Starting with the Winter Marathon Rally in January and ending with the Classic 24 Hours Daytona in November, Sports Car Digest covered a diverse range of historic car races and rallies in 2015. Our award-winning team of photographers took tens of thousands of pictures, spending hours post-event analyzing and choosing the best ones in an effort to wow our readers. To celebrate the effect that these photographs have on us as well as the dozens of talented photographers who capture them, we have once again narrowed it down to the 50 best vintage racing pictures of the year.
Identifying the top 50 certainly wasn’t a walk in the park, as the shots worthy of high praise number not in the dozens but in the many hundreds. The list is done, however, and similar to our Best of 2009, Best of 2010, Best of 2011, Best of 2012, Best of 2013 and Best of 2014 contests, we are asking for your assistance picking the best vintage car racing photo from 2015.
Simply vote by leaving a comment below indicating which photo is your favorite image. If you feel that we’ve overlooked a particular picture, please nominate a candidate by linking to the picture in your comment. We will announce the winner in the January 21st edition of our newsletter and in the comment section.
We will randomly choose THREE winners from the comments to receive a SCD T-Shirt and sticker combo, so be sure to include your email address in the comment form so we can reach you. In order to win, you must also be a subscriber to Sports Car Digest Weekly, so sign up for our free newsletter if you haven’t already.
We hope you enjoy the top 50 best pictures of 2015, sorted by the date taken.
Best Vintage Car Racing Photo of 2015
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of any editorial or photographic content from sportscardigest.com without express and written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to sportscardigest.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Best Vintage Car Racing Photo of 2015 Page Two
Simply vote by leaving a comment below indicating which photo is your favorite image. If you feel that we’ve overlooked a particular picture, please nominate a candidate by linking to the picture in your comment. We will announce the winner in the January 21st edition of our newsletter and in the comment section.
We will randomly choose THREE winners from the comments to receive a SCD T-Shirt and sticker combo, so be sure to include your email address in the comment form so we can reach you. In order to win, you must also be a subscriber to Sports Car Digest Weekly, so sign up for our free newsletter if you haven’t already.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of any editorial or photographic content from sportscardigest.com without express and written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to sportscardigest.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Best Vintage Car Racing Photo of 2015 Page Three
Simply vote by leaving a comment below indicating which photo is your favorite image. If you feel that we’ve overlooked a particular picture, please nominate a candidate by linking to the picture in your comment. We will announce the winner in the January 21st edition of our newsletter and in the comment section.
We will randomly choose THREE winners from the comments to receive a SCD T-Shirt and sticker combo, so be sure to include your email address in the comment form so we can reach you. In order to win, you must also be a subscriber to Sports Car Digest Weekly, so sign up for our free newsletter if you haven’t already.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of any editorial or photographic content from sportscardigest.com without express and written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to sportscardigest.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Best Vintage Car Racing Photo of 2015 Page Four
Simply vote by leaving a comment below indicating which photo is your favorite image. If you feel that we’ve overlooked a particular picture, please nominate a candidate by linking to the picture in your comment. We will announce the winner in the January 21st edition of our newsletter and in the comment section.
We will randomly choose THREE winners from the comments to receive a SCD T-Shirt and sticker combo, so be sure to include your email address in the comment form so we can reach you. In order to win, you must also be a subscriber to Sports Car Digest Weekly, so sign up for our free newsletter if you haven’t already.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of any editorial or photographic content from sportscardigest.com without express and written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to sportscardigest.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Best Vintage Car Racing Photo of 2015 Page Five
Simply vote by leaving a comment below indicating which photo is your favorite image. If you feel that we’ve overlooked a particular picture, please nominate a candidate by linking to the picture in your comment. We will announce the winner in the January 21st edition of our newsletter and in the comment section.
We will randomly choose THREE winners from the comments to receive a SCD T-Shirt and sticker combo, so be sure to include your email address in the comment form so we can reach you. In order to win, you must also be a subscriber to Sports Car Digest Weekly, so sign up for our free newsletter if you haven’t already.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of any editorial or photographic content from sportscardigest.com without express and written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to sportscardigest.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Best Vintage Car Racing Photo of 2015 Page Six
Simply vote by leaving a comment below indicating which photo is your favorite image. If you feel that we’ve overlooked a particular picture, please nominate a candidate by linking to the picture in your comment. We will announce the winner in the January 21st edition of our newsletter and in the comment section.
