Inspirational formula hits 50

The 750MC will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the 1172 Formula during its Silverstone race meeting at the end of August.

Former 1172 drivers and cars are expected to attend and take part in a demonstration run.

The sidevalve-engined series grew out of the original 750 Formula in 1953 and evolved into Formula 1200 and then Formula 1300 in later years.

The first race for the new class was held at Ibsley in 1953 and was won by a Lotus 6.

The class was responsible for spotlighting the design talents of Colin Chapman, Eric Broadley and Arthur Mallock, who built and raced their own cars in its early years.

The formula continued until the late 1990s before it was dropped due to a lack of support.