Rock star

James Hunt (1947-1993) was motor racing’s first poster boy – ruggedly handsome, golden-haired and as unconventional on the track as he was colourful off it.

Picture above: James, as often, in excellent female company, relaxing on the beach close to the Jacarepagua circuit, in Rio de Janeiro in 1978.

At the peak of his fame in the 1970’s, James Hunt’s death-defying antics on the racing circuit, but always correct in adversity, and party lifestyle won him rock-star status and legions of devoted fans.

Famous for his dishevelled, almost hippy style, he once boasted he had bedded more than 5,000 women. There were plenty of male fans, too. Motor racing fans loved Hunt’s laconic, understated approach to driving like a demon, as well as his gripping rivalry (and friendship) with the great Niki Lauda (picture below taken in 1978).