History of Motor Racing pt 4 1935 to 1939

When Bill Mason worked for Shell Oil in their film unit he created a series about the history of motor racing from the turn of the 20th Century to the outbreak of World War II.

This fourth part covers the mid 1930s up till 1939 when Formula racing was dominated by the German teams of Mercedes Benz and Auto Union. Their racing efforts were underwritten by Adolf Hitler who wanted to demonstrate the superiority of the Master race on the race track.

The German cars were dubbed the Silver Arrows because of their sleek designs and silver paint. The Nazi swastika adorned the cars and the drivers became legends.

Alfred Neubauer managed the Mercedes team and it was the most professional organization motor racing had ever seen. His drivers included Rudolf Caracciola, Hermann Lang, Manfred von Brauchitsch, and the Englishman Richard Seaman.

Auto Union's most famous driver, Bernd Rosemeyer died attempting to break a land speed record held by rival Mercedes and he was replaced by his good friend Tazio Nuvolari.

Nuvolari had been the chief driver for Alfa Romeo but competing against the Germans became almost impossible.

It was a thrilling time but the dark side of this enterprise has stigmatized ever since.

In addition to the Formula racing we see the land speed attempts by John Cobb, George Easton and Sir Malcolm Campbell. The races about Indy with Wilbur Shaw. And England's Richard Seaman racing his Napier before being scooped up by Mercedes.

This version was prepared for release in Italy but I've chosen to use the English language sound track.

S043 Shell