Ken Wharton is the name of a British race driver which comes up again and again as I delve thru old books and articles.
He drove a wide variety of cars including sports cars and "F1" cars.
However I have not found any "profile" articles on him. For example :
Was he an amateur or a professional?
Was he hot-shoe or "journeyman"?
Can anyone direct me to a good source please?
I have seen the Ferrari 750 Monza in which he was killed. It is at the Southward Museum in New Zealand.
Ken Wharton
Started by
ry6
, Apr 18 2002 18:07
27 replies to this topic
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#2
Richard Jenkins
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Posted 18 April 2002 - 20:29
He's featured in this month's Motor Sport by Bill Boddy.
Hard to put him in either the hot-shoe or journey man category. he was a damn fast driver who raced for fun, but raced seriously & for results & not just for enjoyment but due to his age & all-rounder skills, I can't define him as a "hotshoe".
He was a 'professional' amateur is the best way to put it I think. Just my feeling about him. Vastly underrated & another who becuase he died or retired 45 years ago is just plain forgotten which is wrong.
Hard to put him in either the hot-shoe or journey man category. he was a damn fast driver who raced for fun, but raced seriously & for results & not just for enjoyment but due to his age & all-rounder skills, I can't define him as a "hotshoe".
He was a 'professional' amateur is the best way to put it I think. Just my feeling about him. Vastly underrated & another who becuase he died or retired 45 years ago is just plain forgotten which is wrong.
#3
Ray Bell
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Posted 18 April 2002 - 23:47
He did a lot of testing for BRM with their V16, did he not? ... I think that would indicate more 'professional' than anything...
#4
LittleChris
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Posted 19 April 2002 - 18:15
He raced the V16 at Albi in 1952 with Fangio & Gonzales as team mates IIRC.
#5
Doug Nye
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Posted 19 April 2002 - 21:28
Ken Wharton was the consummate professional competition driver who drove in everything from driving tests to mud-plugging trials to hill-climbs at home, mountain climbs on the Continent, club treasure hunts, national rallies, international-scale Rallies to saloon, sports, F1, F2, Libre...anything that would earn a few bob. There's a full-scale biog feature on him in 'Classic & Sportscar' perhaps 7-8 years ago by yrs trly. His letter heading alone was a biographical encyclopaedia with literally dozens of fastest laps and FTDs and wins and placings cluttered around his name. He was never out of that exclusive top drawer but as many of you will already be fully aware he was a top-line Division Two player in BRM, Cooper-Bristol, Frazer Nash F2, Frazer Nash sports, works Jaguar, Ford Zephyr, Vanwall, Ferrari, you name it virtually....
DCN
DCN
#6
Milan Fistonic
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Posted 20 April 2002 - 20:36
This appeared in a New Zealand International Grand Prix newsletter sometime in 1957.
THE LATE KEN WHARTON
It has been our intention since Ken lost his life at Ardmore to pay tribute to his memory in the most practicable way possible – We decided to re-name the Sports Car race “The Ken Wharton Trophy Race” for 1958 and to provide a really first class trophy which could never be won outright and would perpetuate his memory in New Zealand for all time – We wrote to his sister asking her permission to name the race thus and we received the following reply:
Dear Mr Perkins,
Thank you sincerely on behalf of my parents and myself for your kind and sincere letter. The kindness of your countrymen and now yourself, has been a great comfort to us, and we are proud indeed to hear and to know how genuinely well liked and admired Ken was.
With regard to the ‘Ardmore Sports Car Trophy Race’ becoming in future the ‘Ken Wharton Trophy Race’, I would say on behalf of mother, father and myself, that we should be indeed proud to know that Ken’s name would be kept fresh in the year’s to come, in this way, and that we approve entirely.
Maurice Willson arrives in England on Saturday, and I expect we shall have much to talk about, we do know though, that this last brief period of Ken’s life was a very happy one, from the letters we received from him, and for this knowledge we would thank you and the Organisation for the part they played.
Kindest regards from my parents and myself.
Very sincerely
Jean Wharton
Shortly after receiving this we also received news that four of Ken’s friends here in New Zealand had purchased a magnificent trophy, 3 feet high, which they were donating for annual competition – They also propose opening a Post Office Savings Bank Trust Account and depositing sufficient money to enable a miniature and the annual engraving to be provided from the interest, thus ensuring the continuity of this magnificent memorial Trophy. We regard this as a wonderful gesture and the sport must succeed when there are such friends of drivers here in New Zealand.
