Many Elan enthusiasts will recall my references to Bill Crosland who did all the preparation work on my car back in the 70’s. I recently visited Bill at his home and as usual we began reminiscing and looking at albums of photographs of cars and people that Bill has had the good fortune to have known, and worked with. I was surprised to learn that he is now 92 years old! He is as alert as ever even though he has practically lost sight in both his eyes. He has many stories to tell, one of which recalls the time when Tony Lanfranchi brought (Bill thinks it was a Lotus11) for race preparation. Tony wanted the car to be ready for an event that week-end, but there was a problem with the cylinder head. When Bill removed the head he found that the face had a concave area “the size of the Grand Canyon”. A replacement head could not be found. After much head scratching, someone came up with the idea of using a car body filler which contained an aluminium compound. The filler was carefully applied and flatted. The head was refitted and the car started.

Bill warned Tony that this was a desperate measure and that the head may not last more than a few minutes. Bill did not hear from Tony for some time. Then one morning Tony walked into Bill’s workshop in Mirfield and told him that the head ‘bodge’ had worked well, so much so that he not only won the race the repair was intended for, but also the three following races!

This was just one of many anecdotes that I can recall. There are many more about ‘Keith’, ‘Colin’, the Ferguson B.R.M. etc., etc.

Bill wishes to be remembered to all the many people who knew him in motor sport, I’m sure those who do remember Bill will wish him all the best for the future.