Tony Lanfranchi was a British racing driver whose career spanned multiple disciplines and decades, reflecting Britain’s post-war club racing generation. A familiar name across sports cars, Formula racing, hillclimbs, endurance events, and saloon cars, Lanfranchi competed at events ranging from the 24 Hours of Le Mans to Formula One non-championship races before later establishing himself in British touring car racing.
| Nationality | British |
|---|---|
| Born | Anthony Lanfranchi 25 June 1935 Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 7 October 2004 (aged 69) London, England |
Though he never became a full-time Formula One driver, Lanfranchi earned admiration for his versatility, mechanical sympathy, and longevity — qualities that allowed him to compete successfully across a broad spectrum of British and international motorsport.
Early career and sports car racing
Lanfranchi’s racing career began in Huddersfield, where he quickly immersed himself in the thriving British club racing scene. In his formative years, he raced a variety of sports cars, including a Healey Silverstone, an Austin-Healey, and later an Elva Courier. By 1961, he was enjoying notable success with the Elva, establishing himself as a competitive and consistent performer.
His national breakthrough came in 1963, when he made a strong impression driving an Elva-Ford Mk VI, a car well suited to the technical demands of British circuits and hillclimbs. Lanfranchi’s progress during this period reflected a driver steadily climbing through the ranks on merit rather than factory backing.
On 16 September 1962, Lanfranchi etched his name into British motorsport history by winning the inaugural Harewood Hillclimb, setting the Fastest Time of the Day with a run of 51.61 seconds in his Elva Mk VI — a significant achievement at what would become one of the UK’s most respected hillclimb venues.
Formula racing and Le Mans
As his reputation grew, Lanfranchi expanded into single-seater racing, competing in the British Formula Three Championship, where he faced many of the era’s emerging talents. His career also included appearances in non-championship Formula One races in 1968, a common and competitive proving ground for drivers outside the full World Championship field.
In 1965, Lanfranchi reached one of the most prestigious milestones in motorsport by competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving for Elva. Participation alone was a big achievement, reflecting both his endurance racing credentials and his standing within the British racing community.
A potential career highlight narrowly slipped away in 1967, when Lanfranchi was scheduled to make his Formula One debut at the BRDC Daily Express Trophy meeting at Silverstone. Misfortune struck before the cars even reached the circuit: the J.A. Pearce Racing Organisation transporter caught fire in the paddock prior to first practice, destroying three cars and forcing Lanfranchi to withdraw before turning a wheel.
Saloon cars and later career
As the British racing landscape evolved, Lanfranchi successfully moved into saloon car racing, competing in events that included the British Touring Car Championship.
Unlike many drivers of his generation, Lanfranchi had a long and varied career, moving fluidly between disciplines and remaining a presence in British motorsport well beyond his early peak years.
death
In 1980, Lanfranchi’s life and career were chronicled in the biography Down the Hatch: The Life and Fast Times of Tony Lanfranchi, written by Mark Kahn, offering insight into both his racing achievements and the character behind the helmet.
Anthony Lanfranchi died on 7 October 2004 after suffering from cancer in his later years.
Tony Lanfranchi Formula One World Championship career
| F1 Career | 1968–1969 |
|---|---|
| Teams | BRM and Privateer Cooper, |
| Entries | 2 (0 starts) |
| Championships | 0 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 |
| Career points | 0 |
| Pole positions | 0 |
| Fastest laps | 0 |
| First entry | 1968 British Grand Prix |
| Last entry | 1969 Canadian Grand Prix |
Tony Lanfranchi Teammates
| 2 drivers | Involvement | First Year | Last Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Attwood | 1 | 1968 | |
| Pedro Rodriguez | 1 | 1968 |
Tony Lanfranchi Complete Formula One Results
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | WDC | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Owen Racing Organisation | BRM P126 | BRM P101 3.0 V12 | RSA | ESP | MON | BEL | NED | FRA | GBR DNA | GER | ITA | CAN | USA | MEX | NC | 0 |
| 1969 | Falken Racing | Cooper T86 | Maserati 10/F1 3.0 V12 | RSA | ESP | MON | NED | FRA | GBR | GER | ITA | CAN DNA | USA | MEX | NC | 0 |
