period of rallying from 1973 to 1982, the Group 4 years or, as the pair suggest, from Stratos to Quattro.
Where this book succeeds is not only in the choice of subject chapters, but in the way that Klein has illustrated the book with a host of previously unseen images from the lens of his own camera that take us back to one of the best eras of the sport.
The book is divided into various sections – the changing sport, the champions, the seasons, the cars, the stories and the statistics, all in-depth looks at the sport that we’re all passionate about.
It’s only when you look at the period photos in the book that you are reminded of all the manufacturers who have come and gone over the past 40 years – Renault Alpine, Audi, BMW, Nissan/Datsun, Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, Lancia, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Saab, Talbot, Chrysler, Toyota and Triumph.
The history of all these, and more, are covered, and it’s hard to believe that Reinhard Klein was around, covering all the major events, even then.
This is a big coffee table-sized book that you’ll find hard to put down, even if you just want to look at the hundreds of photos and come back later to read the text. It’s not cheap, but if you want the best, then another one of Klein’s books sitting in the bookshelf would be a worthwhile acquisition.
Davenport and Klein have done a superb job with this one and deserve to sell many.
“Group 4” is available from RallySport Mag by CLICKING HERE