Peter Lyon
February 15, 2025
Saluting the 75th Anniversary of Formula 1, organizers of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion have assembled an all-star lineup of historic F1 cars that helped define the sport into the world’s most revered and competitive series. The event, held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca August 13-16, is one of the cornerstones of the world-renowned Monterey Car Week.
Curating the exhibition is Ellen Bireley, former executive director of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Ms. Bireley has previously orchestrated memorable displays such as the 2022 tribute to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and last year’s 50th anniversary of historic racing at Laguna Seca.
“From England and Australia to Japan and throughout the Americas, I’m in discussion with owners of both early groundbreaking designs to more modern machines that showcase the most advanced technology,” Bireley said. “Harnessing the vast knowledge of members on our Advisory Council has been critical in locating the best of the best from private collections and museums.”
Attendees at the Rolex Reunion can explore more than two dozen legendary Formula 1 cars up close while enjoying an action-packed weekend featuring 400 cars racing in 14 groups. The featured race will spotlight a dedicated group of 1966-1985 Historic F1 cars with thrilling on-track action daily.
Some of the highlights include the :
1958 Vanwall VW5/11
A pivotal British racing machine, chassis VW5, was one of the new cars built by Vanwall for the 1957 season. That year, Stirling Moss drove it to two wins, while in 1958 Tony Brooks scored two wins in VW5 and Stirling Moss also added a further victory to this car’s tally. For the 1959 season, it was upgraded and renumbered VW11. In this guise it was raced into the 1960 season by Tony Brooks. Vanwall was the first British race car to win the Formula One Constructors’ World Championship.
1966 Eagle Mk 1 Climax Chassis 101
Chassis 101 was campaigned by All American Racers (AAR) in the 1966 and 1967 F1 seasons. With Dan Gurney at the wheel, it managed 5th place finishes at the French and Mexican Grands Prix and a 7th at the German Grand Prix. Also of note, Phil Hill and Bob Bondurant both raced this car for AAR. After its time with AAR, the car was sold and driven by Al Pease, a Canadian who holds the distinction of being the only driver disqualified for a Grand Prix for being too slow.
1967 Lotus Type 49 R2/R11
One of the most storied in the group, this is the machine Jim Clark took to victory at its race debut at Zandvoort 1967, in addition to wins at Silverstone and Watkins Glen. It is also the same car he drove at Monza, in what has been considered the Scotsman’s greatest performance. He led the race until lap 12, picked up a puncture and lost an entire lap. Clark then spent the next 48 laps recovering through the field, taking the lead on lap 60 before succumbing to a faulty fuel pump on the final lap dropping him to third place.
Anticipation is growing for this year’s celebration of motorsport history. With ticket sales surging and pit row suites nearly sold out, this year’s event promises to be an extraordinary gathering of enthusiasts, collectors, and racing legends for an unparalleled tribute to the 75-year legacy of Formula 1.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Ahh, when race cars were raw race cars and drivers were true heroes who put their lives on the line every time they got behind the wheel. What you see in Monterey is the best of the best and true legends. One of my favorites is the 1967 Lotus driven by one of the greatest—Jim Clark who won in his debut at Zandvoort.
