Turb-OH Brad

I have an opportunity to purchase an original "The Unfair Advantage" signed by the legend himself Mr. Mark Donohue. I am in love with that book, and I already have a first edition copy.

I see excellent condition unsigned copies trading hands for around 100-150. I have also heard of signed copies bringing upwards of 500.

I have made an offer for the book, and the owner has made a counter offer. I think it is fair, but before committing, I want to hear where the RL collective would value the book. It would be an excellent addition to my collection, but I also don't want to lose my butt on the purchase price!

so...is the price right?

gums

I've read that book at least 7 times. It's timeless.
I have an original, and now the reprinted edition.
None are signed. I would think that a signed copy is worth at least $500.
Personally, I'd treasure it.

Turb-OH Brad

That's probably how I would feel once I received it as well. I am not looking to flip it, I would probably keep it for the rest of my life, and possibly pass it through the family (assuming they appreciate it).

500 sounds like a fair valuation, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't getting boned, even though I was 99% certain already that I wasn't.

Cognitive dissonance is a bitch!

gums

Not that I know what I'm talking about!
Just a hunch, but I know that unsigned copies are over $200.

tomburdge

If you are in love with the history of our sport IMHO there are certain signatures or autographs that are "almost" priceless. Donahue's would be one along with Senna, Revson,
Pedro Rodrigues, J. Clark, Gilles Villenuve, D. Earnhardt Sr., Davey Allison, Greg Moore, Al Holbert, just to name a few.
All of them either great, destined to be great and all who met an early and untimely demise.
May they RIP.
Tom B.

gums

I am very much in love with the history of our sport, and fancy myself as a historian.
I have a sizeable collection of 1/43's centered around nearly all who have died in it.

Turb-OH Brad

I would add Phil Hill to that list now that he has passed. R.I.P. to the only American born World Champion in history.

gums

Well, if you want a chronicle of motorsports fatalities, visit this site:

http://www.motorsportmemorial.org/index.php?db=ct

Bill Lehman

I attended a seminar at Greenfield Village in Dearborn MI when Mark was the principle speaker and the topic was "The Unfair Advantage". If I remember correctly, this was in the early seventies. My memory isn't worth much, but I'll never forget his presentation.

bobt993

That's a cool find. I was at a friend's shop and the owner has some history with Mark Donohue. On the wall in his office is his racing license from years back at Limerock. The chief instructor was Mark Donohue who had to "sign off" his race license certificate.