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Automotive Art For Sale Grand Prix

The Ultimate Garage Wall Decor

Hard to imagine something better than this for your garage automotive studio wall.
Coys is offering this Jay Burridge sculpture as part of their upcoming Nurburgring auction on 13th August 2011. Look closer though, this isn’t just a sculpture inspired by Ayrton Senna’s MP4/6. It’s made OF one of Ayrton’s MP4/6s.

McLaren Formula cars are not in collectors’ hands—like the early Ferrari formula cars, each is dismantled for post-race analysis and reused or destroyed. This bodywork, though was given to Jay by Ron Dennis as the source material for the sculpture and even shows signs of wear from race use. There are peeling sponsor stickers, there are nicks and scratches from a weekend’s race.

The unfortunate timing of the completion of the sculpture, however, forced it into storage. Props to Burridge and Ron Dennis for not selling the sculpture in the wake of Senna’s death. Instead the sculpture seems to have been displayed at a corporate event, then hidden away—reemerging in ’04 for a Senna tribute at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Coys estimates it will bring €35,000 – €45,000. More at their lot details page.

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Classic Sportscar

Decisions… Decisions… Decisions…

Maser… Merc… Jag… Which would you choose?

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Porsche Video

Barth at la Sarthe, 1977

I’m always up for another spin around the Circuit de la Sarthe. Let’s ride shotgun with Martini’s Jurgen Barth in a Porsche 936 for the ’77 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Categories
Vintage Racing Advertising

Considering the SR3

G & H modified racing is enjoying continued and increasing popularity as more owners realize the challenge and stability these racing classes offer. The SR3 is ideal for G & H racing and has established an enviable record since being introduced in 1965, including a conclusive first at the Daytona ARRC with lap times down to 1:16:2 on the 1.6 mile course, as an H modified. If you are considering becoming a part of one of these growing classes you should consider the SR3. Offered as:

  • A complete Car
  • A Kit
  • Or by components

By: Bobsy Division of
Vanguard Automotive Enterprises, Inc.
139 Koons Ave., Medina, Ohio

H Modified seems like it must have been a hell of a fun time. 750cc and a light frame must have just been a blast. Scratch that; I’m sure it still is.

Categories
Classic Sportscar Ferrari

Striking 750 Monza

1955 Ferrari 750 Monza by Michel Zumbrunn

I know we JUST took the time to appreciate Ferrari’s little 750 Monza, but browsing the beautiful shots in Swiss automotive photographer Michel Zumbrunn’s site I was struck by the unconventional paint on this little beauty. Digging into it a bit, it looks like Modena restoration house Carrozzeria Mirage did the bodywork and paint, and have shared some shots of their process. It’s a stunning little machine, and the American racing colors suit her well.

The color scheme is appropriate. Although she doesn’t have much race history, chassis 0554M spent all of her short career in the Americas, with races at various years of the Bahamas speed week, Road America, Lime Rock, and Riverside.

Categories
Porsche

Machine Shop on the Go

We’ve seen pictures before of the VW Transporter that accompanied the Porsche team to everything from the Mille Miglia to (as seen in this photo) the ’77 press launch of the 928. This is the first time I’ve seen a photo with the door opened. It looks like they could do more than haul spares with that thing.

