10 replies to this topic

[ghinzani]

I recall an advert in the MN or Autosport (Although I've been unable to locate it in the latter) in early 1984 where a team with a March Toyota 813 (I think) were offering European F3 races at £850 a race, which seemed cheap even then. I'm pretty sure as it was well written in English but had German contact details that this was more than likely to have been Major Bob Birrell who was stationed with the Army out there. Anyone have any more on him? I know he went on to Historics, perhaps ending up with a Surtees but I would really like to know more about his F3 endeavours and team - I read on here he did Euro F3 in 83 but am unable to verify that. Was the £850 a round to cover running costs in a 2nd car whilst Bob got something newer perhaps? Any pics of the March would be great.

[David McKinney]

He's still competing in historics, with a Brabham BT6

I did a story on him once (which I can no longer find). My recollection is that most of his period Continental racing was in FSV

There were two other British army officers teamed with him in historic racing in the '80s; your 813 driver could equally have been one of them

[Peter Morley]

I saw a lot of them during the 80s when they were based in Germany.

Bob is at most historic race meetings, I'm sure he will be at Goodwood Revival.
When he returned from Germany he was involved with the tank testing grounds at Bovington (spelling ?).
I think a scan through the Formula Junior website would find an e-mail address for Bob, he was involved in arranging their 50th anniversary tour to New Zealand.

Fred Boothby was one of the other drivers who raced with Bob in historics while they were based in Germany.
Fred has owned Chevrons, Lotus 17s, Elva Courier Le-Mans etc. and has had a Lotus 20 for many years.

Peter Everingham was the other one, last time I saw him he was secretary of the Ferrari owners club.

[David McKinney]

Thanks for jogging my memory about the other names, Peter

[ghinzani]

I've found him racing his March 813 Toyota in 82 entered by the Royal Corps of Transport http://www.formula2.net/F382_GB15.htm

[RTH]

Spoke to Bob not so very long ago on the phone . Nowadays he is running Land Rover off road experience days.

[Alan Cox]

I see that Bob is down to share an Elva with Peter Strauss in the Guards Trophy at this weekend's Oulton Gold Cup meeting.

[ghinzani]

Good stuff - can anyone speaking to him ask him if it was his advert back in the day I mentioned above? Thanks

[Giraffe]

I see that Bob is down to share an Elva with Peter Strauss in the Guards Trophy at this weekend's Oulton Gold Cup meeting.

Seen at Mallory on Wednesday morning...........


By giraffe138 at 2010-08-25

By giraffe138 at 2010-08-25


By giraffe138 at 2010-08-25

[ghinzani]

https://www.ards.co....44/bob-birrell/

[ghinzani]

 

https://www.driverdb...rs/bob-birrell/