Full Throttle

From the merchant ships, to the sweeping turns of Laguna Seca, Full Throttle: The Life and Legacy of Captain Gimbel, the remarkable true story of a Sacramento boy who followed his dreams and built a life of passion, purpose, and speed.

Gordon Gimbel's journey began on the open sea, serving as a merchant marine and ship captain - but it was on the racetrack that he truly found his calling. This book follows Gordon from his first Shelby Cobra purchase in the 1960s through decades of racing vintage Cobras, Lotuses, and stock cars across North America. From wrenching in the garage with close friends to competing against legends like Scooter Patrick, and Sterling Moss, Gordon's story is a celebration of grit, loyalty, and drive.

More than just a tale of horsepower and high-stakes racing, this is the portrait of a man who built lasting friendships, overcame profound loss, found love again, and stayed true to himself every step of the way. Now living in Roseville, California with his wife Sandra, Gordon continues to inspire the motorsport community through mentorship, car shows, and his presence at the Cobra Experience Museum - where some of his most iconic cars remain on display.

A life at sea. A legacy on the track. A story that reminds us it's never too late to follow your passion - and never too early to believe in yourself.