Filed under: Motorsports
American racing legend, Phil Hill, dies at 81
Phil Hill, the only American-born driver to win a Formula One title, passed away last night of complications associated with Parkinson's disease at the age of 81. Aside from his success with Ferrari in F1 during the 1961 season, Hill was also the first American to win at the 24 hours of Le Mans, taking the title twice more and winning the 12-hours of Sebring three times.Described by friends and colleagues as reserved and genteel, Hill was a breath of fresh air in the international racing scene and finally inducted into the International Motorsport Hall of Fame in 1991.
He is survived by his wife Alma, son, two daughters and four grandchildren, all of whom have our heartfelt condolences.
[Source: Autoweek]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rick 4:07PM (8/28/2008)
Not the headline I like to see when I log onto Autoblog. A true gentleman and professional. Rest well.
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racer01 7:09PM (8/28/2008)
He lived life to the fullest.
"Life's journey is not to pass into the afterlife safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting Holy Sh*t ...what a ride!"
Gary 4:08PM (8/28/2008)
Classy guy. Best wishes to his family.
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JD 4:19PM (8/28/2008)
An amazing racer and a true gentleman. We'll miss you Phil, rest in peace.
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J 4:39PM (8/28/2008)
"Well done, sir"
All the best to his family.
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HotRodzNKustoms 4:56PM (8/28/2008)
Sometimes we use the word legend too liberally. In Phil Hill's case calling him a legend does not even do him justice.
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Derek 5:53PM (8/28/2008)
Truer words have never been said.
Bob 5:18PM (8/28/2008)
Godspeed, Phil. You will be truly missed.
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Richard Warren 5:22PM (8/28/2008)
See you Phil, have a great ride!
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dgduris 7:50PM (8/28/2008)
God Bless you, Phil - and your family.
You were a true gentleman and a great competitor.
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Luis 8:02PM (8/28/2008)
Anyone that has a top ten list will surely have Mr.Hill included. Rest in Peace.
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David H. Brady, Jr. 9:36PM (8/28/2008)
Another truly original American has completed his last lap around this earthly track. I'm sure the lap record around Heaven is at risk tonight.
As a kid in the 60's I had a 1/32 scale Strombecker 'shark-nosed' F1 Ferrari. Phill Hill drove the full sized version of that car to his F1 World championship. The first American World Champion.
How about Jim Hall's Chaparral 2D Coupe or 2E winged Can-Am racer. Mr Hill drove those, as well.
I had the extremely good fortune of listening to an hour of racing stories and then sitting at the dinner table between Mr. Hill and John Lamm of R&T. As a life-long fan of sportscar racing and photography I thought I'd died and gone to heaven that night. At the dinner table Mr. Hill shared additional racing stories that might not have been suitable for delivery to the larger audience that night.
Thank you Mr. Hill for the remarkable racing accomplishments and for a wonderful night at that dinner table.
Condolences to his wife, son and daughters.
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Tony 9:51PM (8/28/2008)
Phil is in good company. Say hi to Jacques Villenueve, Tazio Nuvolari, Enzo Ferrari, Jim Clark, Henri Toivonen, Graham Hill, Mike Hawthorn, Fangio, Ayrton Senna, Colin MaCrae, Alberto Ascari, Jack Brabham, Peter Brock, Count Wolfgang Von Trips, Richard Burns and all the rest of the gang of legends for us.
Thanks for the laughter and spills
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sonic_bang 11:39PM (8/28/2008)
You mean Jacques' father Gilles, right? Jacques Villenueve is alive and well... Oh... are you talking about his career??
brock 1:45AM (8/29/2008)
RIP Phil. One of the best. Ever.
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GT40_GearHead 1:48AM (8/29/2008)
Rest in Peace Mr. Hill
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