It was a blow to the team’s preparations for Le Mans, but some involved in the bitter dispute may see it as justice after a court ruling appeared to ban Kolles from racing under the historic name.
His team has entered the WEC as Vanwall Racing despite losing a case at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). It revolved around a dispute over the ‘Class 12’ issue – regarding the naming of street and competition cars – with the body deciding the matter in Vanwall’s favor in 1958.
Sanderson tells Motor Sport that Kolles has appealed the original ruling, with a Paddock source revealing that this is staying the original decision.
When asked for comment, the FIA was reluctant, saying it was “unable to comment on or arbitrate ongoing disputes between third parties”.
Should Kolles ultimately lose its attractiveness and thus no longer be associated with an automobile brand, the effects are unclear.
Vanwall took part in the World Championship for the first time in 1954, representing the first of what Enzo Ferrari dubbed ‘the Garagistas’, brave British start-up teams taking on the manufacturing might of Scuderia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Mercedes.
Vanwall acted as an incubator for British racing talent and was not only the team with which both Stirling Moss and Tony Brooks clinched a string of World Championship victories, but also Colin Chapman where he cut his F1 engineering teeth before founding Lotus.
The team’s most successful car, the VW 5, took the constructors’ crown in 1958, with both Moss and Brooks notching three wins each that season.
Vanwall 1958 says it’s still pushing ahead with sequel car plans
Van Wall 1958
With the production of the aforementioned sequel cars, Sanderson wants to preserve the history of the great racing brand through its business venture.
“Our strategy at Vanwall was to take care of the historical side and bring the name back to prominence by embracing its true values of quality British innovation,” he said.
“In this way with a massive look over our shoulders at all times to make sure we care about the origins and the great story behind Vanwall.”
Comments are closed.