Horace Gould

Horace Harry Gould (20 September 1921 - 4 November 1968): British racing driver from Bristol, born Horace Harry Twigg, who changed his name after acquiring Gould's Garage in Bristol. Changed his surname legally after becoming frustrated with customers asking if he was 'Mr. Gould' when visiting his garage. Began racing sports cars in 1952 at the wheel of a Cooper-MG, demonstrating his enthusiasm for motorsport while running his Bristol garage business.

Moved into Formula One in 1954, competing as a privateer and using the team name 'Gould's Garage (Bristol)' for his entries. Participated in 17 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix from 1954 to 1958, plus numerous non-championship Formula One races throughout the period. Scored a total of two championship points with a fifth-place finish at the 1956 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, driving his privately-entered Maserati 250F. Finished joint 19th in the 1956 World Championship standings, his best championship position during his Formula One career.

Won minor non-championship Formula One races at Castle Combe in 1954 and Aintree in 1956, demonstrating his competitiveness when racing in Britain. Also competed in sports car racing, finishing fifth at the 1957 1000km of Nürburgring and scoring two points in the World Sportscar Championship. Shared a Maserati 300S at the Nürburgring endurance race with an extraordinary lineup of teammates including Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Chico Godia-Sales. Earned the nickname 'Gonzalez of the West' after Argentine driver José Froilán González, due to similarities in their physiques, driving styles, and exuberant outlooks on life.

Both drivers were larger-than-life characters known for their enthusiasm and love of racing, often seen driving with huge smiles because they genuinely enjoyed the sport. Known throughout the British motorsport community as a jovial, friendly character who raced for the pure pleasure of competition rather than financial reward. His garage business in Bristol provided the income to fund his racing activities, exemplifying the gentleman racer tradition of the 1950s. Continued racing through 1958 before gradually reducing his motorsport activities to focus on his business interests.

Died suddenly on 4 November 1968 in Southmead, Bristol, from a cerebral hemorrhage at age 47, passing away unexpectedly while still relatively young. Though his Formula One results were modest, Gould represented the spirit of 1950s privateer racing—enthusiastic amateurs who competed against works teams for the love of the sport.