On sale now: colour footage of first-ever World Championship F1 GP
A SORT-OUT at the National Film Archive brought to light unique colour footage belonging to The Guild of Motoring Writers of the first World Championship Formula One Grand Prix, held at Silverstone in May 1950. With commentary and colour quality that can only be from that particular, post-Second World War era, these images sum up what many regard as the golden age of motor racing.
In response to demand from those who have already enjoyed the footage, a DVD of the film is on sale now for only £15 from the Online Catalogue section of the website. As well as the race footage, there is an introduction by Guild President Nick Mason, plus a second film of a Guild Motor Show test day held at Goodwood in 1955. It provides an entertaining glimpse into the activities of the motoring media more than half a century ago.
Guild Chairman Charlotte Blight says: "These entertaining films provide a unique insight into the early days of Formula One and the Guild. To our knowledge there is no other colour record of these events, making this footage a historical document in its own right. Now, for the first time, we are offering the public the chance to own a copy."
The DVD has been produced by the Guild in association with Alfa Romeo, whose cars came home in the top three places on that auspicious day 60 years ago. Only 500 copies are going on sale, with all proceeds to the Guild Benevolent Fund.