Grand Prix Ford
Ford, Cosworth and the Dfv
Published on 15. September 2015
Book
Hardback
272 pages
978-1-84584-624-4 (ISBN)
Description
This book is based on a concept placed with Veloce by Anthony Pritchard shortly before his death in 2013. Graham Robson has written a detailed and superbly illustrated account of the Formula 1 cars powered by the Ford DFV V8 engine. This all-conquering power unit was the result of discussions between Colin Chapman, boss of the Lotus car company, and the UK Ford Motor Company. Design, development and manufacture was entrusted to the Cosworth company in Northampton, in response to Lotus' desperate need for an engine for the 3000cc Formula 1 regulations that came into force for 1966. Lotus had exclusive use of the DFV in 1967, its first season, when Jim Clark drove the DFV-powered Lotus 49 to four World Championship victories.
Becoming available to other Formula 1 teams in 1968, adopters included McLaren and Matra. Graham Hill won the Drivers' Championship with DFV-powered Lotus cars in 1968, and drivers of DFV-powered cars won the Championship in 13 out of 16 years. Year by year, the power of the DFV engine increased; new companies were set up to overhaul the DFV; and engines prepared by these companies were more powerful than those emanating from the factory.
Robson's narrative starts with a look at Ford's strategy of entering F1, a description of the design and development of this engine, and details the successes - and failures - of every Formula 1 car powered by the DFV engine. During these years the only manufacturer to successfully challenge DFV power was Ferrari, with drivers Lauda and Scheckter winning the Drivers' Championship on three occasions. Because the DFV later gave rise to successful derivatives, such as the turbocharged DFX, and the DFY, DFZ and DFR evolutions, these are also analysed.
This important book is illustrated with more than 300 photographs, most of which come from the UK Ford Motor Company's own archives.
Becoming available to other Formula 1 teams in 1968, adopters included McLaren and Matra. Graham Hill won the Drivers' Championship with DFV-powered Lotus cars in 1968, and drivers of DFV-powered cars won the Championship in 13 out of 16 years. Year by year, the power of the DFV engine increased; new companies were set up to overhaul the DFV; and engines prepared by these companies were more powerful than those emanating from the factory.
Robson's narrative starts with a look at Ford's strategy of entering F1, a description of the design and development of this engine, and details the successes - and failures - of every Formula 1 car powered by the DFV engine. During these years the only manufacturer to successfully challenge DFV power was Ferrari, with drivers Lauda and Scheckter winning the Drivers' Championship on three occasions. Because the DFV later gave rise to successful derivatives, such as the turbocharged DFX, and the DFY, DFZ and DFR evolutions, these are also analysed.
This important book is illustrated with more than 300 photographs, most of which come from the UK Ford Motor Company's own archives.
Reviews / Votes
colourful and fun. A thorough look at several Formula One eras from a different angle. Classic Cars a very useful reference Classic & Sports Car (UK) Graham Robson's history of the DFV could not be more comprehensive. It is as detailed as it is photographically glorious and will be the key reference for anyone needing a large dose of DFV ... it is hard to imagine a more complete work on the most influential engine in the history of racing. Motor Sport the definitive guide to the DFV and derivative engined Fl cars, by an author who has met and spoken to most of the main actors over the years www.silhouet.com a detailed and superbly illustrated account of the Formula 1 cars powered by the legendary Ford-Cosworth DFV V8 engine ... a great addition to any Ford or Cosworth fan's library. Classic Ford a fascinating everyday story ... Graham Robson has written two books in one; first it's a good story which includes the necessary heroes and villains, then comes the reference bible on what became the 'world's favourite Formula One engine'. RETRO SPEED wonderfully readable ... A must-have for every car enthusiast. klassiekerrally.nl a detailed look at the DFV-powered F1 car that dominated Formula one between 1968 and 1983 ... The only thing that is missing is a sound track to play so you can fully experience these great sounding engines. Hagerty Classic Cars newsletter a must for fans of racing Automobilismo d'epoch A great piece of F1 history with many unique pictures Klassiek & Techniek Graham Robson has written more about motor sport than most people will ever read, and this is classic 'Grobson' prose: wry, dry, occasionally witty and always authoritative ... this looks like a sure-fire future collector's item. Octane (UK) superbly illustrated account of all DFV-powered cars, providing an insight into a fascinating period of motor racing history. Ford News a useful source of reference not available elsewhere ... not only an excellent reference book but an enjoyable and informative one, written in the typically readable style we have come to expect from its prolific and respected author. Speedscene Author Robson pays a proper tribute to the late Anthony Pritchard ... a good addition to F1 history at a fascinating period. New Zealand Classic CarMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
David & Charles
Dimensions
Height: 250 mm
Width: 250 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-84584-624-4 (9781845846244)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
05/2019
Princeton University Press
€18.49
Available for download
Person
After a varied career in the automotive industry Graham Robson has gained a worldwide reputation as a motoring historian, and has more than 160 books to his credit.
Born in 1936, and educated at Ermysteds Grammar School in Yorkshire, Graham then went on to study Engineering at Oxford University. He joined Jaguar Cars as a graduate trainee, becoming involved in design work on the Mk II, E-Type and Mark X. Beginning as a hobby, he became a rally co-driver, eventually joining the Sunbeam 'works' team in 1961, and took part in rallies up to International level (once with Roger Clark), but stopped rallying by 1968.
During this time he joined Standard-Triumph in Coventry, in 1961, as a Development Engineer, mainly on sports car projects. He then ran the re-opened 'works' motorsport department from 1962 to 1965, this being the period of the birth of Spitfire Le Mans cars, TR4, Vitesse, Spitfire and 2000 rally car developments.
Graham Robson's writing began with rally reports for magazines which evolved into a job with Autocar from 1965-1969. He was recruited back to industry at Rootes to run the Product Proving department, then after a brief period in 1972 as technical director of a safety belt company, became an independent motoring writer. Graham has lived 'by the pen' and 'by the voice', not only writing but commentating, presenting and organising events of all types.
Born in 1936, and educated at Ermysteds Grammar School in Yorkshire, Graham then went on to study Engineering at Oxford University. He joined Jaguar Cars as a graduate trainee, becoming involved in design work on the Mk II, E-Type and Mark X. Beginning as a hobby, he became a rally co-driver, eventually joining the Sunbeam 'works' team in 1961, and took part in rallies up to International level (once with Roger Clark), but stopped rallying by 1968.
During this time he joined Standard-Triumph in Coventry, in 1961, as a Development Engineer, mainly on sports car projects. He then ran the re-opened 'works' motorsport department from 1962 to 1965, this being the period of the birth of Spitfire Le Mans cars, TR4, Vitesse, Spitfire and 2000 rally car developments.
Graham Robson's writing began with rally reports for magazines which evolved into a job with Autocar from 1965-1969. He was recruited back to industry at Rootes to run the Product Proving department, then after a brief period in 1972 as technical director of a safety belt company, became an independent motoring writer. Graham has lived 'by the pen' and 'by the voice', not only writing but commentating, presenting and organising events of all types.