We will randomly choose THREE winners from the comments to receive a SCD T-Shirt and sticker combo, so be sure to include your email address in the comment form so we can reach you. In order to win, you must also be a subscriber to Sports Car Digest Weekly, so sign up for our free newsletter if you haven’t already.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of any editorial or photographic content from sportscardigest.com without express and written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to sportscardigest.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Best Vintage Car Racing Photo of 2015 Page Seven
Simply vote by leaving a comment below indicating which photo is your favorite image. If you feel that we’ve overlooked a particular picture, please nominate a candidate by linking to the picture in your comment. We will announce the winner in the January 21st edition of our newsletter and in the comment section.
We will randomly choose THREE winners from the comments to receive a SCD T-Shirt and sticker combo, so be sure to include your email address in the comment form so we can reach you. In order to win, you must also be a subscriber to Sports Car Digest Weekly, so sign up for our free newsletter if you haven’t already.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of any editorial or photographic content from sportscardigest.com without express and written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to sportscardigest.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Best Vintage Car Racing Photo of 2015 Page Eight
Simply vote by leaving a comment below indicating which photo is your favorite image. If you feel that we’ve overlooked a particular picture, please nominate a candidate by linking to the picture in your comment. We will announce the winner in the January 21st edition of our newsletter and in the comment section.
We will randomly choose THREE winners from the comments to receive a SCD T-Shirt and sticker combo, so be sure to include your email address in the comment form so we can reach you. In order to win, you must also be a subscriber to Sports Car Digest Weekly, so sign up for our free newsletter if you haven’t already.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of any editorial or photographic content from sportscardigest.com without express and written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to sportscardigest.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Best Vintage Car Racing Photo of 2015 Page Nine
Simply vote by leaving a comment below indicating which photo is your favorite image. If you feel that we’ve overlooked a particular picture, please nominate a candidate by linking to the picture in your comment. We will announce the winner in the January 21st edition of our newsletter and in the comment section.
We will randomly choose THREE winners from the comments to receive a SCD T-Shirt and sticker combo, so be sure to include your email address in the comment form so we can reach you. In order to win, you must also be a subscriber to Sports Car Digest Weekly, so sign up for our free newsletter if you haven’t already.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of any editorial or photographic content from sportscardigest.com without express and written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to sportscardigest.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Best Vintage Car Racing Photo of 2015 Page Ten
Simply vote by leaving a comment below indicating which photo is your favorite image. If you feel that we’ve overlooked a particular picture, please nominate a candidate by linking to the picture in your comment. We will announce the winner in the January 21st edition of our newsletter and in the comment section.
We will randomly choose THREE winners from the comments to receive a SCD T-Shirt and sticker combo, so be sure to include your email address in the comment form so we can reach you. In order to win, you must also be a subscriber to Sports Car Digest Weekly, so sign up for our free newsletter if you haven’t already.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of any editorial or photographic content from sportscardigest.com without express and written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to sportscardigest.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
All are stupendously good, but my favorite is the Ex-Walter Rohrl Monte Carlo Rallye 1985 Audi Sport Quattro at the Eifel Rallye Festival (photo: Julien Mahiels)
I like them all but my favorite is the 1955 Maserati 250F at the Goodwood Meeting
Close … but the Cobra at the Karussel for me.
No way I could take this!
1975 Ligier JS 2 DFV on the Tour Auto Rally (photo: Julien Mahiels)
Porsche 911 during the East African Safari Classic Rally (photo: McKlein Photography) is the image that grabs me. Now wonder if McKlein set it up? No matter a wonderful image.
I have two favourites – the Alfa 1600 GTA and the Alitalia Stratos. After a tough decision my vote goes to the flying Alfa!!!
The 1952 MB 300SC W194, the Lotus 49 and the 1934 Maserati 8C 3000 are all stunning, but the Trio of Gulf Porsches just can’t be beat. The Gulf Porsche for the win!
I vote for the McLaren M8C at the David Love Memorial. However, is it just me or are the photos this year not so good as past years? I find the pictures are not sharp. I know some are artsy but some are just plain blurry.
As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder…
I personally think they are better than ever. My vote goes to: 1955 Maserati 250F at the Goodwood Members Meeting (photo: Tim Scott)
Great cars, evocative setting and you can almost feel the fury!
Hi Bart! I had to go back and check previous years. Perhaps my iPad that I am using right now is not up to scratch but no if you go back to 2010,for example, and compare pictures you will see that there is just no comparison. There is a picture from 2010 of Nick Mason driving the Auto Union at Goodwood. It is taken almost at the same spot as the 2015 picture. Now tell me that the 2015 picture is better. You can’t. I would submit to you that every picture from 2010 is clearer that the ones from 2015.
Aston Martin DBR-1 at Goodwood Revival.
The “Start of the Whitsun Trophy at The Goodwood Revival” because for me this photo tics all the right boxes.
