10 replies to this topic

[hatrat]

I'm trying to glean some information on Richard Fitzwilliam who ran a team of MGAs in the late 1950s and Lola Mk2 and Mk3 teams in the early 1960s. What was his background and what became of him?

[Sharman]

I knew Richard but not very well, he had a lot of highly rated drivers "employed", funnily enough I shall be in the UK next week when I will be seeing one of them for the forst time in nearly 50 years. Any specific questions?

[hatrat]

Thanks for the reply Sharman. I am most interested in his Lola period when he ran three Mk2 cars in 1960. Do you know if Richard is still around (probably doubtful) and if there would be any way of ascertaining if his family (or anyone else) hold any records of this period. My interested is generated by having one of his 1960 cars. I understand that not only was he "patron" but he also drove himself from time to time.

[Adam F]

Hatrat,

Dick Fizwilliam died in 1987.
I've sent you an e-mail with some details which might help you.

[RS2000]

There is some information about the MGAs in books covering the BMC Competitions Department (which prepared the cars on a payment basis?) but there was a more extensive article in the magazine of the MG Car Club, probably about 11 or 12 years ago.

[ReWind]

Can anyone confirm or deny that he was Richard John Godric Wentworth-Fitzwilliam (1916 – 1987)?

[bradbury west]

Off thread a bit perhaps, but check out Wentworth Woodhouse on the net. It is a very large country house, formerly a large estate, owned in the past by the Fitzwilliam family. I always understood Richard Fitzwiliam was from their stock. Their local history society might be able to help as I know lots of these old mining areas have very strong heritage support societies. I know that from my own connections in nearby Tankersley. It is a pity John Fielden is no longer available, RIP. Perhaps Duncan Rabagliati or Dr Tony Goodwin et al at Hist FJ can help with contacts.
Roger Lund

[hatrat]

Can anyone confirm or deny that he was Richard John Godric Wentworth-Fitzwilliam (1916 – 1987)?

 

That is the correct Sir Richard Fitzwilliam who was patron of Team Fitzwilliam Racing.

[Rupertlt1]

There are photographs and programmes at this website:

 

https://www.technisc...veranstaltungen

 

Mostly not catalogued - so if you have a day or two to spare!

 

RGDS RLT

[hatrat]

There are photographs and programmes at this website:

 

https://www.technisc...veranstaltungen

 

Mostly not catalogued - so if you have a day or two to spare!

 

RGDS RLT

Thanks for the link - there are lots of photos there! Just had a quick look and found a few of my Fitzwilliam Lola at Innsbruck in October 1960.

 

Regards

Roger

[bradbury west]

Roger, I did the same, a quick 5 mins browsing, marvellous photos, not the usual stuff. It was hard to come out of it just out of curiosity for what else was there.
Recommended.
Thanks for the link
Roger Lund