RIP Phil Hill

He was a great man. But for those who didn’t know him personally, Phil Hill was a great racecar driver. Born in Miami and raised in Santa Monica, Phil studied business administration at USC in the mid-‘40s. But he left so that he could pursue his passion: motor racing. At age 22, he scored a gig in England as a Jaguar trainee in 1949. Seven years later, he signed with Scuderia Ferrari. He debuted in 1958, at the French Grand Prix, in a Maserati. He placed seventh. Later that year, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with his teammate, Olivier Gendebien. That first time, the win was in spite of ridiculous rain conditions. So it must have been a breeze for them to win it two more times.

In 1961, Hill became the first American-born racer to win a Formula One World Championship. He is, to this day, the only person with that title. He accomplished that while racing for Ferrari, in a 156 Sharknose.

Phil’s last racing season was 1966. He started what ultimately became an award-winning restoration shop with Ken Vaughn, called Hill & Vaughn. Phil went on to commentate for ABC’s Wide World of Sports, he had a long and respected relationship with Road & Track and he’s been a judge at Pebble Beach for almost four decades. Phil Hill’s impression in the automotive world is more like a brand; a unique and distinct mark whose memory will last forever.

Phil Hill raced for Ferrari, Maserati, Cooper, Porsche, Automobili Turismo e Sport, Lotus, Eagle and Chaparral. In Formula One, he competed in 51 races with 48 starts, claiming one championship, three wins, 16 podium finishes and 98 career points. However, he won the hearts of millions who won’t mourn his passing, but will rather celebrate his life and achievements and place in motor racing history. For those who knew him personally, he will be greatly missed. But for everyone else, his spirit will live on forever.

RIP Phil Hill
20 April 1927 – 28 August 2008