Sporting Triumph

24Nov13

When Ken Richardson joined Standard in 1952, he turned the almost-disastrous TR2 into a brilliant success, and took it to rally victories all over Europe.

In a rare interview, he talked about his racing days to Robin Penrice, Classic and Sportscar, Dec 1987

Richardson with co-driver Heathcote on the 1954 Alpine

Of all the British fifties competitions managers – a band of extremely intercompetitive brothers bound only by their wish for a UK win – the most successful was Ken Richardson of the Standard Motor Company. He developed many Standard vehicles into rally and race winners, but is best known for his legendary connection with the immortal TR series of sports cars.

Richardson at the finish of the ’55 Liege-Rome-Liege

From the early fifties, for a decade, those who wished to drive competitively through the Scottish and Welsh hills or savour the more ’sophisticated‘ Alpine passes or race circuits, drove a TR. They were versatile, strong, economical and cheap to buy. Over 100 mph at under £1000 in the early fifties was the equivalent of producing a 150 mph MG Maestro for around £10,000 today. Yes, there were MGs, a few Austin-Healeys, Mercedes, Porsches and homologation specials, but like the Mini in its heyday, TRs ruled – OK? And how they ruled!

1955 Le Mans start; Richardson came 15th with Maddeley

Famous people learned car control – an acquired art in a TR which stood one in tremendous stead for whatever else the motor industry thrust upon you -in production examples. Jim Clark drove one, and to list the rally drivers who made their names in them under the watchful eye of Ken Richardson would be a discredit to those that one would inadvertently leave out. The TR was quickly and properly developed from inception by a team led by Richardson, who was the only one in the company with the knowledge and experience to do the job.

TR3A on rally stage – note dents and lack of road surface

As one would expect of the man, he has one final wish:
„In 1959 I wanted to establish a new record of 100 mph for 100 hours. We nearly made it in a 3A but a rod went in the last six hours and that was that. We did however, take eight class E world endurance records at Monza and so didn’t exactly come away empty-handed. I have access to a beautiful 3A in pristine condition. I would like to take my old mechanics – some of whom have already said ‚yes‘ and attempt the record in a 30-year-old car on the 30th anniversary of the original attempt. I know we can do it.“

1956 Le Mans; Richardson in foreground with ever-present cigarette

Filed under: History, Racing   |  Closed
Schlagwörter: 1955, 1956, british, ken richardson, le mans, Liege-Rome-Liege, Monza, rally, standard, tr2, tr3, tr3a