1951 Goodwood Programme Multi-Signed, Including Giuseppe Farina

An important piece of early Formula One history, this original 1951 Goodwood Whit-Monday Official Programme is signed by six prominent drivers from the formative years of post-war motor racing: Giuseppe “Nino” Farina, Reg Parnell, Prince Bira, Bob Gerard, Brian Shawe-Taylor and David Hampshire.

The programme’s most historically significant autograph is that of Dr Giuseppe Farina, whose name is permanently etched into motorsport history as the first Formula One World Champion.

Held on 14 May 1951 at the celebrated Goodwood Motor Circuit in West Sussex, the Whit-Monday meeting formed part of Britain’s vibrant post-war racing revival. Goodwood had opened only three years earlier, in 1948, but quickly established itself as one of the country’s leading motor-racing venues. Its popular public-holiday meetings attracted large crowds and brought together many of the leading Grand Prix, Formula Libre and sports-car drivers of the period.

Farina’s appearance at Goodwood in 1951 is particularly significant. Just months earlier, he had secured his place in history by winning the inaugural Formula One World Championship in 1950 for Alfa Romeo. Farina prevailed in a fierce contest against his teammates Juan Manuel Fangio and Luigi Fagioli, winning three World Championship Grands Prix, including the decisive Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Born in Turin in 1906, Farina earned a doctorate in political science, leading to his familiar title of “Dr”. He was already an accomplished Grand Prix competitor before the creation of the Formula One World Championship, having raced extensively throughout the 1930s and received guidance from the legendary Tazio Nuvolari. Following the Second World War, Farina became a central figure in Alfa Romeo’s dominant return to international competition.

Known for his distinctive straight-armed driving position and forceful, uncompromising style, Farina helped define the earliest years of Formula One. His achievements established an important benchmark for every World Champion who followed.

Autographs of Giuseppe Farina are exceptionally scarce and highly prized by collectors. Farina’s death in 1966 further limited the number of authentic examples available. For collectors attempting the formidable challenge of assembling the signatures of every Formula One World Champion, Farina is widely regarded as one of the most difficult and important names to acquire.

The programme is further enhanced by the signatures of several notable contemporaries. Reg Parnell was one of Britain’s leading post-war drivers and finished third in the first-ever Formula One World Championship Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1950. Prince Bira of Siam was one of the most distinctive international competitors of the era, racing Maserati, Gordini and Connaught machinery during the early World Championship years.

Bob Gerard, a highly respected British privateer, competed in the inaugural World Championship and was renowned for achieving impressive results with comparatively limited resources. Brian Shawe-Taylor also participated in the 1950 British Grand Prix and became known for his natural ability and determined performances. David Hampshire was another accomplished British driver from the immediate post-war period, competing in both Grand Prix and sports-car events.

Accompanied by an AB Memorabilia Certificate of Authenticity.