1937 BMW 328 on the Mille Miglia by Julian Mahiels
its got to be the porsche 917’s ! what a great race car!
My vote goes to Dennis Gray for his three Gulf Porsche 917s in echelon. Note: Many racetracks worldwide are beautifully curated giving photographers exciting and colorful backgrounds. Our NorCal tracks, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Sonoma Raceway, look like construction sites by comparison,
Almost impossible but have to go for ’65 Alfa 1600 Tour Auto Rally – Up and Away!
All great cars but I think Julien Mahiels’ “1937 BMW 328 on the Mille Miglia” is the best photo.
It has to be the 3 917s at Laguna Seca for the Rennsport Reunion 2016
Hands down, the trio of Gulf liveried Porsche 917’s. Epic!
Tim Scott for his excellent shot of Nick Mason aboard the handful to drive Auto Union. Nick looks to be working hard, and the car is in sharp focus against a blurred background. Great shot.
Also liked much of Julien Mahiel’s work throughout the year, and loved the Cobra in the Karusell, and Denis Gray’s image of the 917’s.
Three 917s in a row.
Start of the Whitsun Trophy at Goodwood Revival
Thank you for allow us participate in the selection. I’m a tifosi, so my choice is the Maserati at the Mille Miglia, tante grazie !
For me, the picture of the three 917 is definitively on top
The Ferrari TR250 about to enter the corkscrew – mostly because I have loved that car for about 5 decades.
The four cars being enjoyed in that beautiful Icelandic panorama.
1955 Maserati
The best one: Trio of Gulf Porsche 917 monsters at Rennsport Reunion V (photo: Dennis Gray)
The 917 trio at Laguna Seca.
Tim Scott’s photograph of the 1955 Maserati at Goodwood. The light colour and tones are exceptional capturing these stunning historic race cars, the red is pure history.
Porsche 904 GTS at the Zandvoort Historic Grand Prix……a Porsche doing what it does best, looking totally composed at speed, already set up for the apex, I can even hear it : )
From Porto, Portugal, In my opinion the best photo is “Nick Mason muscles the Auto Union at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (photo: Tim Scott)”. Great car, great place and great passion for speed and classic car racing…
This is really difficult, but my favourite is the 1937 BMW 328 on the Mille Miglia by Julian Mahiels (closely followed by the Gulf Porsche trio). Why? Because the BMW at Mille Miglia is truely a really art shot, it simply takes more in terms of photo technics to make this picture. The 3 Porsches are simply stunning but it is also a lucky shot.
This is a stunning ART photograph. It looks like it might have been staged, and yet we know it wasn’t – which makes it all the more special. Nice work indeed!
Too bad we have to make a choice as all are wonderful, but I vote for Julien Mahiel’s awesome photo of the 300SL at the Mille Miglia! Feel the energy!
BMW 328 on the Mille Miglia. It gives that sense of another time when racing was done on misty country roads. The feeling of motion adds to the scene. (There are so many excellent photos it’s hard to nominate only one for the top of the list.)
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Three photos leaped out from the screen to grab me – co-incidentally all by Tim Scott. The ever beautiful Maserati 250F at the head of the others at Goodwood, Nick Mason working very hard with the Auto Union and the magnificent Aston-Martin DBR1. On balance, and because the greens go so well together, it has to be the Aston which makes my number one choice, many congratulations to Tim and all the other cameramen !
I am biased, but 1974 Shadow DN4 at the Hawk at Road America (photo: David Ferguson) is gorgeous. Don Nichols’ youngest daughter Spring is my Fiancee!. Jim McCord
I remember going to Road America in ’74-’76 and seeing this car run – for real – in person. I makes it a sentimental favorite. And lucky or not – the Gulf 917’s are my favorite…
Glad you selected the Shadow DN4 at Road America. Our upcoming announcement for 2016 will have you seeing doulble.
I’d be proud to say that I’d taken any of them, but if I can only pick one it would be the 1965 Alfa Romeo 1600 GTA on the Tour Auto Rally (photo: Julien Mahiels), such a difficult shot to get but pin sharp. Just fantastic
The flying Alfa – Captures the spirit of enjoying these cars for their intended purpose. You only live once.
Some 7 or 8 photographs stand out as truly amazing but that trio of Porsches is such a brutal and powerful image that it gets my vote as the very best – great job Dennis Gray.
wonderful Pictures , close decision, the Aston MartinDBR1 at Goodwood Revival (Tim Scott)
The Trio of Porsches gets my vote
McLaren M8C!
1956 Porsche 356 1600 Super Coupe on the banks of Autodromo di Monza during the Mille Miglia.
One of my all-time favorites; the 904GTS !
