Preserving Film of 50/60's racing help needed.

[HarryW]

Does anyone know where I can get some of my father-in-laws old film’s digitised and or transferred onto DVD, or even any organisations that may want them for archive?
He has two main reels one, in standard 8 format, of approximately an hour which amongst others contains him club racing an old MGTD around Brands in 1958 against mainly other MG’s and Lotuses. It also has an International Sportscar meet from Brands the same year with the likes of Sterling Moss and Innes Ireland in Coopers, a sports car race with Astons, HWM’s and Lister Jaguars with the stars of the day. For those that hill climb it also has a meet from Stapleford Hill climb circa 57/58 which has the like’s of Bugatti's, ERA’s and Lotuses (6’s) going up, imagine that today . There are a lot more cars and names too numerous to mention.
The other reel, in super 8 format, about 30 minutes long he has club racing, again at Brands. This time in 1960 with him driving a lightweight MGA Twin Cam, normally beating the works cars btw, for those who like their Lotuses there are quite a few 6’s and 11’s amongst the MG’s.
The remainder of the films contain the usual holiday stuff that would be nice to transfer into a modern format, but as far as I’m concerned the preserving of British sports cars in action in the ‘Halcyon years’ needs saving for the future before the films deteriorate.
Any one out there got any ideas? Been down this road themselves?, let me know.

Harry

[HiRich]

Try "Video Services" and few other parts of the Yellow Pages (according to mine, theres AFX - 01242-580533 across South London and 1st Stop - 020-7978-6262 in Lavender Hill who look likely). You'll need to call to check they can do it.

Remember, not only can they transfer to digital, they can also clean up the sound and video, and even eliminate shake (but remember to get the raw files as well), and edit them into pieces you want. Though if you know someone with Premiere or Final Cut, you can do this yourself.

As to who want them, perhaps try VSCC for the Bugatti's, and the HSCC, for starters. As you seem to so responsible, you could perhaps note any significant cars/registrations/drivers/meeting names/dates, then post thumbnails/desription on a website. To publicise it, how about:
1- email relevant owners clubs (including begging them to forward it to possible interested parties)
2- drop a 3-line letter to Classic & Sportscar
If you charge approximate cost +P&P, there'll be people out there who'll thank you. Just imagine that someone announced that they had some footage of your Bugatti or MGA...

[HarryW]

Thanks for that Richard I'll give them a go. I was hoping there might be a PH out there thats in this line of business, to keep it in the family so to speak.

Harry

[HiRich]

I was re-reading your post - are those Coopers 500's (look like cocktail sausages on wheel)? If so, the Cooper 500 Association would certainly be interested (my big bro runs one, and they don't get much coverage in the Goodwood Revival videos)

If they are, drop a post here, and I'll pass it on.

[HarryW]

Richard just spoke to the F-I-L, he's pretty certain that they were Climax engined Coopers (2 litre F2 type's), with possibily some Bristol engined ones in there somewhere as well.
The Lister jag was being run by Archie Scott-Hamilton btw.
He really needs to see the film again, he's 74 and with it, but even my memory of last week is hazy so I think it's pretty good he remembers this much .
When I get it transferred I'll sit down with him and list as many of the cars and drivers as possible.
Still open to suggestions for archiving it though, anyone know if Brands has an archive?

Harry