VRJ’s European Editor, Ed McDonough, served as MC for a glittering evening celebration to remember the Vanwall victory at the British Grand Prix at Aintree in July 1957. Race co-winners Sir Stirling Moss and Tony Brooks attended and were again presented with the Cramer Memorial Trophy, which was customarily presented to the highest placed British or Commonwealth driver at the RAC British Grand Prix.
The drivers recounted their memories of the notable 1957 race when a British car won its first Grand Prix event, and then went on to win the Constructor’s Championship in 1958. Both Moss and Brooks recalled how the Vanwall was a hard car to drive, with difficult gear changes, unpredictable handling, and questionable reliability. However, it was a powerful car when running well and took both Moss and Brooks to many memorable wins.
Also in attendance were Sir Jack Brabham and Roy Salvadori, as well as original Vanwall mechanic Derek Wootton. The centerpiece for the evening was a 1957 Vanwall brought by Kevin and Joy Wheatcroft of the Donington Collection.
