The Perfect Car: The Biography of John Barnard

by Nick Skeens

John Barnard revolutionised Formula 1, and motorsport as a whole, through his unrelenting quest for perfection in racing car design. Written with Barnard’s cooperation and with input from dozens of associates, drivers and rivals, this biography tells the entire story, both personal and professional, of a British design genius. Barnard’s technical achievements are explored in detail — and in accessible language — with special emphasis on his brilliant initiatives while at McLaren (the first carbon-fibre composite chassis) and Ferrari (the first semi-automatic gearbox). The Perfect Car is also a human-interest story, telling a tale of innovation under intense pressure while Barnard endeavoured to maintain a stable family life. This is a landmark book that will be relished by anyone interested in motorsport and design.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Nonfiction, Cars

716 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2018

Reviews

[Jonathan Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so fortunate to work at Benetton F1 on their fledgling active suspension in 1990-91, so I worked for JB for most of that time. Since leaving F1 I have tried to not look back, because it was such a bittersweet decision to go pursue a normal life; this book definitely took me back to those test sessions and to life in the Godalming drawing office.
JB is an incredibly gifted engineer, and delivered the whole package of exquisitely engineered and innovative cars, while building a team and establishing a factory. The book really makes it clear what an incredible burden he was carrying. I starkly remember him stopping by my drawing board to quiz me on parts I was drawing; he was patient as I was clearly out of my depth and struggling for air.
So thank you for an amazing, authentic and faithful account that really captures the enigmatic character and brilliance. I will think about this book for a long time.

[Edward Newbound · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fascinating look into one of the most forward thinking formula 1 car designers ever. John Barnard’s ability throughout his career to innovate and push the boundaries of engineering is credit to his brilliant mind. If you are into formula 1 and enjoy the engineering technical side of the sport then this is a must read.

[Billy Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well told story with a hyperbolic start that thankfully calmed down into a page-turner. Far too many typos for a book though. It needs reediting.

[Simon Chipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
A great and in depth biography of genius designer John Barnard. This is a great book, but definitely one that I would purely recommend for those with an interest in the sport. It is as comprehensive a biography of Barnard as you can hope for. It utilises the access it has to the subject to go into great biographical, technical and historical detail, whilst never holding back in portraying a full and objective view of the man. For me though, this is the sort of book that commercially would have no massive right to exist and so I'm really happy that it does and delivers so fully

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best motorsport biographies I’ve read. Goes into much more technical detail than Adrian Newey’s book. I had to roll my eyes at some of the author’s fawning and how nothing ever seemed to be JB’s fault, but those are minor nitpicks. It’s a fantastic book for anybody with any interest into the engineering side of motorsport.

[George D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping read for F1 enthusiasts.

Full of technical detail about a sport where a second's difference can define a career, and a brilliant man whose infinitely detailed and revolutionary contributions were compromised sometimes by his lack of people-science. As with the drivers who risk everything as they sit at the pinnacle of this demanding endeavor, so did Barnard.

[david abram · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well written and researched book.Although I have been involved with motorsport all my adult life,I still learned much about the background of f1 car designing.Despite the technicalities,there is a lot of personal stuff to ensure this is not a dull read.

[Yahor · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a 6 star rating existed, this would’ve been a 7 star review.

Definitely buying one for a paperback collection...

[Simon Bainbridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than Adrian Newey’s book. Covers the technical, political and personal aspects of his life in great detail worts and all. Took a long time to get through but glad I persevered.

[Clive Rutland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a behind the scenes revelation of a genius. Every F1 fan should read this.

[Adam Foy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75

[Kev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the candidness and how it wasn’t just written from John’s perspective

[Peter M.]

What an amazing book, every fan of F1 (especially any engineer) should review this. Even though John Barnard performed most of his magic before I became engrossed in F1, the fruits of his labor are easily noticed to this day.