Archie Scott Brown

[kevin ritson]

Died at Spa 50 years ago today. For those that haven't heard of the man I urge you to buy this month's Motorsport magazine, which will give you a flavour of his achievements.

Born with a stump instead of a right hand and no shinbones amongst other physical disabilities inflicted when his mother contracted German Measels whilst pregnant, Archie's incredible sense of balance enabled him to overcome his handicap and amaze all who watched him perform. Together with Brian Lister he was a true star of sportscar racing in the 1950s and incredibly put in a few performances in Formula One with Connaught.

A true hero and a loss to more than just the sport.

[williamp]

Agreed. There's a book called "Archie and the listers" which is well worth reading.

I seem to recall that he lost control after hitting a small concrete post and spun off. The small concrete post was a memorial to the pre-war British driver Dick Seaman, who did on the same spot.

[absolutely]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archie_Scott-Brown

An absolute legend! Interestingly, one of his former Lister Jaguars is/was owned by Larry Kinch, father of Nathan Kinch, former Ferrari BGT champion and other sportscar type racer.

[rude-boy]

I was at Spa yesterday but hadn't realised it was the annaversary of his death.

Watching the Group C race I couldn't help thinking of Belof as i watched them blasting up Eau Rouge.

Chap driving the Merc was a touch handy but a hell of a lot braver than i think i would have been...

[FourWheelDrift]

I've got the race footage (aftermath) on film somewhere here, it was on a fast left hander that he went off into the trees, looked like the exit of Blanchimont.

[RobertE]

Actually, he died fifty years ago today, at about five in the afternoon after a fairly hellish 24 hours. His doctor was the same useless plonker who had treated Dick Seaman in 1939.

I wrote 'Archie and the Listers' and I will certainly be raising a glass to him later on...

Robert Edwards

[kevin ritson]

Good to hear from you Robert, the book has been highly recommended to me and I will be making a point of buying it. I'm at Spa in a fortnight - I'm sure I read that the spot where Archie crashed is now occupied by the F1 pits - is there a memorial to him anywhere?

[RobertE]

Yes there is - at Snetterton, which was basically his home circuit - it used to be at the Steward's inspection park but has now been moved to a memorial site/hospitality suite opened a few years ago by Jonathan Palmer. The plaque was designed by Cavendish Morton.

Also, something at Silverstone, I believe...

[rude-boy]

RobertE said:

Also, something at Silverstone, I believe...

IRRC it is* on the wall to the right hand side just as you enter the BRDC Clubhouse.



ETA * the placard

Edited by rude-boy on Monday 19th May 15:26

[williamp]

RobertE said:

Actually, he died fifty years ago today, at about five in the afternoon after a fairly hellish 24 hours. His doctor was the same useless plonker who had treated Dick Seaman in 1939.

I wrote 'Archie and the Listers' and I will certainly be raising a glass to him later on...

Robert Edwards

Well, its nice to say this to your face...ish...

Great book! I like your writing style.

Oh, Your book on "Original Aston Martin DB4/5/6" is thought of as the bible in Aston circles and is very highly sought after. Any chance of doing another print run?

[Eric Mc]

I have Robert's Stirling Moss tome - which is very good too.

[Nick_F]

RobertE said:

Actually, he died fifty years ago today, at about five in the afternoon after a fairly hellish 24 hours. His doctor was the same useless plonker who had treated Dick Seaman in 1939.

I wrote 'Archie and the Listers' and I will certainly be raising a glass to him later on...

Robert Edwards

Smashing book - enjoyed it very much.

[RobertE]

Thanks chaps; it was an honour to write it...

[davidd]

RobertE said:

Thanks chaps; it was an honour to write it...

Yes thankyou, a brilliant book, well worth a read a real story of grit and success against the odds. As a Cambridge dweller I drive past his old house on hills road a couple of times a week.

D

[skeggysteve]

RobertE said:

...I wrote 'Archie and the Listers' and I will certainly be raising a glass to him later on...Robert Edwards

I read your book some time ago - thank you very much for writing it.

I went to school very close to Snetterton (when it had the Norwich Straight - yes, I am that old) and heard a lot about Archie.

Glass raised to a great driver.

[RobertE]

davidd said:

RobertE said:

Thanks chaps; it was an honour to write it...

Yes thankyou, a brilliant book, well worth a read a real story of grit and success against the odds. As a Cambridge dweller I drive past his old house on hills road a couple of times a week.

D

The plaque which recalls him is at Hills Road!

[davidd]

RobertE said:

davidd said:

RobertE said:

Thanks chaps; it was an honour to write it...

Yes thankyou, a brilliant book, well worth a read a real story of grit and success against the odds. As a Cambridge dweller I drive past his old house on hills road a couple of times a week.

D

The plaque which recalls him is at Hills Road!

Really, where? By the house?

D

[RobertE]

I think it's at 163 Hills Road. I went to the unveiling ceremony at Marshall's Airfield in 2004, and I believe they stuck it up afterwards at No. 163.

I could be wrong, but the other candidate is 14 Portugal Place. Archie's old garage is still there too(or was, last time I was up there) on the Huntington Road.

[anonymous-user]

Another book to add to the collection. I was reading Archie's story in motorsport on my way to Spa last weekend, what a character!

[LanCat]

IMHO Robert's book is a must have for any motorsport fan. I seldom re-read books but this one I did.