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Vic Elford, TNF member

Started by Mark Beckman , Aug 19 2002 09:32

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153 replies to this topic

#101 lynmeredith

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Posted 24 August 2002 - 23:39

Just get yourself to Oz, Vic, and we'll show you around. I'll start to clear out the spare room today.

Lyn Meredith

#102 Gary C

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Posted 24 August 2002 - 23:50

I can't believe I haven't investigated this thread before - welcome indeed, Mr.Elford!! Please feel free to regal us with some stories as and when you feel like it, I think you already know the reaction you'll get! Great stuff!

#103 Gary C

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Posted 24 August 2002 - 23:54

As we now have Dan Gurney and Vic Elford posting on the Forum, we only now have to get Jack Brabham, Brian Redman, Mario and JYS and then we'd have the real deal!! (if only.....)

#104 Mark Beckman

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Posted 25 August 2002 - 01:57

Pictures posted on behalf of Don Capps !

Vic Elford in Chapparal fan car.

Thanks Don :clap:

Here Vic is slipstreaming unknown competitor closely
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Vics failed attempt to get up the inside at Station bend
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Suddenly Vic spots lightly dressed female in back of Convertable
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And races to get to her first !
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#105 Mark Beckman

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Posted 25 August 2002 - 02:07

Originally posted by lynmeredith
Just get yourself to Oz, Vic, and we'll show you around. I'll start to clear out the spare room today.

Lyn Meredith

I saw him first :rotfl:

#106 lynmeredith

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Posted 25 August 2002 - 05:42

Originally posted by Mark Beckman

I saw him first

1965 I think it was, in a Ford Lotus Cortina rally car. Monte Carlo, I think.

LM

#107 Ray Bell

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Posted 25 August 2002 - 06:24

Now what's that word?

"Touché!"

But we could make it a combined effort?

#108 Mark Beckman

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Posted 25 August 2002 - 11:44

Originally posted by lynmeredith

1965 I think it was, in a Ford Lotus Cortina rally car. Monte Carlo, I think.

LM

#109 oldtimer

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Posted 25 August 2002 - 23:44

Originally posted by Gary C
As we now have Dan Gurney and Vic Elford posting on the Forum, we only now have to get Jack Brabham, Brian Redman, Mario and JYS and then we'd have the real deal!! (if only.....)

And let's not forget one C.A.S. Brooks!

#110 Bernd

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Posted 26 August 2002 - 00:12

Everyone always seems to don't they oldtimer. He's criminally underrated (except by a lot of us) and always seems to be forgotten. He is extraordinarily intelligent, succinct, articulate and is not prone to arrogance like other greats of his time Moss

I honestly can't think of anyone else I'd rather see join us, though Amon would be fun.

#111 Don Capps

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Posted 26 August 2002 - 00:33

Originally posted by Mark Beckman
Pictures posted on behalf of Don Capps !

These are two hasty pictures taken of the 2J when it stopped at a local American station to fuel up...!!!! We walked out and there it was! My brother had my camera so I had to find him, but he had put it back in the car naturally, so after a mad scramble we only managed these two shots, which we later sent to the owner of the station.

Originally posted by Mark Beckman

Here is a photo taken as the field was on its pace lap and me forgetting to put on the telephoto lens... :rolleyes:

...and the other is a shot of Vic as he passed through the Turn 5 area.

This remains one of the highlights in my many race appearances -- the 2J was just so unreal and we later spoke briefly with Vic to get a few words for my article. He was so gracious and answered my few questions as if he had not been asked them a thousand times already... :up:

...and made my day!

#112 Arturo Pereira

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Posted 26 August 2002 - 03:55

http://www.racingspo...1-04-04-008.jpg :wave:

#113 Henri Greuter

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Posted 26 August 2002 - 13:27

In one of the earlier messages I mentioned Vic not excelling in anything in particular but being one of the very best in about everything on wheels.

I used that description while I don't know of a driver who was world champion in every discipline he entered, that's about as perfect you can get.

So mr. Elford, forgive me for giving you `only` a 9 out of 10.
But on my list there are not so many drivers around with higher than a 7 if it comes to proven versatility the way you did over the years. Mastering a 911 at Monte Carlo as well as an '69 917 at le mans is about the biggest demonstration of versatilty I can think about.

I hope we will have the opportunity to enjoy many more of your stories on many occasions.

