Formula 2: The Glory Years, 1967-84, a new release from Evro, delves into the golden era of Formula 2, capturing a period of intense competition and innovation. This era, which ran from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s, saw a diverse field of drivers, manufacturers, and teams in what was once a true formula racing championship, complete with various chassis, engines, and tires.
The book is a celebration of a time when Formula 2 was a vital stepping stone for both future drivers and engineers. It provides an in-depth look at the period before Formula 2 replaced Formula 3000 in the mid-80s, marking the end of this vibrant era.
A Picture-Heavy Tribute
The sheer number of photographs in The Glory Years is impressive—almost 900 images fill the 500-plus pages, many of which are the work of dedicated F2 photographer Jutta Fausel. Her work provides a fascinating visual record of the cars, drivers, and circuits that defined this period. The book captures unique, often unconventional cars, and candid moments of the drivers, some of whom would go on to become legends in motorsport.
The book also brings to life iconic venues that F2 raced on, such as the Pau street circuit in France and the daunting Nurburgring in Germany—tracks that were either abandoned by the F1 calendar or never featured at all. Fausel’s collection showcases both color and black-and-white images, enhancing the visual storytelling.
However, despite its strong photographic content, the book’s text comes across as secondary. The wealth of images often outweighs the written material, with brief text passages supported by results tables and track layout graphics. For readers expecting a deep dive into the history and intricacies of Formula 2’s heyday, this may feel lacking.
A Visual History, Not an In-Depth Analysis
The contributors to the book do a commendable job covering the period, but the brief text coverage may leave some wanting more context and analysis of the era’s major events and key figures. The price tag, nearing £100, may seem steep for those who are more interested in a detailed narrative than a heavily illustrated history.
In conclusion, Formula 2: The Glory Years, 1967-84 serves as an excellent visual tribute to a pivotal chapter in motorsport history. While the wealth of photographs will appeal to motorsport enthusiasts and collectors, those seeking a more in-depth exploration of the era may find themselves somewhat disappointed by the book’s concise text and high image-to-text ratio.
