The First Monaco Grand Prix 1929
Next weekend is the F1 Monaco Grand Prix.
Like many European races, the Monaco Grand Prix predates the current World Championship. The principality's first Grand Prix was organised in 1929 by Anthony Noghès, under the auspices of Prince Louis II, through the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM). Alexandre Noghès, Anthony's father, was founding president of the ACM, originally named Sport Vélocipédique Monégasque. The ACM made their first foray into motorsport by holding the Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo in 1911. In 1928 the club applied to the Association Internationale des Automobiles Clubs Reconnus (AIACR), the international governing body of motorsport, to be upgraded from a regional French club to full national status. Their application was refused due to the lack of a major motorsport event held wholly within Monaco's boundaries. The rally could not be considered as it mostly used the roads of other European countries.
William Grover-Williams at the 1929 Monaco Grand PrixIn order to attain full national status, Noghès proposed the creation of an automobile Grand Prix in the streets of Monte Carlo. Noghès obtained the official support of Prince Louis II. Noghès also gained support for his plans from Monegasque Louis Chiron, a top-level driver in European Grand Prix racing. Chiron thought that the topography of the location would be well suited to setting up a race track.
The first Grand Prix Automobile de Monaco was an invitation only event, but not all of those invited decided to attend. The leading Maserati and Alfa Romeo drivers decided not to compete but Bugatti was well represented. Mercedes sent their leading driver, Rudolf Caracciola, to drive a Mercedes SSK. Caracciola drove a fighting race, bringing his SSK up to second position at the end of the race, despite starting in fifteenth. The race was won by "Williams" (pseudonym of expatriate Briton William Grover-Williams) driving a Bugatti Type 35B painted in what would become the famous British racing green.
Barry Rowe depicted the talented, yet mysterious winner of the inaugural Monaco Grand Prix in his feature painting at this years Amelia Island Concours in March. The 40” x 30” acrylic on canvas titled, “The First Monaco Grand Prix” captures the soon-to-be-crowned champion “Williams” behind the wheel of a Bugatti Type 35B as he powers through a turn at the famed street course.
“The Monaco Grand Prix is a special race with a rich heritage,” said Rowe. “Few stories from this splendid event are as interesting as the first race, especially since it was won by a virtual unknown who entered the race under an alias. Historical races have been an interest of mine since childhood and I truly enjoy exploring them on canvas. It’s rewarding to bring those pieces to Amelia, where attendees share my passion for the sport.”
A second painting titled "Bugatti Pits 1929" was also shown at Amelia Island.
Both of these paintings are soon to be available as limted edition prints from Historic Car Art. The orginal paintings are also available to purchase at the gallery in England.
Like many European races, the Monaco Grand Prix predates the current World Championship. The principality's first Grand Prix was organised in 1929 by Anthony Noghès, under the auspices of Prince Louis II, through the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM). Alexandre Noghès, Anthony's father, was founding president of the ACM, originally named Sport Vélocipédique Monégasque. The ACM made their first foray into motorsport by holding the Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo in 1911. In 1928 the club applied to the Association Internationale des Automobiles Clubs Reconnus (AIACR), the international governing body of motorsport, to be upgraded from a regional French club to full national status. Their application was refused due to the lack of a major motorsport event held wholly within Monaco's boundaries. The rally could not be considered as it mostly used the roads of other European countries.
William Grover-Williams at the 1929 Monaco Grand PrixIn order to attain full national status, Noghès proposed the creation of an automobile Grand Prix in the streets of Monte Carlo. Noghès obtained the official support of Prince Louis II. Noghès also gained support for his plans from Monegasque Louis Chiron, a top-level driver in European Grand Prix racing. Chiron thought that the topography of the location would be well suited to setting up a race track.
The first Grand Prix Automobile de Monaco was an invitation only event, but not all of those invited decided to attend. The leading Maserati and Alfa Romeo drivers decided not to compete but Bugatti was well represented. Mercedes sent their leading driver, Rudolf Caracciola, to drive a Mercedes SSK. Caracciola drove a fighting race, bringing his SSK up to second position at the end of the race, despite starting in fifteenth. The race was won by "Williams" (pseudonym of expatriate Briton William Grover-Williams) driving a Bugatti Type 35B painted in what would become the famous British racing green.
Barry Rowe depicted the talented, yet mysterious winner of the inaugural Monaco Grand Prix in his feature painting at this years Amelia Island Concours in March. The 40” x 30” acrylic on canvas titled, “The First Monaco Grand Prix” captures the soon-to-be-crowned champion “Williams” behind the wheel of a Bugatti Type 35B as he powers through a turn at the famed street course.
“The Monaco Grand Prix is a special race with a rich heritage,” said Rowe. “Few stories from this splendid event are as interesting as the first race, especially since it was won by a virtual unknown who entered the race under an alias. Historical races have been an interest of mine since childhood and I truly enjoy exploring them on canvas. It’s rewarding to bring those pieces to Amelia, where attendees share my passion for the sport.”
A second painting titled "Bugatti Pits 1929" was also shown at Amelia Island.
Both of these paintings are soon to be available as limted edition prints from Historic Car Art. The orginal paintings are also available to purchase at the gallery in England.
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