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A Bit of Fun at the Chequered Flag

A mock standing start marks the beginning of an amusing classic car race that ends before it even gets going

Amateur film 1957 1 mins Silent

From the collection of:

Logo for London's Screen Archives

Overview

An elegantly-dressed foursome hurriedly crosses a busy Chiswick High Road before engaging in what looks like an uncoordinated car heist outside the Chequered Flag showroom. The driver in the Isetta - a popular bubble car of the period - manages to get going first, but not without a few hiccups. His fellow racers struggle on, attempting to start the stubborn engines while oblivious passers-by stumble into shot. The film features notable local Graham Warner.

Constructor and racing driver Graham Warner founded the Chequered Flag in 1956. Situated on Chiswick High Road, the renowned garage and showroom was also home to the eponymous motor racing team. It closed in 2000 to make way for a block of flats.

This film is from the collection of Hounslow Local Studies and Archives