In common usage, the terms are virtually synonymous and interchangeable.
More technically, a Grand Prix car is a car driven in a Grand Prix. Usually,
but not always, that is a Formula 1 car, which defines a car built to that
specific formula. During at least one season in the '50s, the Grand Prix
cars driven in competition for the World Championship were Formula 2 cars.
And one might note that from 1950 to 1960 the "Indianapolis Formula" was
also included in the points standings for the World Championship (but only
the Indy 500 race).
So -- A Grand Prix car is any car driven in a Grand Prix.
-- A Formula 1 car is any car built to that specification.
Usually the cars driven in an FIA World Championship Grand Prix (as opposed
to other races given the name "grand prix") are Formula 1. But not
necessarily always. Both terms reach back to the earliest days of racing.
And while F1 cars were raced in grands prix (and other races) of the '40s,
'30s and earlier, other early GP races used sports cars. F1 and GP were more
formally married when the FIA World Championship was begun in 1950.
Hell, my Spitfire is a Grand Prix Car. Because I've driven it in the Green
Country Grand Prix at Hallett. :-)
--Rocky Entriken
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Gray" <toodamnfunky@comcast.net>
To: "Friends of triumph" <fot@autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2010 11:42 PM
Subject: [Fot] Grand Prix Cars Vs. F1
> Question;
>
> At what point did we start
> using F1 to describe the cars
> in lieu of Grand Prix.
>
> Pre - wing cars would include
> the Lotus 49 but exclude the
> 49B.
>
> Or would it be pre-carbon
> fiber & driver aid cars.
>
> jim g
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