Ken Wharton, English race car driver (d. 1957)

Frederick Charles Kenneth Wharton: A British Racing Icon

Frederick Charles Kenneth Wharton, born on March 21, 1916, in Smethwick, England, was a supremely versatile and celebrated British racing driver whose career spanned various motorsports disciplines. From the demanding off-road trials and exhilarating hillclimbs to competitive rallying and high-speed races in both sports cars and single-seaters, Wharton left an indelible mark on the racing world before his untimely death on January 12, 1957.

Early Life and Diverse Racing Pursuits

Wharton's passion for speed ignited early, seeing him begin his racing journey in the burgeoning National 500cc Formula, initially driving his own specially prepared car before acquiring a potent Cooper. His skill wasn't limited to circuits; he was a formidable competitor in off-road trials, showcasing exceptional car control and resilience, as well as mastering the challenging ascents of hillclimbs and the strategic demands of rallying. His early career wasn't without incident; on August 17, 1935, while driving an Austin in an 850 c.c. race at Donington Park, Wharton famously overturned at Red-gate corner on the first lap. Fortunately, he escaped with only abrasions to his arm, a testament to his toughness and a foreshadowing of his enduring spirit in the face of danger.

Ventures into Grand Prix Racing

The pinnacle of single-seater racing beckoned, and Wharton made his World Championship Grand Prix debut at the 1952 Swiss event. This race, run under Formula 2 regulations, saw him start impressively from 13th position on the grid and brilliantly finish 4th, immediately showcasing his potential on the international stage. Over his career, he participated in a total of 15 World Championship Grands Prix, a remarkable feat for his era, accumulating three championship points against the world's best.

Dominance in Hill Climbs

Wharton truly became a legend in British hillclimbing, a discipline where his precise driving and fearless approach shone brightest. He achieved an unparalleled feat, winning the British Hill Climb Championship every year from 1951 to 1954, an astonishing four successive titles that no other driver has since matched. His prowess extended beyond national borders; in 1951, he travelled abroad with Peter Bell's 2-litre E.R.A., securing 3rd overall in the challenging Susa/Mont Cenis hill-climb and 4th overall in the equally demanding Aosta/Grand Saint Bernard hill-climb. With a Cooper 500, he also contested the German Freiburg hill-climb, where he was runner-up in the 500 cc class to none other than the legendary Stirling Moss. Later that year, on August 5, Wharton won the Freiburg event outright in the E.R.A., conquering the 7.4 miles of the Schauinsland Pass in an impressive 8 minutes 5.33 seconds. Just two weeks later, on August 19, he was fastest at the Vue des Alpes hill-climb, setting a blistering time of 3 minutes 57.8 seconds. His continued success with the iconic ERA R4D included winning the prestigious Brighton Speed Trials in 1954, 1955, and 1956, further cementing his reputation as a master of speed.

Rallying and Sports Car Victories

Beyond the hillclimbs, Wharton's versatility extended to rallying, where he demonstrated equal skill and determination. Driving Fords, he secured three victories in the demanding Tulip Rally in 1949, 1950, and 1952, a significant achievement that underscored his ability to perform under varied conditions. He also earned the title of British Trials Champion, adding another prestigious accolade to his diverse career. His excellence wasn't confined to individual efforts; on July 4, 1954, Wharton teamed up with Peter Whitehead to claim victory in the grueling Reims 12-hour race, driving a formidable Jaguar D-Type, a testament to his endurance and teamwork in top-tier sports car racing.

Tragic End and Lasting Legacy

Sadly, Frederick Wharton's illustrious career was cut short. In 1957, while competing in a sports car race at the Ardmore Circuit in Auckland, New Zealand, he was fatally injured when his Ferrari Monza crashed. His sudden passing was a profound loss to the motorsport community. More than 1,100 people, including his grieving mother, father, sister, aunt, uncle, and cousins, attended his funeral, a somber reflection of the deep respect and affection held for this remarkable British driver. Frederick Wharton's legacy as a true all-rounder, a dominant hillclimb champion, and a respected competitor across numerous disciplines, continues to inspire.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frederick Wharton

Who was Frederick Wharton?
Frederick Charles Kenneth Wharton (1916–1957) was a highly versatile British racing driver from Smethwick, England, renowned for his successes in hillclimbs, rallying, sports car races, and Grand Prix events.
When and where was Frederick Wharton born?
He was born on March 21, 1916, in Smethwick, England.
What types of racing did Frederick Wharton participate in?
Wharton competed in a wide array of disciplines including off-road trials, hillclimbs, rallying, sports car racing, and single-seater Grand Prix events (specifically Formula 2).
When did Frederick Wharton make his Grand Prix debut?
He made his World Championship Grand Prix debut at the 1952 Swiss event, where he finished 4th.
What was Frederick Wharton famous for in hillclimbing?
He is most famous for winning the British Hill Climb Championship four consecutive times, from 1951 to 1954, a record that remains unmatched. He also achieved significant international hillclimb successes.
Did Frederick Wharton win any rallies?
Yes, he won the demanding Tulip Rally three times (1949, 1950, and 1952) driving Fords, and also became the British Trials Champion.
How did Frederick Wharton die?
Frederick Wharton was fatally injured in 1957 when his Ferrari Monza crashed during a sports car race at the Ardmore Circuit in Auckland, New Zealand.