Author        Kornblatt 

ISBN 10    No ISBN 10         

ISBN 13    9781787115033

ENGLISH

AVAILABLE  @ BLOCKS BOOKS

Price          $40.00    

List Price   $50.00 

Max Hoffman is the missing piece in Porsche’s early success. How early?  Reproduced is Kardex #5050, for a 1950 coupe, the first Porsche assigned to Hoffman.  New information to me, Hoffman’s prewar lawyer was apparently Anton Piech, Ferry Porsche’s brother-in law.

Chuck Stoddard used to tell the story of Hoffman being sheltered by “Dutch” de Wit during World War II.  After the war de Wit’s daughter worked for Hoffman.  Coincidentally “Dutch” was in Oho.  It was de Wit’s introduction via his daughter that introduced Chuck to Hoffman.  Chuck said “Dutch” was a tow truck driver.  However printed is a photograph of de Wit’s dealership in Mentor.

Hoffman was a genius in knowing what European cars Americans would buy -- it the 50s it was open cars.  He was single handedly responsible for the marketing Jaguar XK 120, Lancia B 24, Alfa Romeo Giuiietta, FIAT 1100 TV, Maserati, Mercedes 300SL -- initially a gull wing coupe -- BMW 507-- the related financial machinations bankrupted  BMW.

Hoffman usually made more money being paid-off to relinquish his contract than he made selling cars.  Not to put a too fine a point -- he was a crook.  That said Hoffman had a friendship not just business with Ferry Porsche.  Unlike BMW where Bob Lutz had to was brought in to clean the stables.  Anyone interested in automotive business needs to read the chapter Why Relationships Sour.

Icing on the cake:  the first quote is Adam Wright’s. 

ITALIAN

AUTHOR Conradt

ISBN 10 8879110624

ISBN 13 9788879110624

PRICE    $60.00

OUT OF PRINT -- NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE @ BLOCKS BOOKS