Sad news has reached The Garage that long time racer, automotive writer and engineer Paul Frere has passed away at the age of 91. He had been injured in a crash while testing for Road & Track and while he recovered from his injuries, he was never quite the same. Frere began his racing career on two wheels following World War 2, moving to cars a short time later. In 1952, Frere took part in his first Grand Prix and would go on to race 11 times in the pinnacle of motorsports. Perhaps the highlight of his career as a driver was in 1960 when he won Le Mans, co-driving with Olivier Gendebien. Perhaps Frere’s biggest accomplishment was his journalistic career, through which he was able to touch millions of enthusiasts with his experience and insight.
A couple of months before his crash, friend of The Garage Alois Ruf had told tales of driving with Frere. Alois said that Paul was a bit unstable on his feet, but that even at 90 he was more agile than most 20 year olds behind the wheel.
We have lost another great one.
I’m very saddened by the loss of racer/journalist Paul Frère.
He brought honour and “renommé” to Belgium and international motorsports, and a confidence and credibility to automotive journalism.
Whenever I read a Paul Frère review of a new Porsche, I always understood it as the final truth of the matter, written by THE one who knew.
Though we will miss his future writings, he’s left us with a history bigger than most.
Paul
All that AND a full head of hair. The good news is the legends never die.