My favourite photo is : 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe tackles the famed Karussell at the Nurburgring during the Oldtimer Grand Prix (photo: Julien Mahiels)…..legendary and wonderful car!,legendary old track!
FORMIDABLE the trio Porsche 917
Trio of 917s is best….all others are second. Excellent work by all!
All fabulous shots in their own right but the winner for me – Trio of Gulf Porsche 917 monsters at Rennsport Reunion V (photo: Dennis Gray)
Almost impossible to make a single choice, but I offer as No 1, the Lotus 49 at HMSA for pure racing grace, No 2 the Maserati 250F at Goodwood for atomotive beauty and No 3 the Gulf Trio for the impression of brute strength
Truly a classic photo! The trio of 917s at Rennsport Reunion V.
Three 917s in a row.
I vote for the Lotus 49; 2d choice is the Daytona Coupe rear view in the Karussel. What a wonderful session, going through all these masterful images. Thanks!
On photographic merits, I select the Porsche 935 at the Spa Classic (photo: Julien Mahiels)
I agree with you completely Whit. It’s tempting to chose an image of a favorite car, for me the Aston Martin DB1, but from a photographic standpoint, this one jumps out. The composition is spot on with the framing of the 935 and the curvilinear lines of the turn, combines with the red, green, yellow color combination seals it. Great all round shot.
It’s, as always, so difficult to choose but for art, the BMW 328 and for an ex-rally driver the car has to be the Stratos!
Mine is the 917 photo: Trio of Gulf Porsche 917 monsters at Rennsport Reunion V (photo: Dennis Gray)
The 917 is absolutely one of the most awesome race cars ever built…
It’s so hard to pick, so many incredible photos of amazing cars – Thank you for bringing them to us throughout the year!
Top 5 (in no particular order) are:
– Three 917s
– Two 250s
– One DBR1
– The Stratos
– The Auto Union
After much deliberation, the winner (for me) is Tim Scott’s Aston Martin DBR1 at glorious Goodwood.
Dennis Gray trio of Porsche 917 at 2015 Rennsport followed by Dennis Gray Sunoco Ferrari 512 at RMMR pre-weekend
917 trio!
Lotus 49 for me!
Absolutely no question the 3 Gulf liveried 917s the rhythm of the picture is fantastic and I love that you can see the first driver looking to turn in !
My pic 917,
The flying Alfa GTA, brilliant action, great car.
Porsche 911 at East African Safari Rally, totally unique photo. There are other standouts, too, but this is the one for me.
Because the contest is labeled “Best Vintage Car Racing Photo of 2015”, my official vote is for Julien Mahiels photo of the 1937 BMW 328 on the Mille Miglia because it is THE photograph that best fits the criteria. Anyone, including me, can take a great photograph of a car at a race track with today’s modern digital cameras. Julien has the ability to put you into the action better than anyone. This particular photograph is perfectly framed with just the right focus and just the right amount of “action”. As I paged through all the entries, this one captured my eye better than any of the others. There wasn’t even a close 2nd. Even though I doubt that this photo will win (see below), I congratulate Julien for this image.
However, most of the voters ignore the criteria and pick their favorite picture, so in that vein, I’ll take Dennis Gray’s photo of the Lotus 49 at the HMSA Barber Historics because it is my 2nd most favorite F1 car of all time (behind Gurney’s Eagle), and JC is my all-time favorite driver in any category.
Thank you !
Lots of great pictures here. It’s hard for me to choose, but the 1937 BMW 328 is both a beautiful composition and evocative of an earlier era. My favorite.
Both the images listed below are outstanding. The Porsche 911 shot captures, not only the car, but an entire spectacular landscape. The Trio of Gulf Porsche 917s is special because it captures not one but three cars in action. Both tell a compelling story visually.
1. Porsche 911 during the East African Safari Classic Rally (photo: McKlein Photography)
2. Trio of Gulf Porsche 917 monsters at Rennsport Reunion V (photo: Dennis Gray)
1955 Maserati 250F at the Goodwood Members Meeting (photo: Tim Scott)
The start of the Whitsun Trophy race captures vintage racing — the setting, the color, the wonderful machines.
Agree with Tom. Magnificent overall representation of the sport
The four historics in Iceland does it for me. Artistic flair and technical expertise combined with panache – magic.
There is no question about it the ‘up and away’ Alfa 1600 GTA on the Tour Auto Rally is the most evocative shot. No-one died taking this photo which is a surprise considering the angle of the car and the position of the photographer!
It is indeed a somewhat dangerous spot to take a picture but I was using a 400mm which make this a little bit safer 😉
Thank you for the nice comment !
