Sir Stirling Moss received the first Classic & Sports Car Lifetime Achievement Award at a special Chelsea AutoLegends dinner last night.
In the Great Hall at the Royal Hospital the motor sport legend was close to speechless when the surprise tribute, a spectacular original painting by Tim Layzell was revealed.
The artwork featured Moss’ 1961 Tourist Trophy victory with two glorious Ferrari 250SWBs chasing through St Marys.
"Why the devil have you painted me behind that damn Ferrari,” joked Moss on first seeing the art, but fondly remembered the tactical game he played with rival Mike Parkes that day when his smoothness won the event by using half the number of tyres.
Moss later disappeared into the distance in the famous dark blue Rob Walker team SWB to take his seventh TT win. He said: “Goodwood was a very special place to me and this painting brilliantly captures the beauty of the circuit.” Moss’ wife Susie was very moved by the C&SC award and later came over in tears to Editor in Chief Mick Walsh to thank the magazine team.
Artist Layzell was honoured to be commissioned as Goodwood has special connections for him: “My grandfather was a fitter on Spitfires during WW2 at Westhampnett and the Revival is my favourite event.”