Video: Behind the Scenes of Grand Prix

“The speed, the spectacle, the grand adventure of.. Grand Prix!”

As the crew of Rush wrap filming on their story of the ’76 Formula One season, let’s take a look back at the filming of another Formula One classic – Grand Prix, and its tale of a fictional 1966 season.

This video goes behind the scenes as John Frankenheimer and his crew get down to business filming their version of the Monaco Grand Prix, in amongst the chaos, energy and crowds of the real 1966 Monaco Grand Prix. Phil Hill, Graham Hill, Richie Ginther, Lorenzo Bandini and Jack Brabham all play a part, with Phil Hill driving a camera car in parts of the Grand Prix itself.

Over in the real race, the McLaren team was making its Formula One debut as Monaco staged the first round of the ’66 season. Jim Clark took pole position, but relinquished the race lead to John Surtees, who led until he was forced out with a broken differential. This elevated Jackie Stewart to the lead, where he stayed until he took the chequered flag ahead of Bandini, Graham Hill and Bob Bondurant – the only other drivers classified as finishing the traditionally high-attrition race.

The technical innovations, budget and logistics that went into Grand Prix are staggering, especially considering that it was made in the mid ’60s, and this video is a fun little insight into how it all happened.

Image: TheCahierArchive©

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