THIS IS STIRLING MOSS
Sir Stirling Moss is a stickler for punctuality. So precisely three minutes before our appointment, photographer Lorenzo Bellanca and I ring the bell to his Mayfair town house. Spread over five floors, this has been the Moss abode for more than 50 years. I’ve read all about it but never been inside; one of many reasons to look forward to this lunch with a motorsport legend.
The door is opened by Mandy Shepherd, Sir Stirling’s PA. We are ushered in past his ground-floor office and up a spiral staircase, pausing at the first floor to be greeted warmly by Lady Susie Moss before climbing up to the kitchen. Seated at a desk by the window, that familiar stocky figure removes his spectacles and rises – slowly, it has to be said, given the horrific accident he suffered in his lift shaft two years ago, which injured his ankles, legs and knees.
Once on his feet, his aura of urgency and energy is all too evident, just as it was when S. C. Moss was one of the world’s greatest drivers. Moss is more famous for not claiming the world title than some champions are for having won it at least once.
It is a mark of the man and the reason why, at 83, he is always on the move. He’s just returned from a visit to the United States, then he’ll fly to the Isle of Man the day after our interview, then back to London and on to a function in York just 24 hours later.
“As busy as ever, boy,” he says, making room at the table. Then he pauses before adding: “Thank God I am.” He means it. Sitting still and doing nothing is not an option in the world of Sir Stirling Craufurd Moss. Never was and never will be. He’s ready. Let’s get going…
Maurice Hamilton: I want to start by linking the past with the present. Mercedes are in the news because Lewis Hamilton has decided to move there for 2013, so I guess you’ll have had people asking about when you raced for Mercedes?
I have, and there’s no comparison at all.
