Graham Robson - RIP
Discussion
I'm sad to report to PH the death of Graham Robson, hugely prolific motoring author (169 books and was still working on a huge project when he became ill in May), commentator and expert on all things classic car and rallying.
A much better written obituary than I can here:
https://www.classicandsportscar.com/obituaries/rip...
But then it would be, because he wrote it himself. See the last paragraph:
He was also a PHer known as aagr, but he didn't post much as he didn't enjoy being disagreed with.
He was also my father, so I thought I'd post a few of my own car-related pics in tribute.
His company car when I passed my test, and the one car he talked about the most ever after. I drove it very badly shortly before it went back:
His 80th at a Winchester hotel five years ago with his dashingly handsome younger son
on the right, and Gary Anderson, editor of US Mercedes magazine Star on the left, with Graham in the middle. He requested his guests turn up in the most appropriate car they could, so he drove there with Gary in my Focus RS (which he approvingly referred to as 'The Thug'), while I led the way in my XR2. Steve Cropley, the editor-in-chief of Autocar let the side down by turning up in a silver diesel Astra from their test fleet. 
I believe he is going to make amends by mentioning Graham in his column in Autocar in a week or two.
Finally, picking up his last of many cars two years ago, an A35 AMG, which true to form he named: Hermann. And drove like he'd stolen it!
A much better written obituary than I can here:
https://www.classicandsportscar.com/obituaries/rip...
But then it would be, because he wrote it himself. See the last paragraph:
Classic and Sports Car said:
You may have noticed the byline. Such was Graham’s thoroughness that he left this for us to publish.
He was also a PHer known as aagr, but he didn't post much as he didn't enjoy being disagreed with.
He was also my father, so I thought I'd post a few of my own car-related pics in tribute.
His company car when I passed my test, and the one car he talked about the most ever after. I drove it very badly shortly before it went back:
His 80th at a Winchester hotel five years ago with his dashingly handsome younger son
on the right, and Gary Anderson, editor of US Mercedes magazine Star on the left, with Graham in the middle. He requested his guests turn up in the most appropriate car they could, so he drove there with Gary in my Focus RS (which he approvingly referred to as 'The Thug'), while I led the way in my XR2. Steve Cropley, the editor-in-chief of Autocar let the side down by turning up in a silver diesel Astra from their test fleet. I believe he is going to make amends by mentioning Graham in his column in Autocar in a week or two. Finally, picking up his last of many cars two years ago, an A35 AMG, which true to form he named: Hermann. And drove like he'd stolen it!
It’s not made clear on forums but Johnnytheboy is my younger brother.
Dad will be missed deeply, not only by his countless friends but, as it has become clear over the past 24hrs, by everyone who met him.
I’ve mentioned before that I’m currently working in Germany and, thanks to the current situation, haven’t seen any of my family for well over a year. Nevertheless my regular phone calls with dad have always been a joyous, laughter-filled occasion. It was clear that he was immensely proud of both his sons, and hugely supportive in everything we do even if he didn’t agree with all!
In turn we were immensely proud of him and all he gave us.
There are so many highlights, mine start with my mum being taken for a pregnancy scan in a GT40, walking through forests listening to BDAs, going to my Ford interview in an RS200, being pulled in to the world of international motorsport and holidaying in America looking at his expression of pure wonder standing under the main engines of a Saturn V.
No wonder I’ve been in to cars, engineering and racing since birth.
Rest peacefully Dad, life for so many, especially for me (Hamish) and Jonathan, is a poorer place. Truly one of yesterday’s heroes.
Dad will be missed deeply, not only by his countless friends but, as it has become clear over the past 24hrs, by everyone who met him.
I’ve mentioned before that I’m currently working in Germany and, thanks to the current situation, haven’t seen any of my family for well over a year. Nevertheless my regular phone calls with dad have always been a joyous, laughter-filled occasion. It was clear that he was immensely proud of both his sons, and hugely supportive in everything we do even if he didn’t agree with all!
In turn we were immensely proud of him and all he gave us.
