Ex-Formula 1 racer Trevor Taylor dies, 73

It is understood he passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday night.

Born in Gleadless, Sheffield, on Boxing Day, 1936, Taylor was brought up into a motor-racing family and attempted to qualify for the British Grand Prix for his father's Ace Garage, in Bramley, Rotherham, in 1959.

He impressed legendary Lotus supremo Colin Chapman and raced for the world-renowned team from 1960-63.

Starting out in the Formula Junior Championship, he shared the 1960 title with his team-mate Jim Clark, the legendary driver who would go on to win two Formula 1 world titles.

Taylor won the junior title outright in 1961 but did not enjoy as prosperous a career.

Achieving second place in only his second race at the 1962 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort would be his best finish in 29 Formula 1 races.

He also had a win and a second place in South Africa in non-championship races.

Taylor lived in an era when deaths were commonplace in motor racing and was particularly fortunate not to be wearing a seatbelt on one occasion when he was thrown clear before his car erupted in a ball of flame.

In all he scored eight points in the Formula 1 Championship. On leaving Lotus he tried his hand with privateer teams, but they were dogged by reliability issues.

Taylor retired in 1972 aged 36 and lived out the remainder of his life in the Rotherham villages of Ulley and Wickersley.

He is survived by wife Liz and two sons.