Motorfilms Quarterly Vol. 19

1958 Monte Carlo Rally – Rootes Group (16:06) The competitors had asked the organisers for a tougher event, and amidst the January snows this is what they got. This full-colour movie with Raymond Baxter commentary oozes contemporary character, promoting the latest model Sunbeam Rapier. See ‘The Monte’, the subsequent Rootes press junket and in-car footage of Montlhéry – as “The New Rapier thrusts straight and true towards success”.

1960 Meet Jack Brabham – Mintex (8:06) This extraordinary full-colour period piece takes us to the 1960 BRDC International Trophy race at Silverstone, to see Jack Brabham win in the latest ‘Lowline’ Cooper-Climax. See World Champion Jack doing his best to advertise Mintex at zero notice, tucked-up by John Cooper…no less.

1907 Grand Prix de l’ACF, Dieppe (23:40) Jaw-dropping coverage of Grand Prix racing 100 years ago captured in both movie and gorgeous stills which we explore in detail. See the fabulous car control – and occasional lack of it – demonstrated at the Londinières esses, Richez’s rolling Renault and the victorious monster Fiats. Best ever review of the second great Grand Prix.

1965 Le Mans 24-Hours – Standard-Triumph (28:19) Raymond Baxter’s mellifluous tones again tell the tale as the works Triumph Spitfires attack their relevant class in the annual Sarthe classic. But beyond the tiddler Triumphs also savour spectacular footage of the Ferraris, Fords, Cobras and Porsches in their race around the clock…

1956 BRSCC Club Racing Review (Part 1) – British Racing & Sports Car Club (13:28) Wonderfully chummy inside view of the always dynamic, go-ahead BRSCC’s 1956 British season. With John Bolster amongst the commentators go racing at Brands Hatch, Crystal Palace and Mallory Park and revel in the reality of motor racing as it was.