I wan’t to thank all of you for those nice words about our work ! It always feels great to see so many people enjoying our pictures.
The Auto Union at Goodwood, please.
Trio of 917’s is just superb and almost unbeatable, but my vote goes to the McLaren M8C at the CSRG David Love Memorial (photo: Dennis Gray) and the driver just now figuring out how much HP he really has under his foot. Priceless look on his face adds the human element to the photo.
For the best images of 2015, I’ll vote for any open wheel cars, especially pre-war cars, in racing action. These cars are becoming so valuable as investments, we need to show appreciation for owners that will put them at risk so that we can enjoy a nostalgia and adrenalin rush vicariously.
Wow, this is a difficult one to call – so many of them are brilliant photos.
But for me it has to be the 1967 Matra MS630 in the infield at Daytona during the Classic 24 Hours (photo: Michael DiPleco), simply because getting a shot like this, with a car at speed, at night, is nigh on impossible. The fact that the car is spitting flames just adds to the drama.
The ex-factory Audi is my favorite.Still remember the sight and sound of these..especially at night.
The 917’s are still winning!
The WHOAAR factor goes to the 917s, but my favourite by a mile is the 1937 BMW 328 on the Mille Miglia by Julien Maheils
1967 Matra MS630 in the infield at Daytona during the Classic 24 Hours (photo: Michael DiPleco)
I love the CanAm Shadow but it isn’t tack sharp. I have to go with the 1985 Audi Sport Quattro at the Eifel Rallye Festival.
All great photos – and one additional thought from me, not of the most beautiful, but perhaps the most telling….
It seems the gentleman behind the wheel came in a touch hot for the bend, OR, somebody smeared jello on his line! It’s something as he looks like he’s hanging on for dear life – headed for the hay bales! Whooooaaaaa NELLIE!
Nick Mason in Auto Union at Goodwood
They’re all great photo’s I’m partial to the McLaren M8C at the CSRG David Love Memorial, love the drivers expression, almost like I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, 🙂
So difficult to choose, there are so many beautiful photos of gorgeous cars. But, I have to vote for the three awe inspiring 917’s in Gulf colours. All slightly different, but all equally intimidating if you saw one in your rear view mirror. They are totally outrageous cars, and to see them together on track is fantastic. I can almost feel the rumble through my laptop as they approach…
Shadow!
Open country racing, great! 1933 Talbot 105 Vanden Plas Tourer, 1973 BMW 2002 Tii, 1968 Morris Mini Cooper S and 1974 Ford Escort on the Icelandic Saga Rally (photo: Francesco Rastrelli and Roberta Roccati)
Christ, they are all winners as far as I am concerned…it’s vintage car racing for crying out loud!!! And I am.
You can sense the right stuff in this one: 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe tackles the famed Karussell at the Nurburgring during the Oldtimer Grand Prix (photo: Julien Mahiels)
Ferrari 250 GTO and 250 LM at Goodwood. I have the same picture. He must have been standing in front of me.
1937 BMW 328 on the Mille Miglia (photo: Julien Mahiels)
The action, the fog in the distance… Perfect shot!
Great work Julien !!!
Having two of the great past together
1954 Maserati A6 GCS/53 Fantuzzi on the banks of Autodromo di Monza during the Mille Miglia
1954 Maserati A6 GCS/53 Fantuzzi on the banks of Autodromo di Monza during the Mille Miglia (photo: Julien Mahiels). Classic Italian car at a classic Italian track on a beautiful blue sky day
The wide shot of the Talbot and others during the Icelandic Saga Rally is beautiful!
I am voting for the 1974 Shadow DN4! Barney Oldfield, Master Driver of the World & America’s Legendary Speed King Great Great Nephew
I love the 1937 BMW 328……great photography!
1974 Shadow DN4 at the Hawk at Road America
All are great, but I have to go with the 3 917’s at Monterey by Dennis Gray. What are the odds of getting that shot again………
McLaren m8c Love these cars but the drivers facial expression tells it all. ” Holy sh—–t They didn’t tell me it had this much power”
No doubt a yawner for some, it is riveting to me.
1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe tackles the famed Karussell at the Nurburgring during the Oldtimer Grand Prix (photo: Julien Mahiels)
Kind of hard to take my eyes off the trio of 917s. Great composition and the tight cropping and telephoto compression makes you almost feel the ground shake and your chest pound. Just stunning
The Shadow at Road America is my favorite! Loved that car since I was a kid and Craig Bennett does a awesome job behind the wheel!
