Get in quick for Jackie Stewart album

An image from Jackie Stewart's book <i>Collage - Jackie Stewart's Grand Prix Album.</i> Photo / Supplied

Jackie Stewart visited New Zealand last week to deliver an exclusive preview of his new book prior to its May launch in Monaco.

Despite initial dour impressions, Stewart proved an entertaining raconteur.

Was the three-time, Formula One World Championship winner ever tempted to return to racing?

No - he'd had enough. Racing was dangerous back then.

If anyone says they liked the Nurburgring, "They're either telling a porky or they never went fast enough," he says.

Cars got airborne 13 times per lap back then, "and the cars took off well but they never landed well.

"From 1968 to 1973 I had a two out of three chance of dying," Stewart continues.

"We were so used to being that close to it [death].

"The current racing driver has no idea."

"I know that motor racing stuff is interesting, but I wouldn't mind you mentioning the book." Okay, we will.

Collage - Jackie Stewart's Grand Prix Album presents effectively the best of wife Helen's 17 bound scrapbooks, including programmes, pit passes, autographs and photos, from the days before racing - when Stewart was a clay-shooting champion representing his country - to the day he retired.

The handcrafted tome comes in its own tartan-clad sleeve, with a gold-embossed cover and gilt-edged pages.

Only 1500 will be printed, all signed by Jackie Stewart, with 50 allocated to NZ.

It goes on sale at $750 each, including GST and international courier from Scotland. It's not cheap.

But it will be a collector's item, and provides a fascinating insight into Stewart's GP years.

The book is available in NZ from Hedley's Booksellers, Masterton.