Tribute to Phil Hill (1927 - 2008)

[Wouter Melissen]

Dear Ultimatecarpage.com visitor,

Yesterday we lost one of the greatest motoring personalities of the last six decades; Phil Hill. Best remembered as the first American to win the Formula 1 World Championship and as a three-time Le Mans winner, Hill's real enthusiasm for anything automotive continued to thrive long after his racing career. Many of us greatly enjoyed the insightful articles he wrote for Road & Track, especially those about a wide variety of historic racing cars. His roots as a mechanic were put to good use in the renowned Hill & Vaughn restoration company he co-founded. In 1977 his craftsmanship was awarded with the much coveted Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 'Best of Show' award.

In his last years he suffered from Parkinson's decease, but he nevertheless was a frequent visitor, participant and judge at a variety of events. At the recent Monterey Historic Races he was due to make some parade laps in the Alfa Romeo, which he drove to his very first victory in 1951, together with fellow American World Champion Mario Andretti. Sadly he fell ill on the evening before and never recovered.

We would like to remember the great man in the best way we can, by highlighting some of the finest cars he drove in his racing career. Two of which are pictured with Phil at the wheel during the 2006 Goodwood Revival. His doctors advised against even riding in these rough and smelly machines, but after several parade laps alongside his son Derek, he had enough and got behind the wheel during the next sessions. The first car he drove was the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 MM he drove to his victory during the 1951 Pebble Beach road races. He later raced the car during the 1975 Monterey Historics and was due to ride in it again two weeks ago. Also in attendance at Goodwood were the Ferraris he drove to his three Le Mans wins; the 1958 winning 250 TR58 (again with Phil at the wheel), the 1961 winning 250 TRI61 and the 1963 winning 330 TRI/LM. During the 1967 BOAC 500 World Championship race Hill concluded his career in great form by clinching a victory in this Chaparral 2F.

This tribute is but a small reflection of the life of a truly great man. At PhilHill.com you can sign a book of remembrance.

Phil Hill, thank you and sleep well.

The links:

1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 MM Touring Spider - Images, Specifications and Information

1958 Ferrari 250 TR58 - Images, Specifications and Information

1961 Ferrari 250 TRI61 - Images, Specifications and Information

1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM - Images, Specifications and Information

1967 Chaparral 2F - Images, Specifications and Information

Phil Hill - American Racing Champion

Regards,
Wouter Melissen

[ScionDriver]

Great tribute to an even greater man. He will be missed. Great work as always Wouter.

[togos452]

I will be praying for his family. Thanks for the update.

[Kiwieb]

phil was always one of my heroes................R.I.P. mate

[csl177]

I had the good fortune to meet him 10 or 12 years ago at the Cavallino in Palm Beach. Few people in our "VIP" tent recognized him, and he asked to join me at my empty table. Over lunch, instead of the usual questions about his racing career we discussed the Pierce Arrow he won Pebble Beach Concours with so many years ago, old Alfas, our favorite classics, how the concours world had changed and the competition mania for over-restoration. It was a normal conversation, if that can be said about an encounter with a genuine American icon. I even forgot to ask for an autograph.

A charming, genial man with an encyclopedic knowledge of all things automotive. He will be missed.