1955 Maserati 250F at the Goodwood Members Meeting (photo: Tim Scott) This picture symbolized to me the difference between hard sports car racing and the crash and bang we see in NASCAR. Maybe it’s just the good old days, but it’s the best picture of the bunch of very good pictures!
My favourite is the McLaren M8C at the CSRG David Love Memorial – like the expression on the drivers face.
1974 Shadow DN4!
1974 Shadow DN4 – no contest.
The Ferrari 250 GTO/64 and The Ferrari 250 LM @ Goodwood Revival. (Tim Scott) Ferraris no contest, brilliant photo.
1974 Shadow DN4 at the Hawk at Road America!
A very tight race….the cup goes to the triple 917s….
The three Porsche is, to me, the best.
The three 917’s are the best of the Best. All deserve acclaim!
1974 Shadow @Road America
The 917 Trio. You can feel the impending assault on the senses in this great shot. Wish I was there!
The superb shot of the DBR1 at the Revival, from Tim Scott, is my personal favorite, though there are just so many great pictures in there…. Well done SCD!. Vincent.
Many photos I would be proud to call mine,but the 3 917s stand out. The great subject matter & perfect spacing does it for me.
1937 BMW 328 on the Mille Miglia
Why? Because it’s not just the ordinary motor racing photo and shows movement with grace in a beautiful setting.
All are fantastic and would make a great “Coffee Table” book but for me, the three 917’s at Rennsport. It would be impossible to “create” this shot so to shoot it at just the right time is amazing.
Agree with the Daytona Cobra Coupe at the Karussel as best photo. Artistically the Ligier on Tour Auto looks good, BUT, those are transit headphones those guys are wearing, and for me a transit stage photograph always gets a demerit notation.
1974 Shadow DN4 at the Hawk at Road America – looking forward to 2016 “seeing double”
The jaw-dropping 917’s notwithstanding, I’ll pick the 911 at the East African Safari event. In this remote setting, two villagers are captured by this robust 911 blasting by. As different as the composition is, this is perfectly normal.
This was tough! I’m a BIG Dennis Gray fan, I photograph along side him all year long at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, but someone else’s picture caught my eye; “1955 Maserati 250F at the Goodwood Members Meeting (photo: Tim Scott)”. Tim’s photo doesn’t just cover the racing action, it puts you in the heart of the racing action! Great capture Tim!
I just love that ’74 Stratos!
The cream of the cream of the crop! I am so pleased that very few of your choices have the faked tilted horizon or verticals. That’s SO distracting! I’m glad your editors are publishing more honest photos, shot the way a car really was and not added to by the photographer..
1937 BMW 328 on the Mille Miglia (photo: Julien Mahiels is my pick.
Paul Watson
My favourite is the photo of 4 cars on the Icelandic Saga Rally (by Francesco Rastrelli and Roberta Roccati) because it gives the idea of what a vintage car is able to do
They really are all great photos, but my favorite also is the 1937 BMW 328 at the Mille Miglia. When I look at that photo I am right there, feeling the solitude, speed, and cool misty air while hearing the roar of the engine. Spectacular.
The Jaguar XJR-14 at the Siverstone Classic. To me, it is the epitome of long distance racing and facing the inherent dangers of racing at sunset.
Obviously a difficult choice, but I have a weak spot for the vintage. My vote goes for the 1934 Maserati 8C 3000 at the Hershy Grand Ascent Hill Climb ( Matthew Little)
Hi, It has to be the 1956 Alfa 1600 GTA on the Tour Auto Rally — closely followed by behind would be the 917’s, the Daytona & the 300SL.
John Meiring
Difficult – they’re all stunning. I love the GTA with a passion, and the photo is a masterpiece, but the trio of 917s is just so powerful. Lucky to get them all together? Yes. Skillful to frame, focus and shoot at the perfect instant? Definitely. They just pip the Alfa for me…
Best pictures ever! Maserati A6GCS at Monza.
1934 Maserati 8C 3000 @Hersey Grand Ascent Hill Climb.Perfect image of Colour of Car and background,Speed
I’ll second that, James.
Matthew Little’s Maserati 8C at Hershey
1959 Aston Martin DBR1 at the Goodwood Revival (photo: Tim Scott)
We can all identify with the feeling shown in drivers facial expression. Outlaw the shaded visors. One more vote for Dennis Gray, McLaren M8C at CSRG Love.
The Cobra Daytona does it for me!!!
For me, it’s Dennis Gray’s “Lotus 49 at the HMSA Barber Historics”.
If not for the updated and much safer roll bar addition, that could be Jim Clark driving.
I still get a lump in my throat every April 7th.
The three 917’s together are my easy favorite, I can hear and feel the incredible pedigree, power, pervasive presence. Thanks for the great shot.
