Grand Prix Cars

“ In compiling this brief history of Grand Prix racing, along with descriptions of the more successful cars, I have limited myself to the period since World War II as the present day Grand Prix cars are mostly derived from the development and design of the early post war years. Although many ideas were taking shape in the period of the mid-thirties — such as the use of De Dion rear axle layouts, independent front suspension systems and hydraulic brakes — the main interest lay in engine design under a free ruling on capacity.
It was not until about 1950 that a renaissance began in chassis design for Grand Prix cars and from then on a great deal of knowledge was gained; enough in fact, to enable roadholding to become a very exact science rather than a hit-and-miss affair. This development in the chassis and the search for improved road holding and higher cornering power was accentuated by the beginning of the era of unsupercharged racing, when power outputs were severely curtailed and speed had to be found by other means …”
(1959 - Denis Jenkinson)