The Ground Effects Era
1970-1972 were 3 years in Formula 1 that marked an era of great accomplishments
and terrible disasters. 1970 began with the sight of an innovative wedge-shaped
Lotus 72 featuring torsion bar suspension. Austrian driver Jochen Rindt drove the
radical Lotus 72 to a substantial points lead, but his life was cut short in a tragic
accident at Monza. This would be the first and only time the F1 Championship
would be awarded posthumously. In 1971, Lotus experimented with a gas
turbine car, while Ken Tyrrell, and a brilliant driver named Jackie Stewart, took
the 1971 title. In 1972, Lotus teamed up with the John Player Special brand, and
a 25-year old Emerson Fittipaldi became the youngest F1 Champion in history.
1970 German Grand Prix – (14 min.)
Condition (Excellent) – This is a raw black and white video feed (without
commentary) showing various segments of the 1970 German Grand Prix.
1970 South African Grand Prix – (20 min.)
Condition (Excellent) – From a 1970 BBC show called “Wheelbase”, this is an excellent recap
of the South African Grand Prix. The source of this segment is an old ESPN Classic broadcast
from around 2002, and there is an ESPN watermark in the corner.
1970 Spanish Grand Prix – (25 min.)
Condition (Excellent) – Again, this was from a 1970 BBC show called “Wheelbase”, and is an
excellent review of the Spanish Grand Prix. The source of this segment is an old ESPN Classic
broadcast from around 2002, and there is an ESPN watermark in the corner.
Jochen Rindt – Uncrowned Champion – (28 min.)
Condition (Very Good) – This was originally intended as a 1970 Formula 1 season review,
but with the tragic death of Jochen Rindt at Monza, the focus of this film is Jochen. This
film is not as clear as we would like, but the footage is excellent.
1971 German Grand Prix – (32 min.)
Condition (Excellent) – A very subdued German commentary is combined with
excellent color footage, and is intermixed with a few black and white aerial shots.
Overall very good coverage of the 1971 German Grand Prix, with the win going to
Jackie Stewart, followed by Cevert and Regazzoni.
1971 Italian Grand Prix – (6 min.)
Condition (Excellent) – A short clip of the 1971 Italian Grand Prix, rare in that
this is live black and white video feed with no commentary.
1971 Formula 1 Season – Jackie Stewart : World Champion – (25 min.)
Condition (Excellent) – A 1971 film recapping the season, with the
focus being on eventual 1971 champion Jackie Stewart. Great footage!
1972 Italian Grand Prix – (8 min.)
Condition (Excellent) – A short clip of the 1972 Italian Grand Prix, rare in that
this is live black and white video feed with no commentary.
1972 Formula 1 Season – Best Of The Best – (25 min.)
Condition (Excellent) – A 1972 film recapping the season, with the
focus being on eventual 1972 champion Emerson Fittipaldi.