The first turbocharged world championship racer – from the 1920s

It contested just two grands prix but the Halford Special, now being offered for sale for the first time since the present owner acquired it as a collection of spare parts in the late 1970s, gives us a glimpse of a bygone era of invention and ambition. The practical application of turbocharging was still in its infancy when the car’s creator, a former Royal Flying Corps engineer, tried to introduce it to the racing world single-handed.

Those who follow what’s now known generically as Formula 1 will be well aware the world championship is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. You might even have a pricey ticket to the glitzy season-launch event at London’s O2 later this month.