J. F. GONZALES PUTS THE B.R.M. THROUGH ITS PACES AT SILVERSTONE: 1952: ORIGINAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPH

Publisher: P.A. Reuter, UK
Price: £125.00
Date: July 18th, 1952
Photograph Size: 15.3cm x 20.5cm including margin
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 and a very short closed tear to the right hand margin. The reverse side is very slightly age-toned and features stamps and descriptions, providing provenance and authenticity.

Description:

A rare photograph of Gonzales practising in the B.R.M. for the Grand Prix meeting at Silverstone. He registered the fastest lap with a speed of 98.48 miles per hour.

J. F. González: A Short Biography:

Early Life and Career:

José Froilán González, also known as “El Cabezón” due to his large head, was born in Arrecifes, Argentina. He developed a passion for racing at a young age, starting his career in local racing circuits before moving to Europe to pursue higher levels of competition.

Formula 1 Career:

González made his Formula 1 debut in the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix, driving for Scuderia Achille Varzi. However, he is best known for his association with Ferrari. In 1951, he secured Ferrari’s first-ever Formula 1 victory at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a historic moment for the team. González won two Grand Prix races during his career, both at Silverstone (1951 and 1954). He was known for his aggressive driving style and his ability to compete fiercely with the dominant drivers of his era, including Juan Manuel Fangio.

Notable Achievements:

First Victory for Ferrari: González’s win at the 1951 British Grand Prix marked Ferrari’s first victory in the Formula 1 World Championship.
Podium Finishes: Throughout his career, González achieved multiple podium finishes, showcasing consistent performance and competitiveness.
Le Mans 24 Hours: In addition to his Formula 1 success, González also excelled in sports car racing, including a second-place finish at the 1954 24 Hours of Le Mans with Ferrari.

Legacy:

José Froilán González is celebrated as one of Argentina’s pioneering racing drivers, alongside Juan Manuel Fangio. His contribution to Ferrari’s early success in Formula 1 is particularly noteworthy, and he remains a beloved figure in the history of motorsport. Known for his courage and tenacity on the track, González helped pave the way for future generations of drivers from Argentina and beyond.

González passed away in 2013, but his legacy endures through his significant achievements and his role in Ferrari’s storied history in Formula 1.

B.R.M.: A Short Biography:

Full Name: British Racing Motors (B.R.M.)
Founded: 1945
Founders: Raymond Mays and Peter Berthon
Base: Bourne, Lincolnshire, England
Active Years in Formula 1: 1951-1977

Early Years and Formation:
British Racing Motors (B.R.M.) was established in 1945 by Raymond Mays and Peter Berthon with the goal of creating a British team capable of competing at the highest level of motorsport. The team was financed by British industrialists and supporters of motorsport, who sought to challenge the dominance of Italian and German manufacturers in Grand Prix racing.

Initial Struggles:
B.R.M.’s early years were marked by ambitious engineering projects that often faced reliability issues. Their first car, the Type 15, featured a complex V16 engine but was plagued by mechanical problems. Despite these challenges, B.R.M. persisted, continually working to improve their designs and performance.

Breakthrough and Success:
The team’s perseverance paid off in the 1960s. B.R.M. achieved its first Formula 1 victory at the 1959 Dutch Grand Prix with driver Joakim Bonnier. The pinnacle of B.R.M.’s success came in 1962 when Graham Hill won the Formula 1 World Championship driving the B.R.M. P57. That same year, B.R.M. also secured the Constructors’ Championship, marking their place in motorsport history.

Key Drivers:

Graham Hill: World Champion in 1962, he was instrumental in B.R.M.’s success during their peak years.
Jo Siffert: Another notable driver who contributed to B.R.M.’s competitive presence in the 1960s.

Later Years and Decline:
In the late 1960s and 1970s, B.R.M. faced increasing competition from other teams and struggled to maintain their earlier success. Despite occasional strong performances and podium finishes, the team could not replicate their championship-winning form. Financial difficulties and management challenges further hampered their efforts.

End of an Era:
B.R.M. continued to participate in Formula 1 until 1977. However, by this time, the team was no longer competitive, and they eventually withdrew from the sport. The legacy of B.R.M. lives on as a symbol of British engineering ambition and the determination to compete at the highest levels of motorsport.

Legacy:
B.R.M.’s impact on Formula 1 is remembered for their innovative engineering, the iconic V16 engine, and the 1962 World Championship triumph. The team’s story is one of ambition, perseverance, and a significant chapter in the history of British motorsport.

Location: Map drawer C: Folder: 3006

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