After the Intercontinental formula failed to get off the ground, 1961 was the first season of the new 1.5-litre formula. Although the British weren’t fully prepared the former Formula 2 saw an influx of an intriguing variety of cars. Apart from works teams from Ferrari, Cooper, Lotus, BRM and newcomers Porsche, most privateers chose the tried and tested route to enter their customer Cooper and Lotus chassis. Others pioneered a more adventurous route with chassis from such as Emeryson and De Tomaso. And then we had the Gilby and the JBW, both developed and run by self-minded men trying to do Grand Prix racing off the beaten path. There was one Italian team that explored all three avenues. Its name was Scuderia Serenissima.
Continue...