Henri Greuter

#114 Carlos Jalife

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Posted 27 August 2002 - 17:43

Today is a very bad day for me in Mexico, and I decided I needed to lift my spirit so I turned into the Forum and the answer is here, Vic Elford.
It is great man, I am the Rodríguez biographer who sent you a few e mails a couple of years back before I lost your mail, and then my friend Octavio from Venezuela asked you some more when you were there with Milka in Le Mans and he was your passenger back to the hotel every night.
It is really good to see you here man, you are really something!
I know you are coming to Mexico for the Panamericana in october but I want to organize something for you, on behalf of the Scuderia Hermanos (Brothers) Rodriguez, and take you to visit the Autódromo, or anything you'd like while here. Please contact me, I really want to let the press know you are here and organize some stuff for you, and the Panamericana organizers are OK, they are Scuderia members so they like the idea.
It is a pleasure to see all those recollections, and yes, a biography should do you justice, any plans?
We ought to start a publishing company here and do stuff on real drivers like Vic instead of having to endure endless tales about the buttons of the world. Imagine, our archives together, the cumulative knowledge together, it would be an enthusiasts dream!

Vic, keep those anecdotes coming, andf thanks, you've made my day! :up:

#115 The Runner

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Posted 27 August 2002 - 17:57

One of the best videos I have is Wheels of Thunder, featuring Vic Elford and Mario Andretti, but also Brian Redman. I think Vic and Brian will always be in my top twenty drivers of all time. This is a terrific video, a friend gave it to me and it is well worth buying should any of you get the chance.
It also features another driver who had immense talent similar to Vic and Brian, one Sandro Munari if you remember him.....

#116 rdrcr

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Posted 27 August 2002 - 20:20

Originally posted by Don Capps
"... I have always admired Vic Elford as one of the true 'All 'Rounders' like Andretti, Gurney, Moss, Clark, Redman, and a small handful of others.... Sadly, that seems to have gone the way of the wind, as they say..."

an "echo" to the above...

What a suprise to find Vic posting in a thread devoted to his exploits!

I just logged in this afternoon after being away for awhile and this thread was just what I've come to expect from TNF and Atlas... only the best!

Welcome to TNF and a belated thanks for your insights and reminiscing of those glory days in sports car racing... and I'm sure I speak for all here, that we very much appreciate your contributions.

When I was in Monterey a couple of weeks ago, I thought that one of your old Camaros was entered... Circa 1970, when you ran them with Jim Hall and Milt Minter.

Your ability to adapt to various kinds of machinery and provide a fine showing in damn near anything is an inspiration!

#117 josh.lintz

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Posted 29 August 2002 - 11:07

What can I say? Great thread, and welcome aboard, Mr. Elford!

(Maybe we can change the thread title to: Vic Elford Is...)

#118 cjpani

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Posted 30 August 2002 - 00:14

Go Vic!!!

that is Vic, rigth?

Carlos

#119 FEV

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Posted 31 August 2002 - 08:56

Vic Elford ! Merde alors ! Is that cool !? A very warm welcome at TNF and many thanks to you Sir for taking the time to share your souvenirs with us. And thanks to Mark too ! I was born in 1975 and never saw you race but that does not prevent me from admiring you. All I know comes from what I've read and most of all from what I have learned here at TNF, but, for what it's worth, in my own personal Motorsport Hall of Fame you're right there with Achille, Tazio, Lucien, Pedro, Jo et al.

[annoying fan mode on] If one of these days you feel like talking to us about a certain Toyota 7 and races in Japan you'll make one happy French guy ! [annoying fan mode off].
Thanks again
Frank

#120 JacnGille

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Posted 02 September 2002 - 01:27

Vic,
Will you be gracing us with your presence at the Petit LeMans again this year? If so, I will bring something special for you to autograph.
Thanks

#121 Bladrian

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Posted 02 September 2002 - 17:37

Originally posted by cjpani
Go Vic!!!

that is Vic, rigth?

Carlos

Daaamn; that is one OGLY car ........ Shadow, wasn't it? I heard that thing needed a coupla boat anchors to stop it because of it's tiny brakes. You wouldn't get me inna that mother with a gun ...

#122 Ray Bell

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Posted 09 September 2002 - 12:00

Originally posted by Bladrian
...I heard that thing needed a coupla boat anchors to stop it because of it's tiny brakes. You wouldn't get me inna that mother with a gun ...

With an air brake like that, would it need much more?

