Vintage Race CarsCar racing during the 1950s was held in the same esteem as F1 is today and produced some incredible vintage race cars. Wonderful and powerful vehicles hit the tracks in those days and they have come to be admired as great vintage
race cars. Famous car racer Briggs Cunningham, who was equally proficient on water with his yachts, entered a couple of Cadillacs, including a Coupe de Ville’ for the Le Mans in 1950. Two years later he showcased the Aston Martin B52 with a second place finish in the Sam Collier Memorial Race. The Le Mans 24 hours, which continues to be one of motor sports leading events, was dominated by Jaguar during the 50s. The Jaguar C-Type won the event in 1951 and 1953. The ‘53 version was made more aerodynamic and with a lighter body to counter the power of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. The next generation of Jaguar race car was even more successful. Engineering learned from aircraft design was incorporated into the D-Type and its aerodynamics was improved further. The investment and effort paid off as the new Jaguar was to win three consecutive Le Mans titles between 1955 and 1957 making it one of the great vintage race cars. The European car manufacturers had a strong presence in car racing during the decade. The Italian car manufacturer Maserati, which had been involved in the sport since the mid-20s, enjoyed success 30 years later on the car racing circuit. They developed the A6GCS which finished fifth in World Sportscar Championship of 1954. A year later they improved to fourth place in the Championship. In 1956 the Italians came second, winning the 100km Buenos Aires in Argentina with a Maserati 300S. The Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 was force to be reckoned with. The car won the 1955 World Sportscar Championship. Interestingly, the SLR 300 was equipped with an air brake system based on those used in aircraft for Le Man 24 hours that same year. Unfortunately the car was involved in a crash that led to the death of its driver, Pierre Levegh and scores of spectators. That disaster led to Mercedes-Benz pulling out of motor racing until the 80s. Another German car manufacturer, Porsche, also enjoyed race car success in the 1950s. Their vintage race cars were also popular with American racers. One of the smaller race cars at the time, Porsche won the 1959 Targa Florio, in Sicily, with its 718 RSK. While these cars enjoyed their success over half a century ago, it is still possible to see them in action. Historical races allow the public to see these vintage race cars re-live their former glories. Related Articles |
Return To The 1950s Automobiles Home Page or why not visit...
|
