| Synopsis: |
Graham Hill (1929-1975) is the only driver to have won motor racing's triple crown - the World Championship, the Indianapolis 500 and the Le Mans 24-Hour race. This is a remarkable achievement and unlikely ever to be matched. This book charts the legendary racer's struggle to become a world-beater. It follows Hill from his childhood, through his humble beginnings as an apprentice and unpaid mechanic working all hours in return for the odd drive, to the heights of World Championship fame in 1962, ending with his landmark Indianapolis win in 1966. In Hill's own words and those of the people close to him, the book graphically illustrates his many battles, the inherent danger and his sheer dogged determination. This is more than just a motor racing book because Graham Hill was so much more than just a racing driver. He was one of the last great sporting characters and had a wicked sense of humour. It is fascinating to hear his contemporaries describe him and his many qualities.Apart from Lotus and BRM Grand Prix cars, Hill drove the finest sports and GT cars of this period, including examples of Ferrari Test Rossa, 250GT swb, 250 GTO, 330P and 250LM; Birdcage Maserati, Jaguar E-type and Lightweight E, Porsche RSK & 904, Lola T70 and Ford GT40, plus a dozen different Lotuses. The saloons cars ranged from A35s and Minis to Jaguar 3.8s and a Ford Galaxie. There were the jet-powered Rover-BRMs at Le Mans, Formula 2 cars, a Mini-Moke, the Ferguson P99 and Aston Martin Project 212. In rallying, he drove Fords, Zephyr, Anglia and Falcon, plus a Riley 1.5, Sunbeam Rapier and Mini Cooper 'S'. It is an extraordinary list and illustration of his versatility and virtuosity. This beautifully designed and presented book is entirely inspired by Hill's personal scrapbooks, keep-sakes, press-cuttings and recorded views of his life in racing. It is enriched throughout by Hill's own reminiscences, plus those of his family, colleagues and friends. The foreword is by Graham's son and former world-champion, Damon Hill. The excitement and danger of motor-racing in the 50s & 60s is captured through glossy period photography and stylish archival text.You can follow Hill to his first World Championship win (1962) and to Indianapolis success (1966). Sir Stirling Moss, Mario Andretti, Sir Jack Brabham, Dan Gurney, John Surtees, Chris Amon, Tony Brooks and others give their personal views on Hill and his career. Hill's races and rallies include the Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans, Monte Carlo Rally, Targa Florio, Nassau Speed Week, worldwide Grands Prix and Sebring 12-Hours. |