It was no surprise the that the only son Stirling was to follow his Fathers passion via a very successful period of show jumping and Gymkhana which he shared with sister Pat who also became a successful car rally driver in her own right.
It was racing cars that Stirling was to find his place and his talent soon became evident after just one or two seasons learning his trade.
The young Moss was supported in the early days by his Father who helped and provided the tools required such as a new Maserati 250F bought directly from the factory for a little over £3,000 Pounds.
It was not long before the major manufacturers were queuing up to sign Moss a their works driver, Stirling went onto race for Maserati, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lotus and the mighty Mercedse-Benz team alongside the legendary Juan Fangio.
Stirling's win percentage was phenomenal, taking almost 40% victories out of all races entered during his career as a professional racing driver.
Moss was runner up in the World Drivers Championship an incredible 4 times, each time missing out by just one point. He was however regarded by his fellow professionals at this time as the greatest driver of his generation.
He also had incredible success driving for privateer and team owner Rob Walker in such wonderful machinery as the Ferrari 250 SWB, Cooper T49/51 and of course the legendary Lotus 18 in which Stirling won the Monaco Grand Prix twice.
Moss won all the big events including the Mille Miglia in 1955 with Mercedes Benz, British Grand Prix, and Monaco three times.
The phenomenal career of Stirling Moss was prematurely ended after a serious accident at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in 1962. The accident left Moss in a coma for one month and hospitalised for a further three, this awful and unexplained accident almost claimed Stirlings life. The following year Stirling got behind the wheel and tested only to announce his retirement after the test feeling he had lost the edge. His new profession as an professional ex-racing driver was an unknown journey but one which he laid the foundations for many others to follow. I personally worked with and knew Stirling for over 30 years and I always said to him "There is only one man who could play the role of Stirling Moss and that is you Stirling" Stirling decided in June 2011 while qualifying for the support classic race to retire from competitive racing for good feeling that it was time.
Stirling Moss was truly a remarkable man who’s zest for life and motorsport kept him traveling the world well into his 80's
In my opinion, Moss the Icon has been by far the greatest ambassador to the spirit of motor racing. A true legend who lived the life many dream of and yet remained loyal, courteous, humble and responsible to his role for his adoring fans world over. A knight hood is in many cases a debatable situation, however in the case of Stirling Moss he deserved every inch of it.
I know I can speak for many when I say Stirling, thank you for being Stirling Moss in such a wonderful way.
Peter Ratcliffe.
Sir Stirling Moss O.B.E was born September 17th 1929 to Alfred and Eileen both keen motorsport parents.
Father Alfred was successful dentist who loved cars and was heavily involved in the early days of amateur motorsport and was a regular competitor at such events as Brooklands.
