Colin Gigner 1938-2022

Countless Ford formulae racers over the past 40 years will be eternally grateful for the engineering experience and expertise of Colin Gigner, who died of cancer on Sunday, aged 83.

Fulham-born Gigner relocated to Lincolnshire and worked initially as a carpenter and roofer, when exposure to asbestos is believed to have triggered his underlying illness. He subsequently turned his abiding interest into the most enjoyable chapter of his career.

Son Steven – one of seven children, and inspired to forge his own career in motorsport composites – fondly recalls annual visits as a lad to British Grands Prix with his dad, the earliest at Brands Hatch in 1974.

Gigner Sr got into racing by chance in 1984 through a link to Dutchman Gerrit van Kouwen, living in Mark Blundell’s father’s motel while running the works

Lola T644E from the factory. “Colin started coming to tests and at weekends – he was a good mechanic, quick on gear ratios and set-up changes,” said GVK. Being on the team with Ashley Sallis when van Kouwen won the Festival was his proudest moment.

Thereafter, he prepared cars for Phil Andrews, Paul Spooner and Richard Reynolds, among others, in frontline Formula Ford 1600, graduating to Formula Vauxhall Lotus, where he was on David Brabham’s car. In later years, FF2000 and Sports 2000 became his speciality.

Few knew more about the Pinto cars.

The rise of Classic and Historic FF2000 showcased Gigner’s talent. Among the drivers he mentored and guided to championships were Andy Huxtable and Marc Mercer. His presence in pits and paddocks, ready even to help rivals, was of a bygone era and will be greatly missed.