Louis Klemantaski, arguably one of the most influential motorsport photographers of all time, has passed away at the age of 89. From the early ’30s to the early ’80s, Klemantaski’s photography captured both the seminal events of motorsport history, as well as the very heart and soul of the sport.
Born in Manchuria on February 12, 1912, Klemantaski became distracted from his studies at London’s prestigious Kings College, by the speed and allure of the ’30s Brooklands racing scene and began both racing supercharged single-seaters and taking pictures of his fellow racers. In 1933, Klemantaski suffered a serious accident, which caused permanent damage to one of his legs and forced him to withdraw from active competition.
During World War II, Klemantaski used his photographic skills to help the British perfect the Wallis Bouncing Bomb, which was used to destroy enemy dams and bridges. After the war’s end, Klemantaski focused all of his energy on photography. With the reintroduction of Grand Prix racing to Europe, Klemantaski became a regular fixture on the international racing scene and created some of his most inspired work.
As a way of getting closer to the action, Klemantaski also began taking part in numerous race events after the war. These included three drives in the famed Monte Carlo Rally with friend Ian Appleyard, as well as five codrives in the Mille Miglia with the likes of Reg Parnell (Aston Martin) and Peter Collins (Ferrari 860 Monza).
Klemantaski married his wife, Ursula Staples Smith, in 1955 and continued to be active on the motorsport scene until his retirement in 1982. While the Klemantaskis had no children, Louis left behind a long and rich photographic heritage, which will benefit motorsport enthusiasts and historians for generations to come.
Submitted by Casey Annis
