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Urban Outlaw: Dirt Don't Slow You Down
Magnus Walker is one of life’s originals. Serial entrepreneur, fashion designer, TV presenter, motivational speaker, and one of the world’s most prolific Porsche collectors, the dreadlocked, tattooed hoarder of individual creativity is a very modern incarnation of idiosyncratic success. Raised in the grim, urban decay of Thatcher’s Britain, Magnus Walker left school with just two O levels and drifted for several years before buying a one-way ticket to America. Now, 30 years and three successful businesses later, by following his instincts, rejecting convention, and pursuing his passions, Magnus has succeeded against all the odds. Here, for the first time, is the full story of his journey from a Northern steel town to the bright lights of Hollywood, from a boy with little hope to an anti-establishment hero. Along the way we’ll witness his potent combination of inspiration and graft, discover his motivations and his ambitions, and come to understand his philosophy and the keys to his success. Inspiring and exhilarating, Urban Outlaw is a compelling tale of succeeding through pure instinct and determination by a man who was brave enough to follow his own path.
- GenresCars
Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2017
27 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 20, 2017
Urban Outlaw Dirt Don't Slow You Down is a very well done autobiography of Magnus Walker, a shirt designer, and Porsche enthusiast. He got his name “ Urban Outlaw” because of his way he adds unique add-ons to his Porsches. He said once that he got the name because most Porsche guys don’t like to modify the car that came out of the factory. And most Porsche guys let alone Porsche itself don’t usually like that. The community actually gave him the name because of his bold move. He is now one of the most well-known car guys to date. His book describes his life story in very vivid detail and it has kept me glued to my kindle screen for the past few weeks.
This book is a good read for anyone because it’s not just cars he talks about. He talks about his wife, his ex-girlfriend's, his bar that he always went to, his designer wear, and much more. It is also a good read for Porsche enthusiasts and car guys altogether! It also talks about famous places he has visited and the famous Tappan Zee Bridge that is less than a mile from his warehouse. He uses it to test his Porsche’s handling and speed because it has such smooth pavement and a lot of twists and turns to test both the car’s speed and cornering. It is his most famous run and his favorite too.
The book is almost 200 pages long and has an extremely well-done explanation of his life. This book has to be my favorite book I have ever read and I think everyone should read it.
Billy Lander 11/9/17
This book is a good read for anyone because it’s not just cars he talks about. He talks about his wife, his ex-girlfriend's, his bar that he always went to, his designer wear, and much more. It is also a good read for Porsche enthusiasts and car guys altogether! It also talks about famous places he has visited and the famous Tappan Zee Bridge that is less than a mile from his warehouse. He uses it to test his Porsche’s handling and speed because it has such smooth pavement and a lot of twists and turns to test both the car’s speed and cornering. It is his most famous run and his favorite too.
The book is almost 200 pages long and has an extremely well-done explanation of his life. This book has to be my favorite book I have ever read and I think everyone should read it.
Billy Lander 11/9/17
July 16, 2019
I had such a good feeling about this book when I finished it, put it down and quietly considered what was going on.
I liked Magnus' blunt, straight telling of his life to date. I respected his hardworking approach to his passion and loved the way he talked about his love for his wife Karen.
I played the doco Urban Outlaw and found myself liking this tall, styley man even more. He's pure style.
I liked Magnus' blunt, straight telling of his life to date. I respected his hardworking approach to his passion and loved the way he talked about his love for his wife Karen.
I played the doco Urban Outlaw and found myself liking this tall, styley man even more. He's pure style.
November 29, 2022
This was a really down to earth book about life journey of an artistic mind who also happens to be a Porsche fanatic (in a good sense). It was written in a very simple and warm style and I could relate to many sayings and philosophy as a big Porsche "fan" myself. I will definitely be following Magnus via social media and try to get me a few of the Urban Outlaw stickers for my own cars.
"Success is the freedom to do whatever you want to do"
"A common thread in my life has been the pursuit of two words - individual style. I strongly believe that whatever you do, you must try to do it with your individual style."
"I often say, if it feels sort of scary, you should do it. Everyone has goals and dreams, and sometimes a moment will come along in your life and you react can define where you go from there."
"You need context too: 120mph in a forty-year-old 911 feels pretty fast; 150 in a modern 911 feels like you are probably doing 80. Newer cars can make the driver feel isolated from the experience. You don't really smell them; you don't really necessarily even hear them. 277 is loud, it's moving all over the place, the sound insulation is not great. With a car like 277 you smell the gas, you smell the oil, you just smell everything, you can almost taste the engine, you hear the wind, you know the seals don't work good, so it's ssssshhhhhhh, there's all this road noise because there's not much insulation, it's the mechanical-ness, the creaky-ness, the throttle response, the squeaky brakes, the smell of the rubber, the oil, the smell of the brake pads when they get hot, it's all of that stuff... to me it's an emotional high. Like I say, driving one of these machines uses all of your senses."