You will find enclosed a form which you may care to fill in and send some token amount as a contribution towards enriching the same race in 1958 in which Ken lost his life in 1957 – All monies will go towards trophies for placings which will be won outright and for prize monies. It is hoped that sufficient will be forthcoming to make this a truly rich and valuable event – We feel this is a far better way to pay respects to a fine driver and sportsman, rather than build memorials and plaques which can do little to benefit anyone – In the proposed manner the beneficiaries are the contestants who, like Ken, face the same dangers and hazards and costs to participate in a sport we all enjoy witnessing so much.
All donors will be listed in three bound records, with NZIGP members in a separate section – One will be kept in our office – one sent to John Eason-Gibson of the British Racing Drivers Club in London and the third to Ken’s family, who we feel certain will feel proud and comforted that though their son travelled so far to come here only to lose his life that we do not take it lightly.
Do not feel obliged to donate huge sums of money – Just what you can afford coupled with what you consider the occasion demands – A souvenir receipt will be sent to all donors with a postcard size reproduction of the last photograph known to have been taken of Ken Wharton driving the Monza Ferrari on the lap on which the fatal accident occurred.
THE LATE KEN WHARTON
It has been our intention since Ken lost his life at Ardmore to pay tribute to his memory in the most practicable way possible – We decided to re-name the Sports Car race “The Ken Wharton Trophy Race” for 1958 and to provide a really first class trophy which could never be won outright and would perpetuate his memory in New Zealand for all time – We wrote to his sister asking her permission to name the race thus and we received the following reply:
Dear Mr Perkins,
Thank you sincerely on behalf of my parents and myself for your kind and sincere letter. The kindness of your countrymen and now yourself, has been a great comfort to us, and we are proud indeed to hear and to know how genuinely well liked and admired Ken was.
With regard to the ‘Ardmore Sports Car Trophy Race’ becoming in future the ‘Ken Wharton Trophy Race’, I would say on behalf of mother, father and myself, that we should be indeed proud to know that Ken’s name would be kept fresh in the year’s to come, in this way, and that we approve entirely.
Maurice Willson arrives in England on Saturday, and I expect we shall have much to talk about, we do know though, that this last brief period of Ken’s life was a very happy one, from the letters we received from him, and for this knowledge we would thank you and the Organisation for the part they played.
Kindest regards from my parents and myself.
Very sincerely
Jean Wharton
Shortly after receiving this we also received news that four of Ken’s friends here in New Zealand had purchased a magnificent trophy, 3 feet high, which they were donating for annual competition – They also propose opening a Post Office Savings Bank Trust Account and depositing sufficient money to enable a miniature and the annual engraving to be provided from the interest, thus ensuring the continuity of this magnificent memorial Trophy. We regard this as a wonderful gesture and the sport must succeed when there are such friends of drivers here in New Zealand.
You will find enclosed a form which you may care to fill in and send some token amount as a contribution towards enriching the same race in 1958 in which Ken lost his life in 1957 – All monies will go towards trophies for placings which will be won outright and for prize monies. It is hoped that sufficient will be forthcoming to make this a truly rich and valuable event – We feel this is a far better way to pay respects to a fine driver and sportsman, rather than build memorials and plaques which can do little to benefit anyone – In the proposed manner the beneficiaries are the contestants who, like Ken, face the same dangers and hazards and costs to participate in a sport we all enjoy witnessing so much.
All donors will be listed in three bound records, with NZIGP members in a separate section – One will be kept in our office – one sent to John Eason-Gibson of the British Racing Drivers Club in London and the third to Ken’s family, who we feel certain will feel proud and comforted that though their son travelled so far to come here only to lose his life that we do not take it lightly.
Do not feel obliged to donate huge sums of money – Just what you can afford coupled with what you consider the occasion demands – A souvenir receipt will be sent to all donors with a postcard size reproduction of the last photograph known to have been taken of Ken Wharton driving the Monza Ferrari on the lap on which the fatal accident occurred.
#7
Reyna
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Posted 20 April 2002 - 20:51
Hi
I've just found at eBay a pic of Wharton, Goodwood 1953, with BRM P15. The aution: http://cgi.ebay.com/...item=1822851573
Rafa
I've just found at eBay a pic of Wharton, Goodwood 1953, with BRM P15. The aution: http://cgi.ebay.com/...item=1822851573
Rafa
#8
Doug Nye
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Posted 20 April 2002 - 20:57
Originally posted by Milan Fistonic
Maurice Willson arrives in England on Saturday, and I expect we shall have much to talk about, we do know though, that this last brief period of Ken’s life was a very happy one...Very sincerely
Jean Wharton
Maurice Willson was an ice-hockey referee amongst other attributes, and a friend of Ken Wharton's who also acted as his pit manager/personal manager/advisor etc.
DCN
#9
ry6
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Posted 21 April 2002 - 11:36
Thank you gentlemen.
