Sir Stirling Moss, Mr Goodwood

Story and photos by Jonathan Sharp

“Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss?” was an oft-used phrase by British Bobbies when pulling over speeding motorists in the mid-twentieth century. So well-known in fact, that Renault used the line during the 1970s for a Renault 20 television advertisement. If I recall correctly, the scene starts with the Renault stopped on a country road with a Bobby on a bicycle next to the car. The driver’s front window then comes down electrically, and the Bobby looks at the driver in the car whilst saying the immortal line. As the camera pulls away, we see Stirling Moss at the wheel.

Moss was racing at the first motor racing meeting I attended. It was not during his first career, neither was it during his historic career, but actually a British Touring Car race at Silverstone in 1980, Stirling had been tempted out of retirement to drive an Audi 80. I understand he did not enjoy his two seasons of Touring cars due to the fairground dodgem cars mentality of his fellow racers.

Moss added his presence to Goodwood’s two vintage events, the Festival of Speed and the Revival, for many years. He was eventually known as “Mr Goodwood,” and there I got to meet and speak to Moss on many occasions. He was often called ‘Stig Mo’ by my friends, due to how he signed his autograph.

A true gent, Moss was always approachable and happy to answer any questions you may have had about his career or the cars he drove. Following one Goodwood Revival, I sent Sir Stirling a disc of photographs of him, his lovely wife Lady Susie, and other drivers he knew at the event. A few days later, I was chuffed to bits to receive a written letter, on ‘Stirling Moss Racing’ headed note paper, thanking me.

My wife first met him on the tour proceeding the Amelia Island Concours in which he was the honored guest. He was sitting on a bench at the first stop speaking to many of the other participants and visitors and enjoying having his picture taken with all his new found friends. Once the frenzy had died down, he turned to my wife and said, “I enjoy these events as you get lots of freebies.” He was dressed from head to foot in Amelia Island concours gear and a bit of a tight arse as he would probably be the first to admit. I am genuinely sad today, Easter Sunday, at the passing of such a legend and a British national treasure. Rest in peace ‘Stig Mo.’ I send my heartfelt condolences to his wife, family and friends.