Ken Richardson

Ken Richardson (August 21, 1911 - June 27, 1997): Born in Bourne, Lincolnshire, this British racing driver and engineer left an indelible mark on automotive history through his dual expertise in competition driving and vehicle development. Richardson began his motorsport career as an engineer for British Racing Motors, where he became the main development driver for the ambitious BRM V16 project in the early 1950s. His Formula One involvement was brief but notable - in 1951, he was asked to substitute for Peter Walker in the Italian Grand Prix, qualifying the temperamental BRM P15 V16 in tenth place. However, he was prevented from starting when officials discovered he lacked the proper racing license.

He had also driven a Ferrari in the 1949 British Grand Prix, though the car retired before completing the race. Richardson's most significant contribution to motorsport came in 1952 when Sir John Black, head of Standard Triumph, invited him to evaluate the Triumph Sports 20 TS prototype. Richardson's candid assessment that the car was a "death-trap" with dangerous handling led Black to task him with redesigning the vehicle. Working closely with Triumph engineers, Richardson transformed the flawed prototype into the legendary Triumph TR2, tuning the engine, increasing brake size, modifying front suspension, and experimenting with rear springs and shock absorbers.

He established Triumph's Competition Department and led factory racing efforts to remarkable success. In 1954, three TR2s under his direction won the Alpine rally team prize, and at the Tourist Trophy at Dundrod, all six TR2s finished with both three-car teams winning first and second team prizes. In 1955, he co-drove a Triumph TR2 at Le Mans with Bert Hadley, finishing 15th overall. Richardson also set a speed record for cars under 2000cc at Jabbeke, Belgium, achieving 124.

88 mph. His legacy lives on through the TR series of sports cars, which became icons of British motoring.