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It is sad in some ways that Moss lived so long, as the modern generation of fans can have no idea just how great a driver he was, everything today is measured by Formula 1. The man who never won the World Championship is not much an obituary.
Living through Stirling's career I see so much more than his 'Greatest Drive' winning at Monaco in '61.
Almost every week he would produce some outstanding drive in any category he took part in. Supreme in 500cc F3, magnificent in an underpowered HMW, picking up awards in rallies, beating far faster cars in any formula, equally at home in single seaters; sports cars, saloons, even lawn mowers!
If you asked Moss who was the greatest driver, as I did on one occasion, he always named Fangio, which why undoubtedly true, that was only in Grands Prix racing, Juan Manuel while versatile never had the same success as Stirling in any other category,
It is impossible for anyone to match Sir Stirling's achievements today, as the modern driver is too compartmentalized, F1 stars rarely race elsewhere, and few 'star' drivers appear in more than one or two classes of racing.
No doubt many will put forward 'names' who are versatile/successful, but for me at least, people like Stirling Moss are very rare in any sport.
Quite frankly he should never appear in any persons 'Top Ten All Time Greats' he is far above such exercises.
Despite his fame Moss was always modest about his own abilities, and remained well grounded through out his career. Unlike so many of todays 'stars'.
Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, hard tough sports car races, he won both. Would any top driver today consider driving 1000 miles in an open top sports car capable of 180 mph over semi closed roads in car without roll cage or Hans device, wearing cotton overalls and a basic crash hat?
Count yourself lucky to have lived at the same time as Sir Stirling Moss.
TOU WILL NEVER SEE HIS LIKE AGAIN.
Bauble.
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