Images by The Curb Shop
Bruce McLaren famously stated, “Life is measured in achievement, not in years alone.” That’s not just some whimsical quote; it’s a cold hard fact that rings true for motorsport icons of the past.
When racing was less regulated, more competitive, and white-knuckle dangerous, competitors knowingly risked their lives for speed and glory in hopes of a victorious payoff. As champions, they’ve archived their names in automotive history as daring wheelman heroes.
The Curb Shop knows a thing or two about celebrating motorsports through tasteful automobilia. Now offered through the Petrolicious Shop, Curb’s newest wall candy honors three distinguished drivers of yesteryear: François Cevert, Graham Hill, and James Hunt.
All pieces are printed on 18-inch by 24-inch 100-pound cover stock sourced from the French Paper Company. All commemorations are limited to 50 prints, each numbered and embossed for authenticity.
François Cevert
Over his three-year Formula One career, French driver François Cevert collected an impressive 89 points over 47 World Championship Grands Prix, earning 13 podium finishes and an overall win at the 1971 United States Grand Prix.
An unfortunate qualifying accident took the life of Cevert, cutting his career all too short. His competitiveness and humble demeanor made him a well-liked driver amongst fans and rivals alike, earning him the title of “The Most Exciting Man In France.”
François Cevert’s fleeting but undeniably impressive time in Formula One was spent behind the wheel of Elf-liveried machines, commissioned by the Tyrell Racing Organization. The Frenchman’s most iconic racer was the blue-and-white-liveried Tyrrell model 006.
Digitally captured at speed in bird’s-eye view, the Tyrrell Elf number 6 car pops behind a two-tone blue raceway backdrop, giving a cool vibe reminiscent of the legendary driver’s personality.
Graham Hill
Graham Hill, a name that needs no introduction within the motorsports world, was a British driver whose lengthy career spanned from 1958 to 1975.
Not to dismiss the significance of all 36 of his podium finishes, Hill is best remembered for winning the Indianapolis 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Monaco Grand Prix—Hill remains the only driver in history to wear the “Triple Crown of Motorsport.”
Graham Hill had an extremely diverse and colorful career. His racing portfolio is stuffed with credentials from Formula One, Indy Car, endurance racing, NHRA, NASCAR, and more. Hill won the Monaco Grand Prix in 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968, and 1969, earning him the well-deserved nickname “Mr. Monaco.”
Commemorating Graham Hill’s unparalleled record, this lively departing rear three-quarter shot of “Mr. Monaco’s” Ford-powered Lotus 49B is a vibrant capture of one of F1’s most beautiful and dramatic machines.
Finished in red and white with gold accents, Hill’s Lotus proudly wears number 1 per F1 tradition, signifying Hill’s reigning world champion status.
James Hunt
Having a charismatic personality off track and an unrestrained “hold-nothing-back” mentality on it, Englishman James Hunt was one of Formula One’s most internationally followed individuals.
Hitting the F1 grid in 1973, Hunt quickly established himself as a major threat to the opposition with his all-out driving style that often resulted in exciting but highly criticized crashes during competition—a tendency that only further enhanced his superstar status.
Nicknamed “Hunt the Shunt” (shunt being British racing slang for “crash”), the playboy side of James coupled with his grandstand successes over 93 races was a recipe for global sensation.
Hunt earned 23 podium finishes with 10 claimed victories. Flying under the banner of Hesketh Racing, the team produced an all-new car for the 1974 season: the Hesketh 308.
Wheeling the state-of-the-art 308, James Hunt’s first outing in the car claimed the Silverstone International Trophy. The 308 and Hunt duo went on to take third place at the Swedish Grand Prix, the Austrian Grand Prix, and the United States Grand Prix.
White with blue and red stripe accents, the strikingly beautiful Hesketh 308 is framed in profile, motioning left over a slight crest. With grey shadowing and black wheels and rubber against a crisp white background, the colored details jump from an otherwise monochromatic illustration, creating a lively juxtaposition.
