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Any book by David Tremayne is eagerly awaited by the C&SC team. The author of the award-winning The Lost Generation has been researching the life of Jim Clark for the past 20 years, and it shows with this brilliant tribute to the Scottish legend. Through his globetrotting to report on Formula One and many other series, Tremayne has tracked down Clark’s associates to uncover fresh stories that build a vivid picture through the 520 pages of this superbly produced, large-format title.

There’s been no shortage of fine Jim Clark biographies, but for anyone interested in the Scottish 1960s sensation, this is now the musthave title. As well as Clark’s family, friends and lovers, Tremayne has interviewed key people from Dan Gurney to ‘Jabby’ Crombac. Right until the timely publication on the 50th anniversary of the Hockenheim F2 tragedy, the author never stopped his research quest, grabbing last-minute interviews with Linda Vaughn and Elizabeth ‘Widdy’ Cameron that give a fascinating insight into Clark’s love life.

Tremayne tackles Clark’s much-covered race record in a chronological way, but his masterful writing style and fresh research vividly bring the story alive. From a family farming background to that miserable Sunday in Germany, Tremayne covers the highs and lows of Clark’s glittering career, lacing the coverage with a wealth of quotes.

Like many of his contemporaries, Clark enjoyed racing in a diverse range of formulae. The respect of team members wherever he competed is borne out by the RAC Rally saga: after rolling his Cortina at Glencap, the double World Champ and Indy 500 winner borrowed another Ford to follow the event, getting his hands dirty alongside the mechanics. “The team adored him for his spirit, enthusiasm and attitude,” recalled co-driver Brian Melia.

The final chapter analyses Clark’s car control, with observations ranging from early Scottish associates to GP rivals. Even in Ian Scott Watson’s Goggomobil, Clark was spectacular during local driving tests. “He’d spin round in the box on the brakes, and disappeared out the right direction far quicker than everybody else,” recalled Scott Watson. Others, including mechanic Dick Scammell, confirmed that Clark’s style took less out of a car than any of his rivals, making him the perfect nursemaid when things did go wrong.

As well as a review of his brilliant racing technique, Tremayne covers Clark’s lack of confidence outside a racing car, reluctant self promotion, his troubles with the tax authorities, the close association with Colin Chapman, the enforced exile with the loss of the family farm, and his passion for flying.

This vivid biography is further enhanced by a superb selection of more than 400 pictures, many never published before. From stunning Cahier collection portraits to happy snaps of family and road cars, editor Mark Hughes has done a superb job searching out images. The design and printing quality also reflect the talented subject.

One of the finest motor-racing biographies out there, it’s a must-read for all generations of motorsport fans, as both a reminder and an introduction to the true gentleman racer. MW

£80 David Tremayne, Evro Publishing. ISBN 978 191050516 8

‘There hasn’t been any shortage of fine Jim Clark biographies, but this is now the must-have title’