Motorsport Australia is saddened to learn of the passing of esteemed driver, Reg Hunt.
 
A passionate car enthusiast, and a Maserati Club Life Patron, Reg was known for his stellar career behind the wheel in Australia before becoming the nation’s largest Holden distributor.
 
Born in 1923 in Manchester, England, Reg was hopeful of starting his racing career in 1939, only for World War 2 to prevent him beginning his motorsport ambitions.
 
Migrating to Australia in 1949, Hunt eventually began to compete not long after his arrival having constructed his own 500cc Formula 3-type single-seater, which later became commonly known as ‘The Flying Bedstead’.
 
Steering the car to a number of victories early, Reg continued to develop the car and worked alongside legendary engine designer Phil Irving to help stay ahead of the chasing pack.
 
While he was racing in The Flying Bedstead, which he later replaced with an Allard J2 that he ran at hill climbs and circuit meetings, he had also established his road car dealership, which had earned him enough success that he was able to head to Europe in 1954 to race cars.
 
The stint in Europe saw him race a Cooper-Norton Mk VIII in Formula 3 against the likes of Sir Stirling Moss and a Maserati 250F in a number of Grands Prix, as well picking up wins at Brands Hatch at the Orleans Street circuit in France.
 
In the succeeding years, Reg competed in a number of Grands Prix in around the world, guiding his newly acquired Maserati 250f 2516 to wins in the Pau and Bordeaux Grands Prix, before returning to Australia for more success at esteemed events such as the Bathurst 100, Albert Park and at Fisherman’s Bend.
 
One of Reg’s most notable highlights then came in 1956 where he picked up fourth place in that year’s Australian Grand Prix, beating Stan Jones in an epic battle.
 
Hanging up the helmet shortly after his memorable run, Reg continued to build his growing car dealership empire. Reg’s various car yards eventually covered up to 50 acres – his biggest dealership in Elsternwick, Victoria, housing more than 2000 cars.
 
Reg is survived by his wife Julia Wood, his son Graham and daughter Cheryl, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.