Categories
Vintage Racing Advertising

The Coolest Kid on the Block

From the definitive source on the scaled Formula 1 cars for kids, Jomoro & Lystonia comes this astoundingly perfect brochure (and transcription!) for the Jaromo “Mighty Microbe”. Click on over for more articles, photos, cars for sale and an owner’s registry. These things are no joke. I’d like to be able to order even just the optional extras for my kid.
The Mighty Microbe
Worlds first formula 1 grand prix car for kids
The dreams of youth for glory at the wheel of a low-slung, fast-handling, hard-charging racing machine are dreams no more, the “Mighty Microbe” has arrived.
The worlds first mini-car copied with superb workmanship and great authenticity from the Formula 1 cars of the international Grand Prix circuit, the “Mighty Microbe” performs as realistically as it looks. Powered by an Italian made, rear-mounted four-stroke engine of 148cc, the “Mighty Microbe” boasts coil spring and hydraulic damper independent suspension along with rack and pinion steering and full monocoque chassis design. At 3600 RPM, the car cruises at just a shade under 30 mph–a level that may be maintained for safety by mechanical governor. With the governor removed, much higher speeds are possible.
The Mighty Microbe comes by its pur sang looks and performance naturally. It was developed by the English racing specialists Jomoro Ltd. design engineers, car preparation experts and former members of the Alan Mann Racing organization, and creation and production of the Microbe has been carried out with the same seriousness and dedication that would accompany a bid for a racing championship. Each car is hand-built with traditional British craftsmanship.
At every point of construction, safety and quality of components have been the primary considerations. Design of the car virtually precludes upsetting, yet a roll bar has been provided. Drum brakes are standard.
Specification
Overall Length: 8’3″
Overall Width: 4’6″
Overall Height: 2’9″
Weight: 180 lbs.
Wheelbase: 62″
Track–Front: 40″
Track –Rear: 42″
Max. Speed: (standard vehicle)
24.5 m.p.h.–effected by reduction gearing based upon a mechanically governed engine speed of 3600 r.p.m.
Welded and stove enamelled mild steel monocoque chassis unit.
Glass reinforced plastic removable body sections.
148 c.c. four stroke side valve engine unit to design by Tecumseh Products Company.
Power transmission by Chain & Sprocket.
Shift operated neutral gear.
Chrome plated coil spring and oil filled hydraulic damper independent suspension.
Rack and pinion steering in hardened steel.
Independent cable operated front wheel drum brakes operated on single leading shoe principle.
Adjustable throttle and brake pedal assembly.
8″ dia. Cast aluminium road wheels 6.5″ wide front and 9.5″ wide rear.
Tyres: Front 16 x 6.50 x 8 Rear 18 x 9.50 x 8
Full harness adjustable safety belts by Britax.
Steel roll-over bar.
Ignition cut out switch.
Fully trimmed and padded cockpit.
Leather covered L.72 aluminium steering wheel.
Rear view mirrors chrome finished.
Rear Wing on chrome plated supports.
Speedometer with mileage recorder.
Tinted perspex screen.
Choice of six standard colours–Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, White, Orange.
Optional Extras:
Overall fitted canvas cover.
Road trailer.
Driver suits in five sizes and four standard colours: Red, Turquoise, Yellow, Green.
Total coverage race helmets.
Craftsman made black leather driving gloves.
Spare parts as required.
Patent and Design Registration filed in Great Britain, U.S.A. And and W. Germany.
Manufactured by: Jomoro Ltd., 10 Mill Lane Estate, Alton, Hampshire, England
Telephone: Alton 84100

Categories
Racing Ephemera

Lotus Powered by Ford Powered by AMT

Ford Lotus AMT Model Decal Sheet

Now you know. If you’re planning on crafting a Lotus 29 in the livery of Jim Clark’s 1963 Indianapolis entry, you won’t have to suffer the embarassment of inappropriately placed graphics.

The instructions from this AMT model kit of the car make it sound so easy: “Dip decal in water for a few moments to loosen the paper backing. Hold decal in position and slide off paper backing. Smooth out water bubbles by wiping decal gently with damp cloth.”

I can only assume the instructions are cut off there because it is missing the part about swearing for 45 minutes as it dries crooked. Also missing is the bit about sanding the body to remove the decal and the several coats of paint and scouring eBay for replacement decals.

Categories
Grand Prix Track Maps of the Past

Track Map of the Past: Prince George Circuit

At first blush the South African track at East London doesn’t look too impressive. A few straights, a few hard corners, not much in the way of esses or chicanes. Just a simple drive along the beach. The move of the South African GP to Kyalami in 1967 must have been received well—a more demanding and interesting circuit. It didn’t have the history though. Prince George Circuit hosted South Africa’s first Grand Prix races in the 1930s. And I’m sure the ocean-front view didn’t hurt. Indeed, it looks like a beautiful location.
What interested me most about this map, though was the section along Butts Bend marked “Prohibited Area – Rifle Range”. You know, because motor racing wasn’t dangerous enough, let’s have them drive through the middle of a shooting range while they’re racing. Of course I realize that there wasn’t live fire during the race, but I’m going to continue imagining it that way. It makes the win that clinched Graham Hill’s 1962 World Championship all the more entertaining to me.

Categories
Classic Sportscar Historic Racing Photos

Chaparral at the Bridge

I didn’t think it was possible, but this image of a Chaparral 2G at The Bridge in 1968 looks almost serene.