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Do you know your racing colours?

Racing cars were first emblazoned with sponsor-heavy liveries back in the late 1960s – but competition machines had been wearing memorable identifying colours since the turn of the century…

A new book from Veloce Publishing, entitled Racing Colours – Motor Racing Compositions 1908-2009, uses computer-generated graphic compositions compiled by late automotive artist Simon Owen to illustrate some of the most memorable liveries. Included are not only such classic schemes as Gulf, Martini, JPS Lotus and Camoradi, but also a relevant anecdote on the opposite page from racing legends such as John Surtees, Richard Attwood and Colin Chapman. To round it off, the final pages consist of diagrams describing Owen’s composition process – something he never intended, but one that adds a fascinating insight into the late artist’s mind nevertheless.

Photos: Veloce / Simon Owen

Racing Colours – Motor Racing Compositions 1908-2009 is available from the Veloce website, priced at £19.99.

You can find numerous competition cars for sale in the Classic Driver Market