NEW BOOK "GRAND PRIX FORD – FORD, COSWORTH AND THE DFV” BY GRAHAM ROBSON LAUNCHED AT COSWORTH’S NORTHAMPTON HQ

Legendary personalities from the days of the famous Ford Cosworth DFV engine joined Veloce at the Cosworth factory in Northampton yesterday to launch a new book Grand Prix Ford – Ford, Cosworth and the DFV.



Authored by experienced motoring historian Graham Robson, the book is the only book of its kind on the DFV engine, which powered 13 Formula 1 World Championships between 1967 and 1983.

The book contains a detailed and superbly illustrated account of all DFV-powered cars, providing an insight into a fascinating period of motor racing history. With a limited edition print run of just 1500 copies, the book is expected to become a must-buy for fans of motorsport and automotive history.

The launch of Grand Prix Ford coincided with the 50th anniversary of Ford’s decision to join forces with Cosworth on an engine that would revolutionise Formula 1 and become one of the sport’s most successful pieces of engineering.

Author Graham Robson, third right, with Veloce’s Rod Grainger, Paul Castle and Kim Phillips – Photo courtesy Peter Baker (Retro Speed).

Cosworth’s renowned engineering facility on St. James Mill Road in Northampton, birthplace of the DFV, also celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year, which adds to the poignancy of the event. Cosworth opened its doors, so that visiting guests could see the original dyno cells where the DFV engines were tested, Graham Hill’s Lotus 49, with the DFV on display, kindly on loan from Classic Team Lotus & Beaulieu Motor Museum and Keith's original drawing board and drawings.

Amongst the guests were surviving Cosworth staff from the DFV era, who were delighted to share their memories of that period.

Mike Costin – Photo courtesy Peter Baker (Retro Speed).

Ford (Cosworth) DFV engine – Photo courtesy Peter Baker (Retro Speed)
Author Graham Robson said he was delighted to meet again famous characters like Mike Costin, co-founder of Cosworth, and Mike Hall; also current Technical Director, Bruce Wood, at a reception where the legendary Lotus 49 was on display alongside a DFV engine and many more modern examples of Cosworth’s engineering expertise.

Publisher, Rod Grainger, said that he was very grateful to Cosworth for making available their facilities to launch Graham’s new book, for a fascinating factory tour, and for allowing us to see their state of the art automated production facility. He also said that it was a great pleasure to meet so many interesting characters from the DFV era, and to hear their stories. Rod also thanked Classic Team Lotus for loaning their Lotus 49 for the day.



Grand Prix Ford – Ford, Cosworth and the DFV by Graham Robson is available now! Click HERE for more information about the book.