Definitely the Porsche 917s at Rennsport at Laguna Seca. I was there with my 11 year old son. Bruce Canepa rocked it. A once in a lifetime scene.
I want to thank all our readers who have commented on the 917, TR250 and Lotus 49 imagers. Not one was a grab shot. All came after walks around the tracks looking for a spot to shoot from that would lend impact to the image. Outside Laguna’s turn eleven was the best spot to get a ‘line up’ image of the 917s. I had noticed earlier that the three 917 drivers all looked through turn eleven up the front straight as they were approaching eleven. A detail I wanted to capture without highlights on the windshield. I have three or four images with a 910 inserted between or leading two of the 917s. They both got by him and the third 917 joined them for one lap before attrition struck and only two 917s were left. Luck perhaps but only because I had spent time to match the cars, light, turn and my lens to create the image I was looking for. Again thanks for all the kind words they are why I shoot these cars and drivers.
I didn’t find a better one of those 3 all together. The best picture of the event for sure and that’s with Camden trasher around who usually take the cake. I hope I’ll pay you guys a visit soon enough to steal some shots 🙂
Julien. When you make it to the US please get in touch. Would like to get together.
Dennis
Hard call between the 935 at Spa (Colors are unmatched) and the 3 917’s at Rennsport (likely ever again in that sequence)
My favorite photo is the one of the 1955 Porsche 356 A Coupe at the Winter Marathon Rally (photo: Pierpaolo Romano). Great photo that embodies the spirit of rallying in the 50’s as opposed to today’s all-out performance cars.
The low flying 65 Alpha GTA On Tour Auto Rally by Julien Mahiels
All four wheels off the ground,true embodiment of the rallying car.
Also from a photographic point of view it is a fantastic shot.
Quentin Shaw
Top two for me are McLaren M8C its the open face helmet and the drivers expression , and the Porsche 935 Spa Classic I like the balance of the photo .My vote goes to the McLaren.
1974 Shadow DN4 at the Hawk at Road America!
Start of the Whitsun Trophy at the Goodwood Revival says it all. Spectacular cars and venue.
The three 917’s at Porsche Reunion V. An unique picture capturing $75M of classic cars.
The Dennis Gray shot of the Lotus 49 at the HMSA Barber Historics did get my juices flowing, as I remember building a 1:18 scale model of it in my teens, but in the end have to vote for the photo by Tim Scott of the Maserati 250F at the Goodwood Members Meeting.
It has got to be the 917’s. A single car is all very well, a group of varied racers or rally cars is fun, but to have a trio of the most remarkable sports cars ever made, so beautifully shot, it has to be the one. Just wish I had been there!
The Dennis Gray shot of the Lotus 49 at the HMSA Barber Historics !
Alex.
Next time I see you in the pits i’ll stop by and introduce myself.
Dennis
So many cars, so little time!
Fantastic shots! Here’s to more great moments this season!
Every year it gets harder to pick a favorite. This year, I have to split my vote between Tim Scott’s photo of the Maserati 250F at Goodwood, and Nick Mason in the Auto Union.
My fav is 1933 Talbot 105 Vanden Plas Tourer, 1973 BMW 2002 Tii, 1968 Morris Mini Cooper S and 1974 Ford Escort on the Icelandic Saga Rally (photo: Francesco Rastrelli and Roberta Roccati)
The 917’s is a great shot but my favorite photo is the 1937 BMW 328 on the Mille Miglia (photo: Julien Mahiels).
That wonderful 250 F Maserati- I can still remember seeing it (and hearing it) at Phillip Island around half a century ago – although the Auto Union runs it very close !
Proper GP cars before they all started looking like something else.
Gotta be Dennis Gray’s epic shot of the three 917s at Rennsport last September (Full disclosure: Dennis is a friend and a much better shooter than I’ll ever be!). I also love the Maser 250F and Mason in the Auto Union, two of my other all-time favorite machines.
Dennis Gray’s three 917s without a doubt. Not just beautiful but once in a lifetime.
Trio of Gulf Porsche 917 monsters at Rennsport Reunion V (photo: Dennis Gray) !!!!
Great Cars and Great image
Sure, the 917s are great, but in Dennis Gray’s 250 TR at Laguna Seca, you are transported to the driver’s seat as you dive into the Corkscrew and you instinctively correct and place the inside front wheel just inside the rumbles and remember how it felt the last time you raced there!
It gets difficult every year to choose one of these images as the best yearly vintage car racing image for SCD. Although it may be the obvious choice, my nod is towards the trio of iconic Gulf Porsche 917s at the Rennsport Reunion V which was captured by Dennis Gray.