I will buy the MotorSport when it eventually arrives in my country.
I will also try to locate Doug's article in Classic & Sportscar. A friend has a big collection.
I will buy the MotorSport when it eventually arrives in my country.
I will also try to locate Doug's article in Classic & Sportscar. A friend has a big collection.
#10
Brian Lear
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Posted 21 April 2002 - 12:57
Originally posted by Doug Nye
Ken Wharton
. There's a full-scale biog feature on him in 'Classic & Sportscar' perhaps 7-8 years ago by yrs trly.
DCN
Doug
Time flies when you are having fun.......
The C & S article appeared in the July 1984 issue.
#11
Vicuna
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Posted 27 April 2002 - 12:42
Check the latest 'Motor Sport'.
#12
David Beard
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Posted 20 February 2003 - 18:49
Can anyone confirm that my recollection that in the sixties the BBC ran coverage of Driving Tests (these days called Autotests) that were called "The Ken Wharton Memorial Trophy"?
There was always a strong Irish contingent, in Spridgets I think. The name Dermot Carnegie springs to mind...
There was always a strong Irish contingent, in Spridgets I think. The name Dermot Carnegie springs to mind...
#13
Pete Stowe
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Posted 20 February 2003 - 19:27
Yep, you're correct. It was a team contest - N Ireland, Eire, Scotland, Wales, England & on occasion Holland & Belgium. Three cars to a team - sports, saloon & GT (Mini Coopers apparently being classed as GT) run by the Hagley & DLCC at Chateau Impney near Droitwich.
#14
oldtimer
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Posted 20 February 2003 - 19:46
Action shots of Ken Wharton were pretty frequent in the Pictorial Reviews in MotorSport in the '50s.
One of the few tamers of the P15 BRM, for which I admired him.
One of the few tamers of the P15 BRM, for which I admired him.
#15
David Beard
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Posted 20 February 2003 - 20:17
Originally posted by Pete Stowe
Yep, you're correct. It was a team contest - N Ireland, Eire, Scotland, Wales, England & on occasion Holland & Belgium. Three cars to a team - sports, saloon & GT (Mini Coopers apparently being classed as GT) run by the Hagley & DLCC at Chateau Impney near Droitwich.
Thanks Peter.
They still run them, it would seem. From the Hagley & DLCC Website..
Also in October, are the Ken Wharton Memorial Autotests, which have been a part of the Hagley calendar since 1958, many of the events being televised live. This event, held at the superb Arrow Mill near Alcester, brings out the best exponents of pylon-bashing and attracts teams from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern and Southern Ireland.
But what was the connection (if any) between Wharton and the Hagley club, and / or Autotests?
#16
Geoff E
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Posted 20 February 2003 - 20:50
Originally posted by David Beard
But what was the connection (if any) between Wharton and the Hagley club, and / or Autotests?
He competed there (well various places actually), in events organised by the Hagley Club. from the 1940s onwards:- http://www.ukmotorsp...cleehistory.htm
#17
Tim Murray
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Posted 21 February 2003 - 12:47
Not to mention Guernsey . . .Originally posted by Pete Stowe
It was a team contest - N Ireland, Eire, Scotland, Wales, England & on occasion Holland & Belgium.
#18
Ian McKean
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Posted 22 February 2003 - 23:12
Originally posted by Pete Stowe
Yep, you're correct. It was a team contest - N Ireland, Eire, Scotland, Wales, England & on occasion Holland & Belgium. Three cars to a team - sports, saloon & GT (Mini Coopers apparently being classed as GT) run by the Hagley & DLCC at Chateau Impney near Droitwich.
When I was a young man, people used to say that the Chateau Impney was something of a den of iniquity - very smart and expensive but decadent none-the-less. I went there once or twice but never ventured into the decadent part. Perhaps you had to be a member. Was it just a story or was there some truth in it?
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#20
Wolf
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Posted 19 April 2007 - 00:31
Thanks for bringing this thread up, Richie. 
Oldtimer's comment about taming the B.R.M. struck a familiar chord- I think it was mentioned in 'Design & Behaviour that he was, with Collins, as the one whose driving style suited the way P15 handled (he was quick on the throttle coming out of the corners). Would like to learn more of him, people like him seem to get overlooked in 'grand scheme of things' (more's the pity)...
Oldtimer's comment about taming the B.R.M. struck a familiar chord- I think it was mentioned in 'Design & Behaviour that he was, with Collins, as the one whose driving style suited the way P15 handled (he was quick on the throttle coming out of the corners). Would like to learn more of him, people like him seem to get overlooked in 'grand scheme of things' (more's the pity)...
