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Up for sale is a highly collectible and historically significant vintage automotive illustration by the legendary Canadian-British motoring cartoonist Russell Brockbank (1913–1979). Brockbank was a celebrated artist and the long-time Art Editor for the famous British satirical weekly magazine Punch, universally revered for his technically precise yet brilliantly humorous classic car drawings.
The Subject Matter:
This detailed pen-and-ink line art print beautifully parodies classic Rolls-Royce motorcars navigating a chaotic, sheep-lined mountain pass. The illustration features iconic Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts leaning into steep hairpin turns. Notably, the lead car proudly displays Car Number 4—a direct historical nod to James Radley’s famous 1913 Silver Ghost that famously dominated the original Austrian Alpine Trials.
Exceptional Provenance & Event History:
This piece is a genuine, documented piece of motorsport club history from over 50 years ago.
• Front Inscription: Hand-dated \"1973\" in pencil on the bottom right border of the print.
• Rear Inscription: The back of the frame features a fascinating hand-written ink dedication that reads: “From EMBREE to the BLICKE\'S. IN COMMEMORATION OF THE GREAT ALPINE RALLY 1973. THIS SPECIAL CARTOON BY BROCKBANK IS FROM THE R.R.E.C. BANQUET PRECEEDING THE RALLY.”
• This confirms the print was an official souvenir distributed exclusively to drivers and attendees at the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club banquet marking the 60th anniversary re-run of the historic 1913 Alpine Trial.
Bonus 1970s Woolworth Time Capsule:
The print comes housed in its original 12\" x 16\" period-correct Woolworth / Woolco \"Happy Home\" retail picture frame. Discovered safely preserved directly behind the print backing is the original 1970s bright orange Woolworth retail paper insert (Reliance Picture Frame Co., Dover, NJ). This spectacular vintage ephemera piece is included with the purchase, providing undeniable physical proof of the artwork\'s 1973 era timeline.
Condition:
The print is crisp and flat with smooth, clean ink lines. The vintage wooden frame is structurally sound with minor, age-appropriate surface wear that beautifully matches its 1970s history. Glass is clean and intact. The original orange Woolworth retail insert is in remarkably vivid, well-preserved condition.
