Remembering F1 Champion Mike Hawthorn

The Master and fellow Coachmakers joined members of the Friends of Mike Hawthorn Society for a remembrance gathering on 25th January at the graveside of Mike Hawthorn, Formula One Champion (10th April 1929-22nd January 1959), to pay their respects to his passing, 65 years ago.

We were blessed by the sun shining, and the friends arrived in various Jaguars of all models to pay their respects. Wreaths were laid and prayers said. The grave was recently renovated by Nigel Webb of the private Mike Hawthorn Museum in Newdigate, Surrey.

On 22nd January 1959, only three months into his retirement aged only 29, Hawthorn died in a car accident on the A3 Guildford bypass. Driving at speed in his 1958 Jaguar 3.4-litre saloon, Hawthorn overtook a Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘gull-wing’ sports car driven by the motor racing team manager Rob Walker. He clipped a ‘keep left’ bollard dividing the two carriageways, causing him to lose control.

Hawthorn is buried next to his father in West Street Cemetery, Farnham in Surrey. Respects were then paid to Hawthorn’s father. His father also died in a car crash in 1954, four years before his son.

After the ceremony the congregation retired to the Barley Mow pub in Farnham, which Hawthorn frequented, photos of him are displayed on the walls. A toast was made to Mike and a hearty lunch consumed.