Tony Merrick remembered

from HGPCA Yearbook 2020/21

A class of its own

TONY MERRICK

Tony Merrick had a fascinating 40-year career as a world-renowned restorer – and as a successful historic race driver himself. His leading role as a mechanic, restorer, and driver during the heyday of the vintage car racing movement in the UK touched the lives of many from 1960 to 2000. He retired from racing in 2000 following a start-line accident when his stalled Ferrari Dino was rearended at Imola.

The fabled machinery that went through his beautiful farm workshops confirmed Tony’s standing within the racing and restoration community. Clients included Robin Lodge, Peter Sachs, Hubertus von Dönhoff, Carlos Monteverde, Mercedes- Benz, Yoshiyuki Hayashi, Bernie Ecclestone, Terry Cohn and many more.

And the cars? Alfa P3s, 8C2900s, the two Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Coupes, Ferrari Grand Prix cars and every form of Grand Prix Maserati, the ‘diabolical’ V16 BRMs, and perhaps his favourite – a number of ERAs. Merrick was not only a top restorer with a complete shop in the English countryside, but he also maintained and supported his customers’ cars, hauling them to major events in his restored Vanwall transporter, and then, in many cases, racing the cars owned by his clients and restored by his own firm. Sooner or later, his clients would have good cause to be grateful for Tony’s modestly and integrity – because it was never about money. Tony would later become Chairman and then VicePresident of the Historic Grand Prix Cars Association where Stirling Moss was President until April 2020. The Historic Grand Prix Cars Association misses Tony in so many ways: his knowledge, judgement, advice, guidance, and hospitality to mention just a few. His legacy continues through the multitude of historical cars he worked on.

Beloved husband of Yvonne and the much-loved dad of Emma and Alex, Tony passed away on 15th December 2020.