Elf Scan 23: Matra MS 7

The MS 7 was Matra's highly successful F2 car, which dominated the 1968 and 1969 F2 seasons before new regulations ended its run in 1970.

This photo of an airborne Henri Pescarolo at the Nurburging marks the final installment of our weekly Elf Scan series here at Automobiliac. I hope you enjoyed all the wonderful period imagery and learned new facts--as I did!--about Matra, Alpine and the French racing scene of the late 1960s.

Elf Scan 21: Matra MS 5

The Matra MS 5 was a full monocoque Formula 3 car which dominated the 1966 and 1967 championship years.  Here the car is seen at its presentation at Montlhery with Henri Pescarolo looking pensively into the distance.

Elf Scan 6: Le Dream Team

For French motor racing fans of the late 60's, the Matra team lineup could hardly have been any better. Led by immensely talented and popular Jackie Stewart, supported by the capable gallic trio of Beltoise, Servoz Gavin, and Pescarolo (right to left in this photo).

I LOVE this shot. Looks like the best album cover ever!

Elf Scan #1: Henri Pescarolo

First in our new weekly series of scans is a very cool shot of Henri Pescarolo with some late 60's optical effects and fake signature to boot! Fun facts from the reverse of this card: Pescarolo's nickname was "Pepsi-Cola" for its phonetic similarity to his name when pronounced in French. His other great passion outside of racing was the hunt, and taking long hikes in the country.

About the series: The Elf Scans are a series of fascinating promotional cards that were offered at Elf fuel statons in France in 1970, showcasing the French petrol giant's involvement in motorsports. I will be posting a new one each week in 2011. Click the photo to enlarge.