Vintage Road Race Programs

[Jive-Bomber]

Alright, maybe I'm getting kinda obscure here, but I really dig any vintage automotive racing illustration *if it's done well*. Most of you are familiar with the classic Monaco GP posters of the 1930s, and just after the war, sports car racing began ...

To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.

[The37Kid]

Some of the early Watkins Glen programs had an ARDUN sales brochure in them, don't be startled if you find one at a flea market, just pay the man and keep smiling.

[fms427]

This era also spawned some very interesting American Specials - to me, this was the "Golden Age" of road racing.

[Sea Horse]

A few years ago, I picked up a copy of the 1949 Bridgehampton road race program at a yard sale. It was a great find, and it made my day....

[Big A]

Originally Posted by Sea Horse

I picked up a copy of the 1949 Bridgehampton road race program at a yard sale

That's when you casually inquire whether they have any more racing memorabilia in the house.

[BeatnikPirate]

I love this vintage race car art. Thanks for bringing it up.

When you see something like a Jag XK120 you immediately understand how, back in the late forties, early fifties many Americans were inspired to own a sportscar or racer.... or build their own affordable backyard version, a hot rod.

Here's an XK120, which still excites and inspires, more than 60 years later, plus a few more posters I pulled off the web.

[crosleykook]

As much as I love the crazy giant cars the Germans were building just before WWII, the mid-fifties are my favorite period for Road Racing. Still a chance for the average joe to compete with the factory entries, and there was no single 'right' way to go.

Actually, let me amend that- seems like either buying an Allard or building your own variation on the theme was the most popular option. The factory Allards were KILLER, and it seems like there were a ton of specials that used the same idea: european suspension and other components with a gi-normous American V8, all wrapped in aluminum with cycle-fenders.

there were other killer American racers of the era too.. the Cunninghams of course, and then homebuilts like the Manning Special. Great time for racing.

[autobilly]

Looks like a strong theme of impressing the ladies at Bridgehampton in the late forties/early fifties.

[barqsnut]

Paramount Ranch Road Races Program

[Bdamfino]

I love how the earlier program illustrations have such a "Stroker" vibe to them!!!

[Jalopy Jim]

I miss the days of C and D sport racers that you could build at home from a wrecked Saab, MG or what ever.
Nowdays the car has to be designed by an engineer and put it out of the home builder reach. That is how I ended up here along with a few other of my old road racing friends.

[flamingokid]

My next project is probably going to be a road racer.

[rbantique]

another fun cover