Mr Bob - The Life and Times of Bob Gerard

Bob Gerard was one of Britain’s top racing drivers of the early post-war period. Though the definition of modesty, he scored a number of victories in important races and a host of top three places, generally against the odds and often in out-dated machinery. With second and third place finishes in the British Grand Prix, he is one of a select band.

Additionally, he won such classics as the Ulster Trophy race, the Isle of Man British Empire Trophy race twice and the Jersey Road Race twice. Though in appearance, he was not quite the popular image of the dashing young racing driver, his very attractive wife Joan added the glamour and was always impeccably and stylishly dressed. Though he competed pre-war at Brooklands and Donington, Bob’s successful racing period started immediately after World War II when he bought not one but three ERAs from Reg Parnell. Apart from being a very fine driver of great ability and dogged determination, he was a private entrant who ran his own team of impeccably-prepared cars. When he retired from racing he became a team patron and gave many young drivers their first break. From start to finish, Bob Gerard was the epitome of the ‘gentleman racer’.

• A fascinating insight into the career of a great British driver, and one of motor racing’s unsung heroes
• With a foreword by Tony Crook – a contemporary and friend of Bob’s, and genuine racing legend
• From hill climbs to Grand Prix, from Rileys to ERAs and from racing driver to entrant
• Comprehensive text and over 200 period photographs