Vintage Tech Info

Beyond Classic Car Books: Preserving Technical Documentation For The Future

Authentic automotive documentation - when classic car books are not enough

Engine drawing from Le Guide Du Garagiste

Any serious classic car or motorcycle restorer will recognise the need for more and authentic documentation than currently is accessible. If more original technical documentation is available, it can save a tremendous amount of research time and avoid costly mistakes resulting from guesswork.

Valve clearances BMW R12

Fortunately, private initiatives and institutions like the Revs Institute have made copies of original documentation available in digital form. And once in a while you may stumble upon an original publication on paper after a long search, be it after investing considerable time and sometimes considerable money too.

Bosch Magnetzuender

The challenges for accessing authentic technical documentation are multiple. For a large part valuable documentation has been destroyed in wars or fires. Apart from pirate copies, another part is not accessible because of copyright protection. It is not always possible to find or convince copyright holders to unlock useful technical information.

For authenticity, it doesn't help that there is incorrect information in re-writes, contradicting information in various forums and recently, incorrect information 'invented' by artificial intelligence.

A hobby project with fun outcomes

Tablet with engine drawing

Vintage Tech Info is a not-for-profit hobby project for uncovering technical automotive publications that are not available anymore. Original publications are scanned to a digital format so they become accessible again on your computer, tablet or smartphone. The scope is authentic technical documentation about classic cars, motorcycles, industrial engines. As long as it's not already available elsewhere.

"How To Make An Old Porsche Fly" written by Craig Richter was first published in 1983 and was out of print long ago. It is a performance handbook for vintage Porsche 356 and aircooled VWs. With Craig's consent it became the first classic car book to be re-published digitally by Vintage Tech Info. Since then, hundreds of enthusiasts around the world have downloaded it. The most rewarding outcome was the appreciation of Craig's work by the motoring community, an accomplishment that pleasantly surprises Craig to this day.

Save time and reduce guessing researching your classic car, bike, or industrial engine

The digital re-publications can be downloaded on your computer, tablet or smartphone. No need to have an internet connection to lookup things. Access reliable technical details anytime and anywhere, even on your workbench if necessary. Heck, you can even print the pages out again on paper or send the digital file to a print shop to do that.

For easy lookup, the digital re-publications are searchable and an index has been added.

Sounds crazy ?

Maybe. Judge for yourself after reading how others responded to the re-publication of "How To Make An Old Porsche Fly"

Rod Emory Instagram post 2

“Thank you so much for making these improvements to this great book that was so helpful when building my race engines. Just picked up my paper copy a few days ago and re-read several parts with great pleasure. The printing and index really enhance the book. My son and I racing each other at Laguna Seca – you may have seen already:” PT

Amazing tech docs at your fingertips

Checkout these classic cars books that are available now:

How To Make An Old Porsche Fly  - original book

How To Make An Old Porsche Fly 

Craig Richter's performance handbook from 1983. Old school advice for Porsche 356 and aircooled VW enthusiasts.

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Le Guide Du Garagiste original book

Le Guide Du Garagiste

A service guide for Antique Motorcars, published by Kervoline in 1928. Lots of technical details from Amilcar to Voisin

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Sneak preview: just see for yourself

Look inside the re-published documents and check if you like what you see. No strings attached, no upsells, just copies of authentic content.

How To make an old Porsche Fly - digital edition

How To Make An Old Porsche Fly 

Craig Richter's performance handbook from 1983. Old school advice for Porsche 356 and aircooled VW enthusiasts.

Look inside

(Please allow some time for the file to download)

Le Guide Du Garagiste - digital version

Le Guide Du Garagiste

A service guide for Antique Motorcars, published by Kervoline in 1928. Lots of technical details from Amilcar to Voisin

Look inside

(Please allow some time for the file to download)

Want more? It's up to you

Use the contact link below to identify technical publications that should be added for re-publishing. You'll contribute to preserving technical documentation for the future. If you're the author of such a publication and want us to handle the hassle of re-publication let us know too. All you have to do is watch for your monthly royalty payments to come in. Don't think it's not worth the trouble - just leave your legacy for the many folks that will appreciate it.

In summary

Have a look around at Vintage Tech Info, a not-for-profit website for preserving authentic technical documentation for classic cars, motorcycles, and industrial engines. Access rare, out-of-print manuals and publications in digital form, saving you time and reducing guesswork during restorations or historical research. With a focus on accuracy and authenticity, Vintage Tech Info valuable resources for lovers of the technology our pioneering ancestors invented. Explore the digital re-publications and even contribute to the preservation effort by suggesting technical publications or considering re-publication. Add to your collection of comprehensive, reliable documentation today.


PS. Also check:

Deutsche Laufbildprojektoren

Herbert Tümmel's reference work for historical German 35mm and 70mm cinema projectors 1896-1980

Deutsche Laufbildprojektoren
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