There are so many highlights, mine start with my mum being taken for a pregnancy scan in a GT40, walking through forests listening to BDAs, going to my Ford interview in an RS200, being pulled in to the world of international motorsport and holidaying in America looking at his expression of pure wonder standing under the main engines of a Saturn V.
No wonder I’ve been in to cars, engineering and racing since birth.
Rest peacefully Dad, life for so many, especially for me (Hamish) and Jonathan, is a poorer place. Truly one of yesterday’s heroes.
This is some very sad news indeed.
I used to enjoy Graham’s showground commentaries at the TR Register international meetings which he attended for many years. I used to think that he and Steve Redway were a great double act.
He used to have some great anecdotes about the works TR4s.
I hadn’t realised he had written so many books - I’ve got most of the Triumph and TVR ones but was amazed to learn how many other marques he’d written about.
I used to enjoy Graham’s showground commentaries at the TR Register international meetings which he attended for many years. I used to think that he and Steve Redway were a great double act.
He used to have some great anecdotes about the works TR4s.
I hadn’t realised he had written so many books - I’ve got most of the Triumph and TVR ones but was amazed to learn how many other marques he’d written about.
TR4man said:
This is some very sad news indeed.
I used to enjoy Graham’s showground commentaries at the TR Register international meetings which he attended for many years. I used to think that he and Steve Redway were a great double act.
He used to have some great anecdotes about the works TR4s.
I hadn’t realised he had written so many books - I’ve got most of the Triumph and TVR ones but was amazed to learn how many other marques he’d written about.
He wrote a superb book on Fiat sports cars (everything up to about 1983), bought it years ago and still have it and refer to it.I used to enjoy Graham’s showground commentaries at the TR Register international meetings which he attended for many years. I used to think that he and Steve Redway were a great double act.
He used to have some great anecdotes about the works TR4s.
I hadn’t realised he had written so many books - I’ve got most of the Triumph and TVR ones but was amazed to learn how many other marques he’d written about.
RIP Graham.
Generationx & johnnytheboy I am so sorry to hear about your Dads passing.
I was shocked when I saw his obituary on the Classic and Sports Car website.
I enjoy his books that I own & always found his posts here on PistonHeads informative.
I too remember seeing the red RS200 he was using around when we used to follow/marshal the Lombard RAC rally
Generationx & johnnytheboy I am so sorry to hear about your Dads passing.
I was shocked when I saw his obituary on the Classic and Sports Car website.
I enjoy his books that I own & always found his posts here on PistonHeads informative.
I too remember seeing the red RS200 he was using around when we used to follow/marshal the Lombard RAC rally
That's sad news and I am sorry for your loss Johhny.
My first car was a Spitfire and my then girlfriend bought me this book. both the car and the girl are now being enjoyed by new owners, but the book remains.
I read the print off it and was only looking at it the other week, thinking how I really should get myself a GT6.
My first car was a Spitfire and my then girlfriend bought me this book. both the car and the girl are now being enjoyed by new owners, but the book remains.
I read the print off it and was only looking at it the other week, thinking how I really should get myself a GT6.
Deep condolences to you both.
I first bought one of your Dad's Ford books almost 40 years ago, and then met him a few times in the mid 80's when I became an officer of the Ford AVO Owners Club.
Even just last summer I had a few PM and email exchanges via PH about Escorts and the old days.
RIP Graham - he will be sadly missed.
My two most recent memories of Graham are interviewing the hill ‘runners’, including myself, at the bottom of Kop Hill over several years. And giving generously of his time for free, at Frankie’s Classic Car Fest at Dunton in 2019 where he helped with some live interviews for the Capri 50th Anniversary part of the show. He was only too happy to help when he heard we were raising money for Saint Francis Hospice.
My two most recent memories of Graham are interviewing the hill ‘runners’, including myself, at the bottom of Kop Hill over several years. And giving generously of his time for free, at Frankie’s Classic Car Fest at Dunton in 2019 where he helped with some live interviews for the Capri 50th Anniversary part of the show. He was only too happy to help when he heard we were raising money for Saint Francis Hospice.
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