Gran Premio de España | 1957

Gran Premio de España, 1957, artist unknown

This bold and dynamic poster promotes the 7th Spanish Motorcycle Grand Prix, held on 7 April 1957 at the Circuito Parque de Montjuïc in Barcelona. The design shows a dramatic low-angle view of a motorcyclist mid-turn, clad in deep red racing leathers and silver helmet, astride a powerful, stylised bike bearing the number 6. Behind the rider, sweeping red, yellow, green, and white bands evoke the Spanish flag and create a sense of motion and speed. The bold red arrow to the right reinforces the forward momentum. Emblems from the Real Moto Club de Cataluña and other governing bodies lend the poster official weight.

The Montjuïc circuit was a street track laid out in the public park of the same name, winding around the hills and monuments of Barcelona. Known for its challenging layout and elevation changes, it became a key venue in both motorcycle and car racing history. In the 1950s, Grand Prix motorcycle racing was growing in popularity, and Spain was emerging as a regular stop on the international calendar. Events like this were critical in promoting motorsport tourism and national prestige under Francoist Spain, which sought international legitimacy through sporting events.

Though the artist of this particular poster is uncredited, the signature "Granell" appears in the top right corner, possibly referring to a local commercial illustrator or print house active in Catalonia at the time. Many such posters were designed anonymously or by in-house illustrators at firms like Seix & Barral in Barcelona, whose imprint appears along the right edge.