Book: Toivonen - Finland fastest Family (by Esa Illoinen)

Toivonen - Finland's fastest family

by Esa Illoinen

Toivonen - rally fans associate this name with impressive performances, glorious victories, but unfortunately also with the fatal accident involving Henri and his co-driver Sergio Cresto at the 1986 Tour de Corse, which sealed the end of Group B. Toivonen was one of the most extraordinary rally drivers of all time. He was one of the most extraordinary rally drivers of all time, thrilling in the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus, Opel Ascona 400, Porsche 911 SCRS and the Lancia Rally 037. In the Lancia Delta S4, he was almost unbeatable with his victories at the RAC and in Monte Carlo - 20 years after his father Pauli's triumph at the same venue.

This book tells the fascinating story of the Toivonen rally family: from Pauli's exploits in the 50s and 60s, including his European Championship title in a Porsche 911, to his sons' first drifting exercises on Finnish ice lakes and the different careers and fates of the brothers Henri and Harri. Author Esa Illoinen delved deep into the Toivonens' family life and spoke to countless contemporary witnesses, including Pauli's wife Ulla, Henri's wife Erja and Henri's now 95-year-old English teacher. The result is an intimate and moving portrait of Finland's fastest rally family, beautifully illustrated with the best pictures from the almost inexhaustible McKlein archive.

• Language: German & English
• Year of publication: 2012
• Publisher: McKlein Publishing
• Format: bound / hardcover
• ISBN: 978-3-927458-61-1
• Number of pages: 224 / with numerous color photos and illustrations
• Dimensions: approx. 25 x 30,5 x 2,5 cm