MARK WHITELOCK
Features
Covers a period largely overlooked in GP history. First comprehensive history of the period within a single cover. Highlights significant technical developments originated by British manufacturers. Chronicles achievements of the 5 major race car constructors. Records contribution of 16 lesser known makes outside established constructors. Provides background to achievements of well-known British racing drivers. Records contribution of 91 lesser known drivers outside the top ten. Opportunity to establish niche market for histories of other periods. Full use made of contemporary cutaway drawings of cars and engines. Taps into nostalgia accumulating for the classic days of GP racing.
Description
The story of a Grand Prix formula largely overlooked due to the perception that the cars were underpowered and hence unspectacular. This perception ignores the significant technical developments that took place, the domination achieved by British race-car constructors and the rise of British drivers Jim Clark, Graham Hill and John Surtees.
Synopsis
This is the story of a Grand Prix formula that no British constructor wanted but became one that they would almost totally dominate. It has remained largely overlooked due to the perception that the cars were underpowered and hence unspectacular. Such a perception ignores the significant technical developments that took place that are now taken for granted, such as monocoque chassis construction. It saw the career of Stirling Moss came to a premature end but in his absence the rise to prominence of a new breed of British drivers in Jim Clark, Graham Hill and John Surtees.
The book paints a complete picture of the 1½-litre F1, the 21 marques and 101 drivers that took part in one or more of the 46 GPs between 1961 and 1965. Many of the marques and the majority of the drivers made little or no impact, yet their contributions deserve to be remembered.
