Carel Godin de Beaufort

Karel Pieter Antoni Jan Hubertus "Carel" Godin de Beaufort (April 10, 1934 - August 2, 1964): A Dutch nobleman and racing driver who became one of Formula One's most beloved privateer racers, remembered for his bright orange Porsche cars and his status as the last truly amateur driver competing at the highest level. De Beaufort was born into Dutch aristocracy and ran his own racing team under the Ecurie Maarsbergen banner, named after his country estate. As one of Formula One's last gentleman racers, he embodied the romantic ideal of the amateur sportsman competing for the love of racing rather than commercial gain. Between 1957 and 1964, de Beaufort competed in 31 World Championship Grands Prix, becoming the first Dutchman ever to score points in the Formula One World Championship, accumulating four points during his career.

His cars were always painted in the vibrant Dutch racing color orange, making them instantly recognizable on any grid. He primarily raced Porsche 718 cars, remaining loyal to the German manufacturer even as the sport evolved toward more powerful British-built machinery. While his results were modest by factory team standards, de Beaufort's determination and enthusiasm earned him widespread respect throughout the paddock. Tragically, de Beaufort's racing career and life ended at the Nurburgring during practice for the 1964 German Grand Prix.

At the infamous Bergwerk corner, his Porsche 718 suddenly veered off the track and he was thrown from the car, suffering massive injuries to his head, chest, and legs. He was initially taken to a hospital in Koblenz, but on the following day was transferred to a major neurological center in Cologne. Despite doctors fighting for his life throughout Sunday evening, Carel was pronounced dead at half past ten that night. His death marked the end of an era in Formula One, as he represented the last of the true amateur gentlemen racers who competed simply for the love of the sport, bringing color, character, and nobility to the racing world.