Stirling Moss Scrapbook 1961

This is the second of a high quality series to collect & keep. Moss recovered from the accident that had almost killed him the year before and you can relive the experience as he relishes the challenge of the newly-introduced F1. The book is based on Moss' own scrapbooks, albums and great memories. It is a beautifully reproduced and presented book, capturing in glossy period photography and stylish archival text the excitement of motor racing in its heyday. Stirling Moss is an icon. Even just the words 'Stirling Moss' conjure up an immediate picture - an image of speed, excitement, daring, jet-setting and beautiful women. By 1961 he was at the height of his remarkable career. He was unquestionably the finest racing driver in the world, the benchmark by which lesser mortals were judged, and a charismatic sportsman, known the world over. A hero to millions, his story is the stuff of legend. Often battling against the odds, he would brilliantly triumph against adversity. There was no better illustration of this than his 1961 season. Being better prepared for the new formula, Ferrari had a new, much more powerful engine than the British constructors. So Moss was to race with an under-powered Lotus. But Lotus could not sell his team a 1961 car so he had to race a 1960 example. Stirling preferred to race for a gentlemanly private entrant rather than a works team. And Ferrari had three, and at times four and five cars, ranged against him. As the best in the world, Moss relished a challenge and needed some handicapping to level the playing fields and feed his addiction to true competition. For 1961, though, the uncrowned champion was handicapped in four ways. Stirling was driving last year's car, a car with considerably less power and one entered by a private team. He had no team mates to help him but was on his own - a David against several Goliaths. Surely that was too much, even for a genius? Add to that the massive accident he suffered during 1960 of which "Autosport" Editor, Gregor Grant, wrote: 'His remarkable recovery from his serious Spa accident gained for him the admiration of the world, and was a lesson in determination and sheer courage that would be difficult to emulate'. The stage was set for one Stirling's most incredible seasons and this is the behind-the-scenes story told by his own scrapbooks, his albums, his recollections and no holds barred comments about the cars, the circuits, the crumpet and the other drivers. Here we have all the fun and the flavour! It includes over 500 illustrations.