This is a lovely video produced by Credit Suisse of Sir Stirling Moss talking at his London home with motorsport journalist, broadcaster and Goodwood commentator Henry Hope-Frost. Credit Suisse have a history of classic motorsport involvement dating back to 2004, so it’s good to see them producing this short film. Sir Stirling reminisces about his remarkable life on the race track.
The 85-year-old, who dominated the international scene in the 1950s and early-60s, chats candidly when interviewed ahead of the 18th running of the Goodwood Revival at the circuit where he achieved so much success in his 15-year professional career. He talks fondly about Goodwood, the circuit that bookended his career via a 500cc Formula 3 win at the opening meeting in September 1948, when he was just 19, and the Glover Trophy Formula 1 accident at Easter in 1962 that put an end to his career.
With 2015 marking the 60th anniversary of his victories in the three big sportscar internationals – the Mille Miglia, the Tourist Trophy and the Targa Florio – and his breakthrough win in Formula 1 at the British Grand Prix, Sir Stirling also reflects on arguably his greatest competitive season: 1955 with Mercedes.
He also touches on his failure to add Le Mans 24 Hours victory to his tally in the wake of the infamous accident that led to Mercedes withdrawing from the race when Moss had a comfortable lead.
With priceless props to illustrate the story-telling, including the actual wood-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel with which he took all four wins, and an exact replica of the paper roll in a box from which his co-driver Denis Jenkinson navigated the 1000-mile Mille Miglia route, Sir Stirling offers never-seen insights into his mastery aboard the Mercedes 300 SLR sportscar and W196 Grand Prix racer and relives these historic moments on camera.
The consummate professional, as ever, this is a great video to watch right through. Certainly, whenever we’ve met the great man, he’s been a lot of fun to work with. Grab yourself a coffee and enjoy it.