"What I love about these early cars is they are all manual, so essentially it's your brain, your two hands and your two feet controlling the car down the road. Some people like to go to the gym to work out. I go for a drive. There's no power steering; your arms, wrists, sides are all being worked out. You need stamina in your muscles, but you also need a fast response, quick reflexes. Sharp eyes, too."
"Success is the freedom to do whatever you want to do"
"A common thread in my life has been the pursuit of two words - individual style. I strongly believe that whatever you do, you must try to do it with your individual style."
"I often say, if it feels sort of scary, you should do it. Everyone has goals and dreams, and sometimes a moment will come along in your life and you react can define where you go from there."
"You need context too: 120mph in a forty-year-old 911 feels pretty fast; 150 in a modern 911 feels like you are probably doing 80. Newer cars can make the driver feel isolated from the experience. You don't really smell them; you don't really necessarily even hear them. 277 is loud, it's moving all over the place, the sound insulation is not great. With a car like 277 you smell the gas, you smell the oil, you just smell everything, you can almost taste the engine, you hear the wind, you know the seals don't work good, so it's ssssshhhhhhh, there's all this road noise because there's not much insulation, it's the mechanical-ness, the creaky-ness, the throttle response, the squeaky brakes, the smell of the rubber, the oil, the smell of the brake pads when they get hot, it's all of that stuff... to me it's an emotional high. Like I say, driving one of these machines uses all of your senses."
"What I love about these early cars is they are all manual, so essentially it's your brain, your two hands and your two feet controlling the car down the road. Some people like to go to the gym to work out. I go for a drive. There's no power steering; your arms, wrists, sides are all being worked out. You need stamina in your muscles, but you also need a fast response, quick reflexes. Sharp eyes, too."
December 15, 2020
A nice insight into the life of a rough diamond. Magnus known now for his automobiles, and specifically his customised Porsche collection, took an unusual life path and made it work. Good to see that dreams are possible if you work at them and that even with adversity in life which people may face at different times, it’s always possible to move forward.
May 24, 2024
A labor of love
I’ve long followed video of Magnus in which this book is periodically referenced. Reading it was a record of a great journey of a man who loves these cars in the same way I do, but he lived in different times and found a way to success from nothing. If only I could claim even half of the success he has had!
I’ve long followed video of Magnus in which this book is periodically referenced. Reading it was a record of a great journey of a man who loves these cars in the same way I do, but he lived in different times and found a way to success from nothing. If only I could claim even half of the success he has had!
January 2, 2024
All in all a pretty entertaining recounting of Magnus's life and how he wound up being the man with seemingly infinite Porsche 911s.
He writes how he speaks, so if you find listening to him annoying you might want to skip this.
He writes how he speaks, so if you find listening to him annoying you might want to skip this.
September 11, 2024
Very easy reading book, specially if you are a petrolhead, if you love cars in general not only Porsche. Magnus writing is very easy going, almost like you were talking with him in a pub. Motivational history, about following your dreams and take the right opportunity:)
December 2, 2017
An amazing read
All my friends should read this. I couldn't help but wish that it would not end ... very entertaining.
Enjoyed the Urban Outlaw film also.
All my friends should read this. I couldn't help but wish that it would not end ... very entertaining.
Enjoyed the Urban Outlaw film also.
September 14, 2018
Go with your gut feeling
You dont review to read a book ,if u think u should than read it.. you will see after read this book
You dont review to read a book ,if u think u should than read it.. you will see after read this book
March 15, 2019
Great read!
I'm glad Magnus wrote the book,I didn't know much about his early life. This book is a great read and if you're a Porsche fan, he's your man.
I'm glad Magnus wrote the book,I didn't know much about his early life. This book is a great read and if you're a Porsche fan, he's your man.
February 25, 2020
Brilliant read, and not just for someone who’s into Porsche’s. A very inspirational autobiography.
April 8, 2021
A very fun read that will leave you dreaming of leather jackets and Porsche turbos.
March 11, 2022
The book has a good flow, easy to read
"If you are motivated enought, you make shit happen." Magnus Walker, Urban Outlaw
"If you are motivated enought, you make shit happen." Magnus Walker, Urban Outlaw
March 31, 2022
In my Opinion a must read for every Porsche/ Urban Outlaw fan. Its well written and tells a catching story.
April 5, 2021
Easy read - just not that bothered...
September 21, 2018
One of my favourite bio-stories
Passionate, straight to the point. I wish I had this book some 5-7 years ago, life happens and we screw up the turn all the time. Next time there will be one, I will dare to spin. How bad can it be?
Passionate, straight to the point. I wish I had this book some 5-7 years ago, life happens and we screw up the turn all the time. Next time there will be one, I will dare to spin. How bad can it be?
January 15, 2019
Wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. As a Porsche-phile, I am familiar with Magnus. I've watched his car films, and interviews. A lot of the first half of the book deals with how he came to be who he is now. The second half focuses on his love of Porsche, and more importantly, his wife Karen. The writing is decent, and the story is endearing. I'd realistically give this book 3.5 stars, but since Goodreads doesn't allow half stars, it gets four...because Magnus and Porsche are awesome.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews