On 13 May 1950, the first ever Formula 1 World Championship race was held at Silverstone – and, working alongside the Royal Automobile Club, the Guild of Motoring Writers was a presenting partner. Now, 70 years on, the Guild is marking the 1950 British Grand Prix by reopening sales of a unique DVD featuring the only copyrighted colour footage of the event, commissioned by the Guild from Stanley Schofield.
The partnership with the Royal Automobile Club came after the organisation turned to the Guild of Motoring Writers to help with the expected deluge of press interest. Guild founder member Dudley Noble was appointed press officer and, along with other Guild members Sammy Davies, Tommy Wisdom, Laurie Cade and Basil Cardew, the Guild maintained all aspects of Grand Prix communications.
It was the Guild that decided such a momentous occasion should be recorded on film, and commissioned Mr Schofield and his team to produce the footage. The resulting film of the race, officially called the Royal Automobile Club Grand Prix d’Europe incorporating the British Grand Prix, was premiered at the third annual Guild of Motoring Writers Motor Show Test Day at Goodwood in November 1950. The showing was also referenced in Motor Sport magazine.
In 2010, following rediscovery of the footage, the Guild Committee arranged for it to be digitised and a number of DVDs to be produced for members to enjoy it once again. The DVD also contains a film of a later GOMW Motor Show Test Day at Goodwood in c.1955.
Sales of the Guild’s archive collection have now been reopened for collectors and enthusiasts keen to watch a unique piece of Formula 1 history.
Want to buy your own copy?
If you want to purchase your own copy, contact new Guild Secretary Melissa Chadderton ([email protected]). She will arrange payment, and also for the DVD to be distributed directly to a preferred postal address.
The price is £10.00 (including postage and packing) for the UK, £13.00 for Europe and £15.00 for the rest of the world. All proceeds from the sale of the DVD will go to the Guild Benevolent Fund.
A copy of the film has also been placed in the National Film Archive by the Guild.
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