DAN GURNEY TO DRIVE PORSCHE IN BRITISH GRAND PRIX: 1962: ORIGINAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPH

Publisher: P. A. Reuter, UK
Price: £35.00
Date: July 31st, 1969
Photograph Size: 15.2cm x 20.7cm
Format: Original gelatin silver press photograph.
Edition: Not stated
Special Features: The photograph is stamped and dated on the reverse with copyright information and a description of the scene

Condition:

The photograph is in very good indeed, clean condition with slight creasing. The reverse side is very slightly age-toned and features stamps and descriptions, providing provenance and authenticity.

Description:

A good original press photograph of Dan Gurney shortly after he had secured the Porsche Racing Team’s sole victory in Formula 1 at the French Grand Prix. Gurney would race at the British Grand Prix at Aintree, Liverpool on July 21st.

Dan Gurney (1931–2018)

Dan Gurney was an American racing driver, engineer, and team owner, widely regarded as one of the most versatile and influential figures in motorsport history. Gurney’s career spanned several decades, during which he achieved success in a variety of racing disciplines.

Early Life and Racing Career:

• Born: Daniel Sexton Gurney was born on April 13, 1931, in Port Jefferson, New York. He grew up in California, where he developed a passion for cars and racing.
• Racing Debut: Gurney began his racing career in the early 1950s, quickly establishing himself in sports car racing. His talent caught the attention of major teams, leading to his debut in Formula One in 1959 with Ferrari.

Formula One Success:

• Formula One: Gurney competed in Formula One from 1959 to 1968, driving for several top teams, including Ferrari, BRM, Porsche, and Brabham. He won four Grand Prix races and was known for his smooth driving style and technical acumen.
• Porsche’s Only F1 Win: Gurney secured Porsche’s only Formula One victory at the 1962 French Grand Prix, cementing his reputation as a skilled driver.

Contributions to Motorsports:

• Eagle Cars: In 1965, Gurney founded All American Racers (AAR) and created the “Eagle” racing cars. In 1967, he became the first (and only) American to win a Formula One race in a car of his own design and manufacture, at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa.
• Le Mans Victory: In 1967, Gurney won the 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside A.J. Foyt, driving a Ford GT40. His victory celebration, where he sprayed champagne from the podium, started the now-famous tradition in motorsport.
• Innovations: Gurney introduced several innovations to racing, including the full-face helmet in Formula One and the “Gurney flap,” a small aerodynamic device that improves downforce, still used in various forms of motorsport today.

Legacy:

• Versatility: Gurney was one of the few drivers to compete in Formula One, IndyCar, NASCAR, and sports car racing, earning victories in all these categories.
• Impact on American Motorsport: His contributions to American motorsport were profound, not just as a driver but also as an engineer, innovator, and team owner. Gurney’s influence continues to be felt in the racing world long after his passing on January 14, 2018.

Dan Gurney is remembered as one of the greatest American drivers and a pioneering figure whose innovations and successes transcended the boundaries of different racing disciplines.

Porsche Formula 1 Team: A Short History

The Porsche Formula 1 team had a brief but notable presence in the world of Formula One racing during the early 1960s. Porsche, a renowned German automobile manufacturer, is best known for its success in sports car racing, but it also made a significant, albeit short-lived, impact in Formula One.

Key Highlights:

• Entry into Formula One: Porsche entered Formula One as a constructor in 1961, after achieving success in various motorsport categories, including sports car racing. The team used the Porsche 718, a car adapted from its successful Formula 2 program, before developing a purpose-built Formula One car, the Porsche 804.
• Porsche 804: The Porsche 804 was the team’s most notable Formula One car. It was powered by an air-cooled, flat-eight engine, reflecting Porsche’s engineering philosophy. The car debuted in 1962 and was driven by American driver Dan Gurney, who was one of the top talents of the time.
• Formula One Victory: Porsche achieved its first and only Formula One victory at the 1962 French Grand Prix, held at the Rouen-Les-Essarts circuit. Dan Gurney drove the Porsche 804 to victory, marking a historic moment for the team.
• Withdrawal from Formula One: Despite this success, Porsche decided to withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 1962 season. The decision was largely due to the high costs of competing in the sport and the company’s desire to focus on its core business of sports cars and production vehicles.
• Legacy: Although Porsche’s time in Formula One was brief, the team’s innovative engineering and Gurney’s victory left a lasting impression. Porsche continued to dominate in sports car racing, becoming one of the most successful manufacturers in motorsport history. The Porsche 804 remains a symbol of the brand’s engineering prowess and its brief but memorable foray into the world of Formula One.

In summary, the Porsche Formula 1 team had a short but impactful run, highlighted by a historic Grand Prix victory that showcased the brand’s technical excellence and competitive spirit.

Location:

Map drawer C: Folder: 3006

Why Buy From Us?

At Hornseys, we only offer items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of prints and photographs is carefully curated to ensure each piece is authentic.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every print is researched, collated, and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: Each print is selected with a keen eye for historical significance, condition, and rarity, ensuring a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, items may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our fine collection of rare and antique prints and photographs. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a unique historical piece, our selection offers something truly exceptional. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for art enthusiasts, historians, and collectors since 1976.

Thank you for looking.