Paco Godia

Paco Godia (March 21, 1921 - November 28, 1990): Born Francisco Godia Sales in Barcelona, Spain, this wealthy Spanish businessman and racing driver holds the distinction of being the first Spaniard ever to compete in a Formula One World Championship Grand Prix, pioneering Spanish participation in the sport's highest level. Between 1951 and 1958, Godia participated in 14 World Championship Grands Prix, driving intermittently as a gentleman privateer during the mid-1950s. He became one of the dedicated band of Maserati 250F privateers who formed the backbone of Formula One grids during this era, purchasing and campaigning his own car against the might of the factory teams. Godia's best Formula One season came in 1956 when he achieved his finest results, finishing fourth at both the German and Italian Grands Prix while driving his privately entered Maserati 250F.

These strong performances propelled him to sixth place overall in the World Championship standings that year, demonstrating that a well-funded and determined privateer could compete effectively against factory-backed entries. He scored a total of six championship points during his Formula One career, a respectable tally for a part-time competitor. Beyond Formula One, Godia was deeply involved in sports car racing and competed in numerous non-championship races throughout Europe, maintaining an active racing career for nearly a decade. However, Godia's interests extended far beyond the race track.

He was a passionate collector of fine art, amassing an exceptional collection of paintings, medieval sculpture, and ceramics that reflected his refined tastes and cultural sophistication. His dedication to preserving and sharing art led him to found the Fundación Francisco Godia, a museum in Barcelona that displays his remarkable collection and continues to serve as his lasting cultural legacy. Godia successfully balanced two very different passions - the visceral excitement of motor racing and the contemplative appreciation of fine art - leaving his mark in both worlds. He passed away in Barcelona on November 28, 1990, at the age of 69.