At the age of 89, famed rally driver Paddy Hopkirk, who won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, passed away, know his death reason, net worth and special edition Mini Cooper
Hopkirk developed a strong connection to the Mini brand after working for the British Motor Corporation in the 1960s when the Mini became well-known. The Belfast-born driver’s professional career began in 1955 when he entered circuit racing and hill climbs. Following that, he proceeded to win the Hewison Trophy, awarded to the most successful Irish rally driver, three times in a row.
Rally Driver Paddy Hopkirk Dead, Cause Of Death, Obituary, Age, Biography, Family, Wife, Mini Cooper, Career Stats, Net Worth
The #WRC community is saddened to learn of the passing of 1964 #RallyeMonteCarlo winner Paddy Hopkirk, aged 89. Our condolences to Paddy's family. pic.twitter.com/6MaaRHJ5iu
— World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) July 22, 2022
RIP Paddy Hopkirk. Monte Carlo Rally winner, 5 time Circuit of Ireland winner, Acropolis Rally winner, 2 time Hewison Trophy winner, 3 time 24hr LeMans finisher, won his class in the Spa 24hr, did Sebring 12hr, did the Bathurst 500 & did the Targa Florio 4 times. A hell of life pic.twitter.com/XshRDxOSJ7
— Art McCarrick (@artmccarrick) July 22, 2022
Six grandkids as well as his wife Jennifer, children Katie, Patrick, and William are left behind.
His big break came in 1956 when the Standard Motor Company handed him a factory drive at the esteemed RAC Rally, which he led for a brief period of time until encountering technical issues. Hopkirk joined BMC after operating a Sunbeam Rapier and a Hillman Husky for the Rootes Group. He established himself there by turning the Mini Cooper S into a recognised automobile.
Hopkirk and Henry Liddon’s victory in the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally while operating the famed #37 red and white Mini Cooper S may have been their finest professional achievement. Exact one year after the car’s debut, the driver won the renowned alpine rally race. A telegraph from the then-UK Prime Minister Alec Douglas-Home helped him become well-known after the triumph.
Hopkirk won the famed Acropolis Rally in Greece in 1967 while driving for Mini. Alongside Timo Makinen, Rauno Aaltonen, and Erik Carlsson, Hopkirk was one of the first members of the Rally Hall of Fame, a display that opened in Finland and introduces new inductees at each Rally Finland.
He received a lifetime membership to the British Racing Drivers Club in 1967. He would gain prominence in the motorsports industry and advance to the position of BRDC vice president before leading the organisation as president from 2017 to 2019.
Obituary
In a statement, the BRDC said, “It is with great regret that we announce the news of the passing of BRDC Vice President and Former President (2017–19) Paddy Hopkirk MBE. We appreciate Paddy’s commitment to and affection for the Club. We express our sympathy and sympathies to his family during this trying time on behalf of the Club.”
He started competing in 1955 and five times won the Circuit of Ireland and 1964, he also won the Rallye Monte Carlo. He has been a BRDC member since 1967.
Outside of racing, Hopkirk has grown in popularity among Mini owners, and as a result, the Northern Irishman has given his name to aftermarket parts for the well-known British automobile.
Hopkirk was also hired by BMW as a consultant for the re-launch of the Mini brand in 2001 because of his relationship with the firm. His professional accomplishments were recognised in 2016 with an MBE. The special edition Mini can be bought from here.
He passed way due to age related ailments with his net worth standing at $2 million.