#21
Bruno
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Posted 19 April 2007 - 05:49
is this Ken Wharton who has to dispute a race in Sport for the Factory Ferrari in 1956?
you are pics?
you are pics?
#22
Paul Rochdale
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#23
Stephen W
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Posted 19 April 2007 - 09:34
A brief synopsis of his hillclimb career:
Ken Wharton made his Championship debut at the June Shelsley Walsh meeting in 1950 at the wheel of a one-litre Cooper-JAP finishing a creditable third behind Mays and Poore. He scored his maiden championship victory at the very next round, Bo’ness, two weeks later. This was followed up by a second at Rest-and-be-Thankful before registering yet another victory at Bouley Bay. He rounded off his debut season with fourth place at Prescott in September which saw his finishing joint second overall.
Wharton then went on to win the Hillclimb Championship title in each of the next four years; a feat never since repeated. Ken had the use not only of the Cooper-JAP but also Peter Bell’s ERA. In 1952 he was so in control that he won every single round of the championship. His plans to defend his championship crown yet again in 1955 were thwarted when he was badly burned when he crashed his Vanwall at Silverstone early in the season. Never-the-less he ended up tied with Tony Marsh on overall points losing out to the young tyro who was judged to have given the most meritorious performance – the RAC had no tie-break rules in place! The 1956 championship saw the closest ever finish with the top three, Marsh, Wharton and Michael Christie covered by just 1 point!
Ken Wharton had again planned to have a crack at the hillclimb championship in 1957 however he lost his life in a sports car race in New Zealand over the winter.
Ken Wharton made his Championship debut at the June Shelsley Walsh meeting in 1950 at the wheel of a one-litre Cooper-JAP finishing a creditable third behind Mays and Poore. He scored his maiden championship victory at the very next round, Bo’ness, two weeks later. This was followed up by a second at Rest-and-be-Thankful before registering yet another victory at Bouley Bay. He rounded off his debut season with fourth place at Prescott in September which saw his finishing joint second overall.
Wharton then went on to win the Hillclimb Championship title in each of the next four years; a feat never since repeated. Ken had the use not only of the Cooper-JAP but also Peter Bell’s ERA. In 1952 he was so in control that he won every single round of the championship. His plans to defend his championship crown yet again in 1955 were thwarted when he was badly burned when he crashed his Vanwall at Silverstone early in the season. Never-the-less he ended up tied with Tony Marsh on overall points losing out to the young tyro who was judged to have given the most meritorious performance – the RAC had no tie-break rules in place! The 1956 championship saw the closest ever finish with the top three, Marsh, Wharton and Michael Christie covered by just 1 point!
Ken Wharton had again planned to have a crack at the hillclimb championship in 1957 however he lost his life in a sports car race in New Zealand over the winter.
#25
D-Type
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Posted 19 April 2007 - 20:51
Yes, this is the same Ken Wharton who finished 3rd in the 1956 Nurburgring 1000km with Phil Hill in a factory Ferrari 3.5 litre V12.Originally posted by Bruno
is this Ken Wharton who has to dispute a race in Sport for the Factory Ferrari in 1956?
you are pics?
#26
Roger Clark
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Posted 19 April 2007 - 22:04
I think you mean the Ken Wharton who was nominated to drive with Phil Hill but didn't.Originally posted by D-Type
Yes, this is the same Ken Wharton who finished 3rd in the 1956 Nurburgring 1000km with Phil Hill in a factory Ferrari 3.5 litre V12.
#27
D-Type
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Posted 19 April 2007 - 22:18
You are right. I had a quick look at Posthumus' 1961 book which says [in 3rd place] "... came de Portago/Gendebien in the Hill/Wharton Ferrari" and I missed that he earlier said that Wharton didn't drive.[Well, I suppose that's this month's signature justification]
#28
Lifew12
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Posted 20 April 2007 - 09:01
Recently I engaged in conversation with one Robin Hanny, who hails from Whartons home town. he was interested in information on the career of Ken Wharton, with a view to setting up an exhibit to him in a local museum or such.
My last communication indicated that things were going very well, and that an exhibiton dedicated to Wharton will be on display, probably in November, at the church where his funeral was held (St Mary's, I believe, in Smethwick) initially.
Should anyone have any mementoes, information, or memories of ken Wharton that they would like to share with Robin I am sure he would be more than happy to hear from you - contact me for his e-mail address if you are interested.
Cheers.
My last communication indicated that things were going very well, and that an exhibiton dedicated to Wharton will be on display, probably in November, at the church where his funeral was held (St Mary's, I believe, in Smethwick) initially.
Should anyone have any mementoes, information, or memories of ken Wharton that they would like to share with Robin I am sure he would be more than happy to hear from you - contact me for his e-mail address if you are interested.
Cheers.
