Book Review: Kimberley’s Grand Prix Team Guide #11 Williams by Bob Constanduros
:
Positives
Negatives
In the lead up to this weekend’s German Grand Prix, I was hoping to find time to post a more offbeat review with a German theme (e.g. Chris Nixon’s Kings of the Nürburgring) but I’m time poor this week, so a booklet review might be a little quicker to post. Since this race marks Williams’ […]
In the lead up to this weekend’s German Grand Prix, I was hoping to find time to post a more offbeat review with a German theme (e.g. Chris Nixon’s Kings of the Nürburgring) but I’m time poor this week, so a booklet review might be a little quicker to post. Since this race marks Williams’ 600th grand prix and with Nico Rosberg very flavor of the month at the moment – let’s take a look at an old 1984 Kimberley team booklet on Williams by Bob Constanduros featuring no less than Nico’s old man, Keke storming around in the Williams Ford FW08 and Williams Honda FW09. (postscript: Neither Williams or Nico had a good qualifying so lets hope they fare better in the race…)
Kimberley’s used to produce a whole series of team guide booklets in the early 80’s turbo era. The format is was very simple 28 page booklet with tri-column text using very small font size (similar to Arial 8 point) with an overview of the team, current drivers, team personnel and season results. Team Guide #1 was on Williams (collectors take note!) and #11 was an updated profile to mark the move in ’84 to its own factory.
The chapters of the booklet include coverage an introduction on the team’s progress over the 1982 and 1983 seasons, Frank Williams’ views on sponsorship and marketing, Keke Rosberg on new found fame as the ’82 world champion, the homecoming of Jacques Laffite back to Williams for ’83 and life in England, a profile on Williams’ main sponsor – Saudia Air, an interview with team manager Peter Collins, Alan Challis team mechanic, discussion of the development of the FW08 and FW09, and the final section giving an short history lesson on Honda’s 1960’s foray into F1 and its return with Spirit Honda and finally to Williams for the ’84 season.
The main attraction is John Townsend’s photography – there are some great race color photos of Keke in the FW09. The black & white photo reproduction however is a little ordinary.
Modern F1 fans might find these booklets a little old fashioned but F1 historians (and WilliamsF1 fans) will like the timewarp factor when reading this.
Wow Factor or Money Shot: Photo shoot of the FW09’s test session with the new Honda engine at Brands Hatch.
Suitable for: Fans of Williams F1 history and early 80’s turbo era.
