Such Sweet Thunder by John Blunsden and David Phipps is a fascinating account of one of the most influential engines in the history of Formula One: the Ford Cosworth DFV. Published by Motor Racing Publications (MRP) in London in 1971, this first edition runs to 224 pages and is illustrated with contemporary photographs. The book documents the conception, development and extraordinary early racing success of the Ford-funded Cosworth V8.
The Cosworth DFV transformed Grand Prix racing when it arrived in 1967. Designed by Keith Duckworth and developed with Ford backing, the engine was created partly in response to Team Lotus founder Colin Chapman's need for a competitive power unit. Jim Clark took the Lotus 49 to victory at the 1967 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, the DFV's very first Formula One race.
Blunsden provides the broader racing history, placing the Ford-Cosworth project within the changing technical and competitive landscape of Formula One during the late 1960s. David Phipps contributes the technical material, including information gathered through interviews with Keith Duckworth. The result combines engineering history with the personalities, teams and races that made the DFV such an important part of Grand Prix competition.
Such Sweet Thunder covers the engine's first four seasons of competition, during which the Ford DFV achieved an extraordinary record. Contemporary advertising noted 34 Grand Prix victories from 45 World Championship events, demonstrating just how quickly the engine established itself at the forefront of Formula One.
For enthusiasts, the appeal extends beyond the technical story. Such Sweet Thunder captures Formula One at a particularly important moment, when independent teams could obtain a powerful and relatively accessible engine rather than relying entirely on expensive manufacturer-built machinery.
With its period photographs, engineering detail and firsthand material, Such Sweet Thunder is an excellent addition to collections devoted to Formula One, Cosworth, Ford motorsport, Lotus, racing-engine technology and the history of Grand Prix racing. It is particularly desirable for readers interested in the origins and early dominance of one of motor racing's legendary engines.
