Brands Hatch

[johnfilmer]

I went to the last race meeting at Crystal Palace, 1972, an all Vintage affair with lap records to be held for ever.

A whole grid of ERAs, thundering aero engined concoctions with flames everywhere but also one Gerry Marshall giving his all to get into the record books. Up against the likes of Willie Green he did really well, his flamboyant style matching both the mood of the meeting and often the quickest way to drive the various beasts that he got to play in that day.

I lent the programme to a friend, never to be seen again (both friend and programme!).

Sydenham used to be in Kent prior to the formation of London County Council, so not completely off piste😃

[mmitch]

Gerry Marshall drove several Vauxhall types. I think it was a Magnum? that he was rescued from at Druids. I remember DTV gave the marshalls a magnum of champagne as a 'thank you.' Always a spectacular driver.
mmitch.

[johnfilmer]

Recently during a Guess the Place thread, we touched upon memories of 1970s racing cars and drivers.

At the time I mentioned Gerry Marshall as the driver of "Big Bertha" a Vauxhall, the model of which escaped me. I mentioned this to a like minded friend who has sent me some footage of the pair, and it was a Vauxhall Ventora. Granted somewhat modified with a 4.7Litre Ford V8 - lovely soundtrack! It seems that there are only about 30 left on our roads.

The footage from 1974

Enjoy!