The most exciting sports car racing series of the late '60s/early '70s was without a doubt the CAN-AM. Started as a no-holds-barred series where the only rules were two seats and wheels under fenders, the CAN-AM produced some of the most exotic cars ever seen. It is this series that brought aerodynamics into motor racing, most of it from the fabulous Chaparrals of Jim Hall.

Pete Lyons is one of the foremost photo-journalists of his day. Although this is his second book on the CAN-AM, there is nearly no repeat of the images used in his earlier book. His outlook on this title is different from the earlier work. In addition to showing images of the famous and not-so-famous, there are interviews with some of those people who made this the most glamorous sports car racing series in the world for nine glorious years.

There are stories from such luminaries as Jim Hall, Phil Hill, John Surtees, Teddy Mayer, Tyler Alexander and Jackie Stewart, just to name a few. It is a real toss-up as to what really makes this book; the images or the interviews. I found both of them fascinating. Not only are the successful cars and engines chronicled, but also those that look beautiful but didn't work out as well as the designers had hoped. Included are images of the Chaparral, McLaren, Lola, Porsche, and Shadow as well as the Genie, McKee, Caldwell, Honker, Ferrari, Maitich, Stanton, Mirage and others.

There are nine chapters, each covering one of the years of the CAN-AM, and in each section are the photos and interviews covering the men and machinery of that year. In the back of the book is an appendix listing all the series starts and top five drivers.

If you like fast sports cars and, like I, were lucky enough to see any of these races, then this is the book for you. It's 192 pages are a treasure trove of information and insight.  Highly recommended. 

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet!! If any of you manufacturers or shop owners want to send products for review and building, please contact me.