Best of the Cahier Archive: Fiery scenes at the Spanish Grand Prix 1970

Submitted by Rich Fowler on December 16, 2010

This is the latest in our series of photo specials showcasing the stunning images from the Cahier Archive. The collection, by photographers Bernard Cahier and his son Paul-Henri are part of a massive collection of 400 000 originals of which 17 000+ pictures are currently available on their website.

Today’s feature gallery contains images from the Spanish Grand Prix in 1970.

At the start of the race Jackie Oliver’s BRM got tangled up with Jacky Ickx’s Ferrari and all hell broke loose. Both machines burst into flames, but fortunately both men escaped with relatively minor injuries. Both cars were destroyed in the ensuing fire and BRM immediately called Rodriguez in to check his suspension as Oliver had reported an axle failure.

Meanwhile the race continued with Stewart in the lead. Lap after lap Jackie powered through the flames to give March its first F1 victory in only its second World Championship event. Denny Hulme led the chasers but retired with ignition problems and Brabham took second for a while until overtaken by Beltoise, who then went out with engine failure on the lap 32. Brabham also went out with an engine problem, then Surtees faded away with gearbox gremlins leaving Bruce McLaren to pick up second place with Andretti’s STP March finishing third.

Buy prints of these photographs from just $49