The BP Video Library is a treasure trove of motorsport film, packed with rare gems showing the great names, great machines and great contests of years gone by. An extensive archive created on behalf of the oil giant, the Library includes the only surviving moving pictures of important motorsport events. For Rallying in the 1960s we have chosen two evocative programmes which capture the spirit and atmosphere of the special stages of the decade.
Lap of the Gods This is an action-packed record of the 1966 Acropolis Rally, considered the roughest and toughest European motoring event. For two days and two nights, more than 100 crews fight a gruelling battle against heat, appalling roads and continuous eye-stinging, throat-choking dust. We follow the full story to its controversial conclusion, enjoying the sights and sounds of classic cars from Mini, Saab, Sunbeam, Volvo, Ford and more being pushed to the limit by legends including Roger Clark, Paddy Hopkirk, Timo Makinen, Rauno Aaltonen and Gunnar Andersson. Maxwell Boyd narrates as we enjoy the action, including in-car footage, and interviews with the stars.
Works Entry Narrow mountain roads are the setting for this film, following the progress of the 1963 Alpine Rally. Passing through the towns, villages and picturesque countryside of the Maritime Alps, this was an arduous, car-breaking event, and a rally which provided plenty of entertaining footage for the enthusiast. From watching the crews gather for the start in Marseille, we relive the whole adventure – including the challenging road and weather conditions! There’s a wonderful collection of cars, including Mini Cooper, Reliant Sabre, Hillman Imp, Saab 96 and Austin Healey 3000. Among the stars are Erik Carlsson, Rauno Aaltonen, Vic Elford, Timo Makinen and the Morley brothers, Donald and Erle, heroically chasing a Alpine Gold Cup hat trick.
"Another gem from the BP Video archive. Two 30 minute programmes covering each rally, with the first part especially sporting footage of on-the-limit Cortinas, Minis and Saabs. A charming reminder of competition in a bygone era, from the very unscientific team discussion on food and drink ("I thought sausages and cold drinks chaps, and perhaps a cup of tea if it's a cold night") down to the Russian entry with Communist red numbers on the door" TrackDriver
"If you want to see Big Healey works rally cars in action, then you'll find them in the second of the two rallies featured on this DVD: the 1966 Acropolis and the 1963 Alpine. Many of rallying's greatest names (and cars) appear in these films from the Castrol archive, which are shot in colour with Ipcress File-style backing music and the clipped narration of Maxwell Boyd and Raymond Baxter respectively. Mk 1 Cortinas and Mini-Coopers get a lot of screen time, with some truly heroic driving from the likes of Clark, Hopkirk, Aaltonen, Makinen and many more. Gripping from start to finish" Octane
"Two utter gems from the treasure trove that is the BP Video Library. The 1963 Alpine and '66 Acropolis Rally films feature colour footage of the superstars of the day: Erik Carlsson, Timo Makinen, Rauno aaltonen and Paddy Hopkirk, with plenty of onboard material and rare interviews" Autosport
"This DVD comprises two 30-minute films from the BP archive, with classic footage from the 1963 alpine Rally and 1966 Greek Rally. Both have great on-board action and interviews with the drivers - impressive considering this was 50 years ago. Watching rally pros like Timo Makinen and Paddy Hopkirk negotiate traffic out of Athens only to get stuck at toll roads is hilarious. Four stars" Auto Express