The Story of ERA and GP1 – Arrested Development

I don’t usually spend too much time on preamble prior to getting into the nitty-gritty of the subject car. However, in this case, I believe it is totally warranted to explore the background as this piece is a, if not the, pivotal point where not only a new marque of car was born, but this is where and when much of the groundwork of British motorsport as we know it today was instituted. The bloodlines, successes and failures of many of our post-war racing cars and teams are built on the foundation stones laid by the individuals responsible for the conception, design and building of ERA GP1.

When asking about those who made the biggest impact on British motor racing there would be many differing views dependant on the age of the person you’re talking to. In the main it’s a generational perception, my youngest son, in his thirties, would offer the likes of Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna, my eldest son, some ten years older, would mention James Hunt and Mario Andretti, for me it would be Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart. Time has that certain characteristic that draws a veil over those who have gone before, no matter their contribution, feat, or particular endeavour they almost become forgotten. Only scholars, or true enthusiasts in the field, can bring to mind many of those stalwart individuals of yesteryear, who have been all but forgotten.