#123 Dennis David

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Posted 20 September 2002 - 23:02

My apologies if this has already posted but now I understand the statement that racers are not made, they’re born … Vic in 1934

#124 paulb

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Posted 09 July 2003 - 19:10

Mr. Elford, alive and well at the Cyprus WRC with Richard Burns.

http://www.motorspor...p?D=Vic_Elford#

#125 Peter Bodensteiner

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Posted 09 July 2003 - 21:15

For those of you who might be interested, Vic was in Cyprus to work on a new book he is writing about the World Rally Championship.

I'm Vic's editor at Motorbooks International (we also published his Porsche driving book a few years back), and have been reading TNF off and on for a couple years. I happened to stumble onto this revived thread today and I must agree with everyone's comments about Vic. He certainly is a great gentleman and I feel fortunate to be working with him.

In any case, Vic's book will be a behind-the-scenes look at the WRC, peppered with some of his rememberances of rallying through the years. Look for it on the shelves in the fall of next year (2004).

#126 Don Capps

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Posted 09 July 2003 - 22:23

Peter, Thanks for joining us. I never cease to be amazed at who pops up here.....

#127 Jack-the-Lad

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Posted 10 July 2003 - 01:45

Although I admired Vic for many years for his driving I didn't meet him until about ten years ago when he was service manager for my local Land Rover (!) dealership. He's as delightful a bloke as he was (and probably still is) a most talented and versatile driver with plenty of "tiger." I only saw him in action once, in the Chapparal 2J. Pure magic!

Vic, if you're reading, Reggie Smith and I were just speaking about you last weekend! Any plans to be at Goodwood Revival this September?

Jack

#128 paulb

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Posted 10 July 2003 - 01:52

Yes, Peter, thank-you for joining us!

Vic's WRC book sounds like a good one.

#129 Seppi_0_917PA

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Posted 19 March 2006 - 14:51

Originally posted by Vican ...There. I hope that keeps you all happy for a few more days.

Originally posted by ensign14 At least until the autobiography comes out, hint hint.

The David Bull Publishing Spring 2006 catalog has a May 31 release date for:

Vic Elford, Reflections on a Golden Age in Motorsports
by Vic Elford
Hardcover 8 3/8" by 9", 280 pages with 140 b/w photos and 39 color
ISBN 1-893618-52-5
$39.95

In the mean time, go back and read post #81 . And #34 .

#130 Tim Murray

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Posted 19 March 2006 - 18:27

Thanks for reviving this thread, Seppi. I'd almost forgotten those brilliant reminiscences from the man himself. I do so wish he'd pop back here occasionally to give us a few more.

Looking forward to the book.

#131 BRM MICK

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Posted 19 March 2006 - 20:49

Hi
By coincidence I have just finished modifying a SRC 1/43 kit to create a model of "Quick Vic in the BRM P160 at the Nurburgring 1971

regards

Mick :clap:

#132 harryglorydays

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Posted 23 March 2006 - 17:27

Welcome Vic! Yes, he is one of the nicest people ever to be part of the sport. He was always very gracious to us photogs and would take the time to give us a nice shot. here are some fond memories I have (I hope this works!

Vic at Daytona 24 Hour 1970

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Vic in the Martini 917 Sebring 1971

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Victory Lane Sebring 1971

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Vic with Jim Hall, Road Atlanta Can-Am 1970

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Vic in the 2J Road Atlanta Can-Am 1970

Thanks for all the great drives, Vic!

#133 MPea3

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Posted 23 March 2006 - 18:44

Road Atlanta, 1970... my first ever road race! What a way for a kid to break in. I still have paddock and race photos somewhere from that day.

That was the first public race held at the track, with a non-spectator SCCA race having been held a few weeks earlier. I remember rooting for Vic and the Chaparral, but I also remember Denny Hulme coming under the bridge and down the hill in the lead at the end of the first lap. It was almost shocking... to use the old expression, he looked like a man among boys out there, as the orange car was a total blur through the corner and onto the straight. The Chaparral by contrast looked so clean and tidy. I also remember the feeling among the crowd when we all realized that Tony Dean was going to win the thing through attrition. So many of us were rooting against the McLarens, simply because they were so dominant, and that was part of the appeal of the 2J, but Dean's win was a real shocker.

#134 Breadmaster

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Posted 23 March 2006 - 18:58

I can't believe I've only just found this thread!

