The Lancia race

July 7, 2014

By Mika Hahn

No ISBN NUMBER

Published by BZ Verlag, €75 (Special Edition € 150)

Somehow Mercedes keeps a lasting hold on Carrera Panamericana glory; but in 1953 Lancia scored a 1-2-3 success, headed by J-M Fangio. Lancia filmed their triumph, but because Felice Bonetto was killed during the race, the programme was never completed. Rediscovered in poor condition in 1999, it has now been restored and edited into this 25-minute video, packaged along with a book of annotated stills. It’s silent, and erratic in content, showing more paddock activity than racing, but it’s a fascinating novelty, a glimpse of racing of yesteryear in exotic surroundings and oozing with period flavour — witness the drivers puffing on their fags as they await the start, or aerial footage showing the Lancias easily outstripping the camera ‘plane. Helpfully, the accompanying book names places and faces, and carries an introduction by Lancia driver Gino Valenzano. Expensive, but unique. GC

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Gordon Cruickshank

Deputy editor

Bravely ignoring his degree in industrial design after discovering night rallies in a Renault 8, GC joined Motor Sport by accident, in the Teesdale days around 1982 when Jenks and WB were office regulars and Mr Tee ruled with a rod of cardboard. He took part in some of the early historic rallies, winning one of the Pirelli Marathons, and regularly runs his Mk2 Jaguar in road events.

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