The Lap That Made A Legend

Fine Art Prints by Automobilist

The Lap That Made A Legend

Considered by many as one of the greatest victories in racing history, Juan Manuel Fangio’s triumph at the German Grand Prix of 1957 also represented the pinnacle of the driver’s incredible career.

Fangio won the World Championship that year in his Maserati 250F, and at the Nürburgring he showed the world what he was really capable of. After deciding to race with softer tires than the rest, and only half a tank of fuel, Fangio was able to corner quicker and he took a huge lead in style. But with less fuel on board a pit stop was required, which was to prove a disaster.

One of the Maserati team’s mechanics dropped – and then had to find – a wheel nut, costing Fangio a lot of time. He subsequently rejoined in third, and a massive 48 seconds behind Peter Collins in P2. For most drivers, there would have been no way back. But Fangio was in a class of his own.

Within 10 magical laps, he had caught and passed Collins, breaking the lap record a total of 9 times – 7 of which were successive laps – and registering a fastest time that wasn’t beaten for 46 years. After these incredible laps, Fangio then set his sights on race leader, Mike Hawthorn. With Collins out of the way, Fangio went on to spectacularly pass Hawthorn with only his right tires on the track and his left tires on the grass.

Of the race, Fangio himself said: "I have never driven that quickly before in my life and I don’t think I will ever be able to do it again”.

Magic behind our work

RESEARCH AND CONCEPT

Every image we create is based on a real-life historical event, so to assure accuracy, we put in long hours of research to piece together every little detail.

3D MODELLING AND 3D SCANNING

Once the concept is established, a 3D model is created using computer-generated imagery. Studying every piece of reference material available, Automobilists’ artists, then, digitally rebuild the vehicle from scratch, slowly constructing layer upon layer with painstaking detail – even down to the last coat of paint.

PHOTOSHOOT

With pre-production complete, it’s time to go on-location and start shooting photographs. This stage can last for several days and involves crews of up to 70 people, depending on the concept. The highest grade of professional equipment is used to ensure the highest quality and resolution images, and extensively detailed sets are also built when required.

PRINT TECHNOLOGY

We only use the very best Epson fine art printers, and premium Hahnemühle paper due to its fine texture, which guarantees long-lasting colour and saturation.

AUTHENTICITY

Each Fine Art print is special and carries a unique number. Medium and Large Fine Arts are also accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

WORLDWIDE DELIVERY

We ship all medium and large artworks worldwide. Framed artworks are heavy and fragile, please contact us for appropriate shipping and handling options.

FRAMING

Our framed options comprise a dark brown hand-made oak frame with an embossed matt, anti-reflective glass and adequate packaging for safe transportation. Individual framing options are available upon request.