Video of the week- 1937 Monaco GP Review

From the carbon fibre kevlar composite sleek racing machines of today, we go back over 70 years to a time where racing drivers gained a stature nearing superhero status.  Tubular frame chassis was in its infancy, races lasted for well over three hours, no power steering, drum brakes, speeds over 300km/h, no seatbelts, drivers often sat on or near a metal fuel tank and the fuel used was a concoction of chemicals that caused nausea. 

Pre-War Grand Prix racing was an era when racing cars were fast, safety comprised of straw bales and the accidents often resulted in tragedy.  It was dominated by the two German automotive giants; Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union.  Their design and methods spawned machinery that was very exotic for its time, with some design concepts which are still used today (for example the mid-mounted engine).

The 1937 Monaco Grand Prix was won by Manfred von Brauchitsch in the 600+hp supercharged Mercedes W125.  Rudolf Caracciola was supposed to win, however von Brauchitsch disobeyed team principal Alfred Neubauer and won anyway.  The footage of these cars sliding around on skinny tyres does not do it justice just how many risks the drivers were taking each lap!  Hear the sound of the superchargers and large capacity engines from a golden era in motorsport.

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