LOSE YOURSELF IN 1962

CAREER CUT SHORT

On the final stages of the Formula One Glover Trophy Race at Goodwood on Easter Monday, Stirling Moss’ Lotus Climax left the road. The Guardian stated that ‘at first his injuries appeared to be extremely serious, and the crowd was relieved when an announcer said Moss had sent a message for his mother, saying: “I’m all right, and I will contact you as soon as I can get to a telephone”.’

But although the crash ended his mainstream career, Sir Stirling enjoyed a highly active life well beyond his retirement from professional racing, becoming one of the classic car hobby’s greatest supporters.

A TRUE SAINT

At last, in October we were treated to a television show with all the vital ingredients – exotic cars (including the leading Volvo P1800), a swinging theme tune from the great Edwin Astley and, best of all, Roger Moore’s dashing hero. No actor could have been better suited to breaking down balsa wood doors, battling fez-wearing villains and rescuing this week’s leading lady. Cue the opening lines – ‘Who is that dashing chap?’, ‘Why, it’s the infamous Simon Templar!’

KNIVES OUT

‘ The Night of the Long Knives’ was a July reshuffle that saw one third of the Conservative cabinet – seven members in total – dismissed with little warning. Prime Minster Harold Macmillan was trying to reinvigorate his government with younger, more dynamic ministers, but newspapers leaked the story the day before and the speed and scale of the action came in for considerable criticism, with ‘Supermac’ portrayed as ruthless, opportunistic and not showing enough loyalty to those who had served him well. He reportedly later regretted his hasty actions.