Air racing fans have been coming to Stead Field, Reno, Nevada for the past 36 years to enjoy the National Championship Air Races, held each September. Many of the fans are drawn to Stead by the Unlimited Class racers such as the North American P-51, Grumman F8F, the British Hawker Sea Fury and other types of high performance, propeller-driven aircraft. The sight and sound of a Rolls-Royce Merlin-powered P-51 roaring around the race course, is an experience that is not soon forgotten.

     Chapter I of Griffon-Powered Mustangs is titled "The Heart of the Racer" and tells the story of the development of the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine. There is a comparison of the Griffon vs. Merlin specifications such as performance, dimensions, carburetion, supercharger and construction. There are several photos and excellent drawings of the various Mk. Griffon engines with informative text. There are inboard profiles showing the changing shape of the Red Baron as it evolved from Miss R.J. in 1966 to the final 1979 design. Chapter 2 shows with photos, the many changes made to Miss R.J, N7715C, that became Roto-Finish Special, winner of the 1972 Unlimited Championship race and as the Red Baron which won the 1977 and 1978 Unlimited Championship. Chapter 3 covers the 1988 and 1995 entry of the World Jet, Griffon-powered P-51 by Don and Bill Whittington. There are fine photographs of the Griffon-powered Mustangs in color. The photos and art work of Miss Ashley II, Red Baron and World Jet are outstanding. Chapter 4 is a really good look at the Levitz/Rogers Miss Ashley II with excellent photographs and the drawings. Brett Wilson's three view drawings and other art work throughout this book are as good as they get. The book is very well done and recommended reading.

- Al Hansen

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