As my first book, this was an amazing experience. Much of the dialogue was transcribed from then leading-edge technology Dictaphones on Gerry’s commute into the brilliant Marshall Wingfield car sales business, or before entering a couple of favoured drinking establishments in London, where Tony Lanfranchi and Barry “Whizzo’ Williams would also partake of the beers that gave the book such a memorable [ex-advertising strapline] title.
Tied into that Beer deal was a light hearted guide to Competition Driving [Published by W. Foulsham, 1979], which actually gave some outstanding insights into Gerry’s winning methods saloon, sports and GT categories. The lines drawn and his hints on quick starts (of which he was a master, winning oh so many 10-lappers away from the line), remain valid today. Foulsham got a low cost bargain, but it’s long out of print.
Sadly, there is the 2005 Tribute edition of Only Here for the Beer, and that is the only one of these Marshall arts titles currently in print. Again it’s Haynes book available from them or the net specialists such as Amazon. Frankly it’s been heart warming to work with Gerry’s now adult offspring and to see how loyal Gerry’s fans remain to “The Big man.”
A totally new title, written with immense cooperation from family, friends and three ex-wives (!) is scheduled for publication in 2010. More details see here
