Monaco, 1961

I've got Lotus 18s on the brain today (it's a long story), so I thought I'd take a look at what might be the car's greatest victory, as piloted by Sterling Moss, for the Rob Walker team. The introduction to the race featuring Monte Carlo native Louis Chiron is worth watching in and of itself, as is the POV lap of the track with points of interest including the chicane where "Albert Ascary" went off track, and into the harbor. that said, there's also a lot of wonderful vintage footage, and drivers from Moss and Brabham, to Hill, Von Trips, Hill, Gurney, and Ginther and cars like the Porsche 718, and Ferrari 156... even if it does mis-identify Bruce Mclaren as being from Australia.

There's a nice piece in here where Maston Gregory talks about the changes to the cars for 1961.


It's interesting to note that many of the same controversies in F1's present day can be found as far back as '61 (and much further if you look hard). The same misplaced goals of cost cutting, and increased safety through slowing down the cars, are responsible for the decrease from 2.5 to 1.5 liters for 1961, and the ever changing aero-rules and engine freezes of today. these measures were as controversial, and effective as those being implemented by the current FIA administration, and had the same net effect of stirring up the pot, and bringing different talents to the fore. If the current rule changes end up producing racing anything like this, they may well have been worth it after all... but don't hold your breath.

Phill Hill talks about the Ferrari, and Bonnier (for some reason not Gurney) talks about the Porsche.


At last, the race has actually started.


As many things as are similar to today's F1 circus, one major difference stands out. The presence of three young, talented Americans, Californians in fact, all sitting at the sharp end of the driver pool, one of whom would go on to be champion in 1961. Today, no such hope really exists. The last American in F1 (also the first in more than a decade) left two years ago after one turbulent, and unproductive season. Ginther would lead from the start at that fir4st GP of the 1,5 liter formula in Monaco, but failed to hold off Moss, and so his debut (and only) f1 victory, would have to wait until the last race of the Formula, in Mexico, in 1965. But that's another story.

Sebring 1958.

Just a little silent film reel of the 1958 Sebring sports car race.

Audi R8 LMS, V10+RWD.

We can has homologation special?

599XX Has Pipes Like Ethel Merman, Can Probably Belt Out A Tune.

I Don't Know About The Batteries.

The electric power-train isn't really very interesting to me (though if it's something you like that's your business), but I do wonder if Ruf can do this ultra-hip soft-window Targa conversion on any 997 Porsche.

Other Things I'm Missing In Geneva.

Wow, I'm not sure how the rest of the internet managed to miss out on this Koenigsegg, and the Zonda Cinque, but Ultimatecarpage has got a 280 shot gallery from Geneva, and I've grabbed some choice bits.

Pagani Zonda R:


Koenigsegg CCX and Semi-Auto Transaxle:


Gumpert Apollo Speed: Fewer spoilers and a terrible paint scheme don't a better looking Gumpert make.


Spyker C8 Aileron: Just a couple more shots.


SLR Sterling Moss:


Ruf CTR-3: There was of course, the electric Ruf there too, but it's really not this blog's theme. It did however sport a very cool soft-window Targa option.


Lamborghini Murielago LP670-4 SV:


Pagani Zonda Cinque: The script on the engine lid is reminiscent of the Lamborghini 350 GTV prototype's signed hood.


We'll have more on some of these cars as soon as I get through drooling over them.

I Know, It's Been A Little Quiet In Here Lately.

Not that you've probably noticed, but a couple of this week's updates have been pushed back. That's been because A: I'm very, very busy at work with deadlines of someone else's making, and B: I'm getting sick. So it seems that I may have to forego a couple of regular features, and instead, you'll have to be content with a few pictures I've stolen from around the internet, taken by people lucky enough to be in Geneva this week, and not seventeen years ago, which was the last time I was there (and still didn't get to go to the show). It's a pretty good crop of super cars this year, which is gratifying, because I can't see quite the like of them coming along in the future. Sure, we'll probably have ways of moving fast across the ground, but for some of us, this may be the last, best Geneva show. Enjoy.

Ferrari 559XX:


Lamborghini LP670-4 SV: Incidentally, Lambo had one of the hottest "booth professionals" at the show, but Jalopnik won't let me steal a picture of her because they're mean. Here's the link.


Porsche 997 G3:


Spyker C8 Aileron:


Aston Martin One-77: That's one hell of a chassis!


Well, what can I say, check back next week.

Via: Autoblog.