Rainer W. Schlegelmilch's Porsche photography showcases the aesthetics of speed
Taschen's new edition of Rainer W. Schlegelmilch’s collected imagery from a quarter of a century spent following Porsche racing highlights historical machines, emotive camera technique and major moments on the track

Sometimes a legacy is cemented by the presence of a talented artist or photographer. Rainer W. Schlegelmilch is one such chronicler, a photographer who has spent many years following international motorsport. In Taschen’s new re-edition of Schlegelmilch’s study of Porsche’s racing history, the heroic collides with the scale and scope of motor racing’s golden era.
'The third-place Porsche 908/2 driven by Vic Elford at the Brünnchen, one of the best places for photographs of airborne cars, 1000 km Nürburgring, 1969'
The new edition follows a limited run of 762 aluminium-bound copies issued in 2023. Containing Schlegelmilch’s coverage of Porsche’s ‘racing moments’ between 1963 and 1988, it charts a quarter of a century of design and technical evolution, all captured with a dynamic eye that sought out vivid coloured and the pattern, process and complexity of the racing around the world.
'The Porsche mechanics have their tools ready for immediate use at the pitstops. In the background: the Porsche 911 T of Claude Ballot-Léna/GuyChasseuil, 24 Hours of Le Mans, 1969'
The photographer’s passion for Porsches of every stripe shine through, from the evergreen 911 through to the 917 and 962 sports cars that became legendary for their prowess throughout the 70s and 80s. There’s also a strong sense of the camaraderie of the racing community, from the mechanics to the fans, back in the era when crowds could line the very edge of racetracks.
'Guest of honour and five-time Formula 1 World Champion Juan ManuelFangio waves the flag to start the race. The 917 K Porsches are at positions 4 and 6, 1000 km Zeltweg, 1969'
The book contains imagery from some of the most significant and historic races and circuits, from the Targa Florio through to Le Mans and Monza. Notably, Schlegelmilch’s camerawork deployed new techniques to convey the sense of speed and dynamics, including the combination of a zoom with a long exposure, and the use of blurred movement to convey speed.
'The victorious Porsche 917 K, Hans Herrmann / Richard Attwood, entered by Porsche Salzburg, passing the Esses in the rain, 24 Hours of Le Mans, 1970'
'The start of the first IROC race, No. 2, Mark Donohue, in the lead, IROC, Riverside, 1973'
'Sunrise at Le Mans: a lonely Porsche 935 is passing the Dunlop Bridge in the early morning hour. 24 Hours of Le Mans, 1978'
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.
-
This striking new vineyard is putting Swedish wine on the map
Berglund Arkitekter completes a new home for Kullabergs Vingård in the country's verdant Skåne country
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Tag Heuer celebrates its racing credentials at this year's Watches and Wonders
Tag Heuer nods to its partnership with Grand Prix de Monaco with this year's sporty new watches
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Hermès sets the scene at Watches and Wonders
Hermès has collaborated with artist Sarah-Anaïs Desbenoit at this year's Watches and Wonders, creating an atmospheric stage for the 2025 watch releases
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Michael Mauer on two decades at the helm of Porsche’s design
Porsche’s signature style has diversified in recent years, thanks to the design leadership of Michael Mauer. We caught up with him to reflect on his 20 years in the hot seat
By Rory FH Smith Published
-
Team Ikuzawa brings the art of Daniel Arsham to motorsport
Creative director Mai Ikuzawa has overseen a new capsule clothing collection, a collaboration with artist Daniel Arsham that also honours her racing driver father Tetsu Ikuzawa
By Josh Sims Published
-
We sample the latest sports car from bespoke British manufacturer Theon Design
With the GBR002, Theon Design have transformed a classic Porsche into a low-key bespoke supercar, uprating and enhancing the iconic 964 model to exacting customer specifications
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
New-generation car camping and roof tents for luxury-loving adventurers
Car camping is having a moment. While Hyundai and Porsche can get you kitted up, we explore other options
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
The Marsien is an all-terrain supercar that takes the Porsche aesthetic into new territories
The Marsien by Marc Philipp Gemballa is a limited edition off-roading supercar inspired by the golden era of rallying Porsches
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Driven: the electrically enhanced Porsche 911 raises the bar for the sports car stalwart
The new Porsche 911 Carrera GTS marks the debut of Porsche’s T-Hybrid system, boosting performance and efficiency. We get behind the wheel
By Rory FH Smith Published
-
Bentley rolls out the latest version of its majestic grand tourer, the Continental GT Speed
Available as both coupé and convertible, the fourth generation Bentley Continental GT Speed harnesses hybrid power to become a record breaker for the brand
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Coming soon: a curated collection of all the new EVs and hybrids that matter
We've rounded up new and updated offerings from Audi, Porsche, Ineos, Mini and more to keep tabs on the shifting sands of the mainstream car market
By Jonathan Bell Published