Motor sports began as soon as the automobile was developed. People were attracted by the car's superior power and speed. The competitive and combative spirit found an appropriate release in the form of automobile racing. The automobile opened up romantic visions as speeds suddenly became possible that had hitherto never been possible. What began as a vehicle that could only manage a speed of 15km/hr became transformed over a space of 50 years into one capable of attaining speeds 20 times greater. This progress did not come about as a result of the desire to improve the technology alone. In motor sports, the driver had to be one step ahead of the competitons, and here it is down to a matter of seconds or meters. It was this competitive sentiment that brought such astounding improvements in speed performance. In this respect, automotive progress was a result of something more than mere development of technology for its own sake. 

Isotta-Fraschini Tipo I (1908, Italy)

Isotta-Fraschini, Italy's legendary luxury car, was the pioneer of four-wheel brakes (used in 1910) and SOHC eight-cylinder engine and had major success in numerous races. In their youth, Enzo Ferrari and Alfieri Maserati were both Isotta-Fraschini's drivers before going out on their own.

A gasoline tank behind the seat provided the fuel for the Tipo I's 8-liter, in-line 4-cylinder engine. Also found behind the seat was a 40-liter oil tank for lubricating the engine and rear wheel drive chains. An air pump to the left of the passenger's seat provided the pressure to keep the oil and fuel flowing. When driving, a mechanic always had to ride along to operate the air pump.

Bugatti Type 35B (1926, France)

The Type 35, the most famous of all the Bugatti models, was a great success in production car racing and a masterpiece that amazed the whole world. The Type 35B was a high-performance model equipped with a supercharger.

Many of the specs for the Bugatti Type 35B were decisively in advance of automobiles in those days. With 24-valves and a supercharger, its 8-cylinder SOHC engine produced 130 horsepower. Its brake drums with cooling fins were cast together with its aluminum wheels. Aerodynamic considerations included a covered frame and a frontal area was kept small by such means as placing the shift lever and hand brake levers outside of the passenger compartment.

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