DAN GURNEY: U.S. DRIVER FOR BIG SILVERSTONE EVENT: 1961: ORIGINAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPH

Publisher: P. A. Reuter, UK
Price: £35.00
Date: July 4th, 1961
Photograph Size: 15.2cm x 20.6cm
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 who ‘is to drive a 2,495cc. Lotus-Climax entered by Mrs L Bryden-Brown in the 150-mile Intercontinental Formula Race for the British Emprie Trophy at Silverstone next Saturday’.

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.

Lotus-Climax 2495cc Engine

Manufacturer: The engine was produced by Coventry Climax, a British engineering company that was originally focused on producing fire pump engines but became famous for its racing engines.
Configuration: The 2495cc engine was typically a V8 configuration. It was part of the Coventry Climax FPF and later the FWMV series, which were widely used in Formula 1 and other racing series.
Usage: This engine was used by Team Lotus, founded by Colin Chapman, who was one of the most innovative and successful constructors in Formula 1 history. The Lotus-Climax combination became synonymous with performance and engineering excellence during the early 1960s.
Performance: The 2495cc engine was known for its light weight and high-revving characteristics. In its F1 form, it produced around 240 to 280 horsepower, which was competitive for the era. This engine was crucial in Lotus’ success, particularly in the 1963 season when Jim Clark won the Formula 1 World Championship driving a Lotus 25 powered by a Climax engine.
Legacy: The Lotus-Climax combination is remembered as a symbol of the innovation and competitive spirit of 1960s Formula 1. The partnership between Lotus and Coventry Climax helped establish Lotus as a dominant force in motorsport and contributed to the evolution of racing technology during that period.

The 2495cc Lotus-Climax engine played a significant role in Lotus’ racing history, particularly during their early dominance in Formula 1.

Silverstone Circuit: A Brief History

Silverstone Circuit is one of the most famous and historic motorsport venues in the world, located near the villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury in Northamptonshire, England. Here’s a short biography of the circuit:

Early History and Establishment

World War II Origins: The site where Silverstone now stands was originally a Royal Air Force bomber station during World War II, known as RAF Silverstone. The airfield had three runways laid out in a triangular configuration, which later influenced the design of the race circuit.
Post-War Development: After the war, in 1948, the abandoned airfield was chosen as the venue for the first post-war British Grand Prix. The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) organized this event, which marked the beginning of Silverstone’s journey as a motorsport hub.

Growth and Significance

1950: First Formula 1 World Championship Race: Silverstone made history by hosting the first-ever Formula 1 World Championship race on May 13, 1950. This event solidified its place in motorsport history.
Circuit Layout Changes: Over the years, the circuit has undergone numerous layout changes and improvements to enhance safety and competitiveness. The track has evolved from its original fast, sweeping corners into a more technical and demanding circuit.
British Grand Prix: Silverstone has been the permanent home of the British Grand Prix since 1987, after alternating with other UK circuits like Brands Hatch and Aintree.
Modern Era
Facilities and Renovations: The circuit has seen significant investment and redevelopment, including the construction of the “Wing” pit and paddock complex, which was opened in 2011. These improvements have maintained Silverstone’s status as a world-class motorsport venue.
Other Events: Besides Formula 1, Silverstone hosts a wide variety of motorsport events, including the British round of the MotoGP, endurance races like the FIA World Endurance Championship, and many national racing events.

Cultural Impact

Iconic Corners: Silverstone is known for its iconic corners such as Copse, Maggots, Becketts, and Stowe, which are considered some of the most challenging in motorsport.

Legacy: As the “Home of British Motor Racing,” Silverstone is deeply ingrained in the culture of motorsport. It remains a favourite among drivers and fans alike for its rich history and challenging track and continues to be a cornerstone of global motorsport, representing both the past and the future of racing.

Location:

Map drawer C: Folder: 3006

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