Harold “John” Coombs (1922–2013)

I had the privilege of interviewing Harold John Coombs a couple of years ago for Vintage Racecar’s Jaguar XKE issue (August 2011). In period, he was affectionately known by some as “Noddy,” others more formally, but again with a certain fondness and a deep respect as “Mr. John.” I simply referred to him as “Mr. Coombs.” Immediately, he said, “Please call me John” which put me at ease. This high regard had been well and truly earned when as a team owner he ran such drivers as Sir Jackie Stewart—in fact giving him one of his first breaks in the sport, Graham Hill, Sir Jack Brabham, Roy Salvadori, Dan Gurney, even Colin Chapman, and countless others. He was still entering cars at the Goodwood Revival until a couple of years ago with drivers like Sir Stirling Moss, Richard Attwood and Martin Brundle.

From a very early age it was inevitable that he would, in some way, shape or form be involved heavily in the motor industry. His father, a coach builder, blacksmith and wheelwright, converted the ground floor of the family home in Guildford into a showroom to display four cars. As a young boy, it was mesmerizing for him to see craftsmen at work in the workshops, and he learned a great deal by simply watching and listening to conversations about mechanical issues. A trip to Brooklands cemented his love of motors and motor racing, and further visits post-war to the likes of Goodwood and Silverstone got him thinking, “I must have some of this.”