The North East Film Archive is one of a network of regional film archives established to collect, preserve and show film made in, or about the North East of England. Our collections are non-fiction, and date from the early 1900s to the present day, providing a rich record of life in the region over the 20th century. Many of our films are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
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Grand Prix
Hanging out with the superstars of 70s Grand Prix motor racing including the fastest woman in the world.
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Overview
The fastest cars and drivers on earth chase a dangerous dream of glory at popular Brands Hatch. Grid girls and TV crews join the crowds enjoying the exhilarating battles of these 70s speed merchants looking for a Grand Prix win, and sneaking a peak at champion drivers – playboy James Hunt and his race rival Niki Lauda in a Ferrari, Graham Hill in his last British Grand Prix, and Lella Lombardi, aka the Tigress of Turin, attracting autograph hunters at her debut in Formula One.
This film was made by Middlesbrough-based amateurs Peter Whitaker and Betty Cook, who was also the President of the Cleveland Cine Club and the North East Cine Society. She filmed many events in the north east region from the 1960s through to the 1980s. Cook and her husband were devoted fans of motor racing and volunteer marshals for the British Grand Prix so they frequently had good access to the pits, a prime spot for her camera to capture many well-known drivers and championship cars over the years.
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