Other noteworthy images are of the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa at the HMSA LSR Invitational and the Lotus 49 at the HMSA Barber Historics also captured by Dennis. And Julien Mahiels’ images of the 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL W 194 Prototype on the Mille Miglia and the 1954 Maserati A6 GCS/53 Fantuzzi on the banks of Autodromo di Monza during the Mille Miglia were standouts for me.
Kudos to all the great images that were selected for consideration for SCD’s Best Vintage Car Racing Photo of 2015.
Three way tie for me. THe Maserati at Monza, Cobra at the Karroussel and the BMW 328. Of course, the lotus 49 is cool, and the three 917’s….
I love the photo: 1933 Talbot 105 Vanden Plas Tourer, 1973 BMW 2002 Tii, 1968 Morris Mini Cooper S and 1974 Ford Escort on the Icelandic Saga Rally (photo: Francesco Rastrelli and Roberta Roccati): what a row in such a landscape!
Given the display of fantastic racing images, the selection of one based on action, framing, or car is challenging. My choice based on all three is the Dennis Gray capture of exciting 917s.
I have so many favorites from this excellent sample. But to choose only one, I have to select the P1 photo of a Maserati 250F leading a pack of other vintage F1 cars. The cars are clearly vintage. The drivers gear ranges from helmet and goggles to full-face helmets. I think this photo, besides being beautifully done and viscerally exciting, shows the idea of new and old in the same frame.
I love the composition in the ‘Porsche 911 during the East African Safari Classic Rally’ (last photo). It must be a joy to do the work these photographers do. SCD has hands down the finest group working in the sports car space. Keep it coming. A shout out also for the beautiful overhead shot of the Winter Marathon that started the collection and for capturing the look of sheer intensity on the driver of the McLaren M8C at the CSRG David Love Memorial. Basically, I find the bookends on this collection stellar.
In my eyes the 1955 250F at Goodwood is PURE CLASSIC and, given the caliber of the machines in chase, is more than enough to make any grown man drool!
In my eyes the 1955 250F at Goodwood is the definitive example of true Classic Racing. Combining this with the thoroughbreds in the “chase” and you have created an image that makes grown men drool!
So many beautiful choices, many representing once-in-a-lifetime reunions and some of my all-time favorite sports cars (917s at Laguna Seca, one of the Cobra Daytona coupes at Goodwood, XJR-14 at Silverstone), but I’m going with the Lotus 49 at Barber!
So many worthy winners, but my choice is as follows: 1955 Maserati 250F at the Goodwood Members Meeting (photo: Tim Scott)
My vote goes to Dennis Gray and the Lotus 49 at the HMSA Barber Historics.
Because Lotus 49.
All day.
Every Day.
1974 Lancia Stratos Gr.IV on the Tour Auto Rally
A great picture of a great car(s). That’s what Dennis gave us with his capture of the three Porsche 917’s. Well done!
Dave
I am probably as guilty of picking my favourite car or the most artistic photograph as anyone else, if I set that aside, follow the title of this article and look for a great ‘racing’ picture, then I need to see a race in porgress or a picture that conjurs up that excitement. There are several of the offers that do that for me, I love the start of the Lavant Cup shot (I could have been there) but just look again at the shot of the McLaren M8C – the driver’s expression – what is he thinking? and the other car tucked up under the rear wing, you can almost hear a sharp intake of breath!
John, it’s funny that you mention the driver. When I went back through all the photographs a 2nd time, I noticed the driver in the M8C, too. What caught my eye was his head pinned back from the acceleration out of the turn and the expression on his face. It’s like he’s hanging on by a thread.
1928 Bentley 4.5-Litre on the Holy Land 1000 Tour (photo: Ronen Topelberg)——BEST PHOTO
Image 2 on page 2 is my favorite… the facial expression sets it apart from all of the others.
1937 BMW 328 on the Mille Miglia
Great photographs and I just love Nick Mason but my favourite is the start of the Whitsun Trophy at Goodwood, its what British Motor Racing is about
Readers chose Dennis Gray’s outstanding capture of three iconic Gulf Porsche 917s at Rennsport Reunion (page 9) as our best vintage car racing photo of 2015, followed by Julien Mahiels’ artful photo of the BMW 328 at the Mille Miglia (page 4) and Tim Scott’s stunner of the Maserati 250F at Goodwood (page 1). We really appreciate the thoughtful comments!
Fantastic photo of the trio of Porsche 917’s- my favorite race car! Outstanding!
The 917 train at Rennsport V had the entire crowd holding its breath when it came past. I did again when I saw the picture!
Many great shots, but it’s the 917 trio for me.