Like another poster earlier (3 or 4 years ago... :lol:

) I am fascinated by this:

"On the same weekend I had another moment. (You have to remember that aerodynamics was in it's infancy at that time). On the fast up-hill run from Adenau toward the carousel there was a very slight crest where we would take off at about 140 mph. Nothing exciting since once the car was airborne it almost followed the trajectory of the road, so we started off about 9 inches in the air and the gap slowly narrowed until we gently touched ground again about 40 metres later. But not this time! I took off and just carried on upwards. As I passed over the edge of the road I peered down over the side of the car to see myself going almost directly over the head of great German photographer, Rainer Schlegelmilch, lying in the grass beside the track. And the car was actually cushioned quite well when it landed in the bushes."

Does anyone know if a picture exists?

Thanks for the posts Vic. :up:

#135 CJE

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Posted 24 March 2006 - 01:59

We were lucky to have Vic as a guest at last year's Taj Kreuzers Porsche event in Dayton Ohio. It's a charity event for the Ronald McDonald House and is hosted by John Dixon who owns the Taj ma Garaj - a private Porsche museum. Anyway, my buddy Dave got to pick Vic up from the airport in his 1970 911S. I'm not sure who got the bigger kick out of that - Dave for chaffeuring Vic around, or Vic for being reunited with an Early 911!! We're hoping Vic returns this year for the June event.

#136 group 7

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Posted 16 April 2006 - 01:10

dears users

here I post a new tribute

to a great british driver

vic elford

http://i28.photobuck...cElford-new.jpg

http://i28.photobuck.../Vic-Elford.jpg

http://i28.photobuck...ino/ta70_19.jpg

http://i28.photobuck...rabino/f4_1.jpg

http://i28.photobuck...rabino/d4_1.jpg

http://i28.photobuck...rabino/4a_1.jpg

http://i28.photobuck...rabino/46_1.jpg

http://i28.photobuck...abarabino/1.jpg

http://i28.photobuck...rabino/06_1.jpg

welcome yours pics

group 7

#137 Frank S

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Posted 16 April 2006 - 01:36

At Riverside Trans-Am:

H.D.Emerson/UNOCO photo; eBay find

#138 SEdward

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Posted 17 April 2006 - 07:22

Has his book been published yet?

Edward

#139 Bill Wagenblatt

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Posted 17 April 2006 - 15:39

In the latest David Bull catalog it list the Vic Elford book being published on May 31 this year

#140 Pedro 917

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Posted 07 May 2006 - 09:18

Reflections on a Golden Era of Motorsport
By Vic Elford
Foreword by Ferdinand Piëch

Hardcover, 8 3/8” by 9”, 280 Pages, with 140 Black and White, and 39 Color photos

Vic Elford is the epitome of the classic racing driver: smart, brave, and above all, versatile. His autobiography offers a personal perspective on the initiative and skills required to build a career in racing in the 1960s and ‘70s.

Consider Vic’s 1968 season. It began with his win in the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally followed by a win the next weekend in the Daytona 24 Hours. He was second at Sebring a month later, then in May scored an epic victory at the Targa Florio, which is considered the greatest win in Targa Florio history. Two weeks later Vic won the Nürburgring 1000 Kilometers. Then in his first F1 race in July Vic took a badly out-classed Cooper T86B to a stunning fourth-place finish in the soaking wet French Grand Prix.

As he relates his experience Vic provides insight on the drivers, team personnel, and cars that defined a glorious era in racing. Vic’s keen sense of humor comes to the fore as he describes the hugely entertaining and seldom discussed “in between” moments racers experienced traveling from race to race. Richly illustrated with photographs from Vic’s collection, Vic Elford: Reflections on a Golden Era of Motorsport is a vivid, intimate account of a remarkable period in racing and of the man whose character gave it so much of its appeal.

ALSO AVAILABLE: THE PUBLISHER’S EDITION of Vic Elford: Reflections on a Golden Era of Motorsport, signed by Vic Elford. This edition is offered in a numbered series limited to 300. $139. Numbers 1-50 are bound in superior garment-quality leather. $249.

You can pre-order the book now here

#141 Vican

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Posted 07 May 2006 - 16:41

Thanks to everyone for all the great messages.
For all of you holding your breath......
The new book is finished and is now in the hands of the designers for its final arranging, page by page.
Publication date I don't know yet, but it will be soon.
All the best,
Vic Elford

#142 Twin Window

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Posted 07 May 2006 - 17:53

Excellent news, Vic. :up:

I'll be ordering mine when I get back to Blighty!

