I’m sorry to report the death of my uncle, Jimmy Blumer. Jimmy started his racing career in 1950 and took part in that year’s Monte Carlo Rally, where he was the youngest driver (18) in the oldest car, a 1938 Morris Ten. By the late 1950s, Jimmy had progressed to sportscars, racing his ex-Moss Cooper Bobtail, Lotus Eleven and his beloved Cooper Monaco across Europe. In addition to his own cars, he also drove for Ecurie Ecosse and the Border Reivers, amongst others.
Jimmy shared the Equipe Endeavour Mk.II Jag with Mike Parkes to win the 1962 Motor Six Hour Race. In 1963, Jimmy competed in the British Saloon Car Championship, driving the Alan Andrews Racing Cortina GT. He finished 5th overall. He also finished 2nd in the Marlboro 12 hours. 1964 took Jimmy to Le Mans, where he drove the ill-prepared Sunbeam Tiger for Rootes Group. Apparently, you can get a cigarette out of your overalls top pocket at the start of Mulsanne and have it smoked before you pass the pits and the beady eye are Marcus Chambers…
A lovely chap who will be missed by all who knew him.
DC