#143 MCS

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Posted 07 May 2006 - 20:51

Originally posted by Pedro 917
Consider Vic’s 1968 season. It began with his win in the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally followed by a win the next weekend in the Daytona 24 Hours. He was second at Sebring a month later, then in May scored an epic victory at the Targa Florio, which is considered the greatest win in Targa Florio history. Two weeks later Vic won the Nürburgring 1000 Kilometers. Then in his first F1 race in July Vic took a badly out-classed Cooper T86B to a stunning fourth-place finish in the soaking wet French Grand Prix.here

I've read this part of the description three or four times now. It really does require some taking in, doesn't it?

Absolutely stunning.

What a treat this promises to be.

#144 Pedro 917

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Posted 07 September 2006 - 21:22

I received my signed copy through Vic's store (check here ) a couple of days ago and boys, what a great read it is. Vic really writes the way he talks, makes you feel like you were there, a sure trip through memory lane. Wish I could go back to that era (don't we all....). Thanks for the memories Vic !!

#145 Valvert

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Posted 07 September 2006 - 22:31

Vic Elford was also the first ever winner of a Rallycross event. He has probably long forgotten the 4th of February 1967 as it was not very special compared to Lemans, the Nurburgring and the Monte Carlo Rally. But in retrospect it was of course a historical victory.

#146 jj2728

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Posted 07 September 2006 - 23:38

My word, I must be having a "Vic Elford" day. Firstly the newest addition to my diecast collection, the EBBRO 1/43 #12 Porsche 917 that Vic and Richard Attwood drove at the 1969 LeMans 24 hours arrived in the mail today (for you diecast collectors this is a MUST have). Secondly I was going through my father's photo archives and came across his 35mm slides of Vic and the Shadow at the 1970 Mid Ohio Can Am race deciding on which one I wanted as a print for my studio. Thirdly, since the wife and kids had gone to the stables I decided to pop "A Hard Day's Fight" into the vcr and watch some 1969 LeMans action at very loud volume and now I stumble across this thread. How could I have been so re-miss in not seeing it till now. I must get a copy of Vic's book. Off to ordering I go..... :up:

#147 Vican

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Posted 13 September 2006 - 19:40

In reply to "Valvert", September 7, no I haven't forgotten February 4, 1967! The only car I had available was the AFN showroom demonstrator, lent to me by the Aldingtons. It was savagely attacked by the two factory Fords. My new book is now available and you will find more details of that afternoon inside. Check my web site if you want an autographed copy. www.VicElford.com

All the best to everyone.
Vic Elford

#148 Twin Window

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Posted 13 September 2006 - 20:25

Hi Vic

My book arrived safe and sound today - and I must say that is extremely prompt service, so please pass on my compliments to Anita!

#149 CarlBauer

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Posted 13 September 2006 - 22:02

I thought I would post a picture of one of the best Porsche racing posters ever designed by E. Strenger. Picture by Julius Weitmann.

Posted Image

The next two (both from the same sequence) are from 'Porsche Story' written in 1968 by J. Weitmann. Great account of the '68 Targa by the photographer.

Posted Image

I'm lucky to have this Elford 'victory' poster on the wall as well.

Posted Image

#150 Spaceframe

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Posted 13 September 2006 - 22:59

The general concensus appear to be that Vic Elford shone in just about every category except F1. But managing to qualify one of the heavy Cooper-BRMs on the second row for the 1968 German GP surely was a very big achievement. The BRM V12 might've been reasonably OK, as Rodriguez showed in the factory BRM, but the Cooper chassis was definitely second-rate, so the quick lap must've been solely down to the driver's skills :smoking:

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Vic Elford, TNF member

#101 lynmeredith

#102 Gary C

#103 Gary C

#104 Mark Beckman

#105 Mark Beckman

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#107 Ray Bell

#108 Mark Beckman

#109 oldtimer

#110 Bernd

#111 Don Capps

#112 Arturo Pereira

#113 Henri Greuter

#114 Carlos Jalife

#115 The Runner

#116 rdrcr

#117 josh.lintz

#118 cjpani

#119 FEV

#120 JacnGille

#121 Bladrian

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#123 Dennis David

#124 paulb

#125 Peter Bodensteiner

#126 Don Capps

#127 Jack-the-Lad

#128 paulb

#129 Seppi_0_917PA

#130 Tim Murray

#131 BRM MICK

#132 harryglorydays

#133 MPea3

#134 Breadmaster

#135 CJE

#136 group 7

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#138 SEdward

#139 Bill Wagenblatt

#140 Pedro 917

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