CliffAllison

The Early Years and Sports Car Prowess

Henry Clifford Allison, born on February 8, 1932, in Brough, Westmorland, embarked on his racing journey in 1953, piloting a Formula Three Cooper 500. His talent quickly caught the eye of legendary designer Colin Chapman, a pivotal moment that would shape his early career. Allison's versatility and speed were evident in sports car racing. In 1957, he showcased his endurance capabilities at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he secured the coveted Index of Performance prize driving a 744cc Lotus. The following year, his partnership with Colin Chapman yielded a sixth-place finish in the demanding 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race. Allison's strong performances continued, notably a fourth-place finish in his Lotus at the 1958 Grand Prix of Europe at Spa-Francorchamps, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest levels of sports car competition, albeit more than four minutes behind victor Tony Brooks. The 1959 season saw Allison transition to Ferrari for significant sports car events. He shared one of three factory Ferraris with Dan Gurney in the 1000 km Nürburgring race, a world championship event that drew seventy-five entries. Later that year, paired with Jean Behra, Allison achieved a commendable second-place finish in the 12 Hours of Sebring, earning $1,500 in prize money. His individual pace was undeniable, as he was credited with the fastest lap of the race in the No. 9 Ferrari, clocking an impressive 3 minutes 21.6 seconds on the 97th lap of the 5.2-mile course. Allison's career, however, was not without its dramatic moments. During practice for the 1960 Targa Florio near Palermo, Sicily, he experienced a severe incident. Piloting his No. 196 Ferrari 250 TRI, he reportedly reached 100 miles per hour when a tyre burst, causing the car to skid off the road. The Ferrari crashed into a scrub forest, resulting in its complete destruction. Remarkably, Allison emerged from the wreckage unscathed, though visibly shaken, his face ashen with fear. Despite the harrowing experience, he demonstrated immense resolve by competing in the race with car No. 202.

Formula One Entry and Ferrari Stint

Cliff Allison's Formula One career spanned from 1958 to 1961, encompassing drives for Lotus and Ferrari, among others. His F1 debut at the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix in a Lotus was challenging, marked by numerous pit stops, ultimately leading to a sixth-place finish, 12 laps adrift of winner Maurice Trintignant. The 1959 season saw Allison join the formidable Ferrari factory team, a stable that included luminaries such as Olivier Gendebien, Phil Hill, Tony Brooks, Jean Behra, and Dan Gurney. At the 1959 Monaco Grand Prix, Ferrari employed truncated versions of their cars, with the long snouts cut away to enhance cooling in the tight street circuit. This race also saw Allison involved in a multi-car incident. Wolfgang von Trips, driving a Porsche F2, lost control and spun, with Allison's Formula 2 Ferrari subsequently crashing into him. Bruce Halford's Lotus then joined the pile-up. Fortunately, Allison's Ferrari sustained the least damage, allowing him to escape serious injury. A notable, albeit unfortunate, highlight of Allison's 1959 season occurred at the German Grand Prix at AVUS. Following Jean Behra's dismissal from Ferrari and subsequent fatal accident, Allison, entered as a reserve driver in a Ferrari, demonstrated exceptional raw speed. During Friday practice, he set the fastest lap of 2 minutes 5.8 seconds, a tenth quicker than regular entrant Tony Brooks, who would start from pole with a 2:05.9 lap. However, due to the withdrawal of Behra's entry and an underpowered Formula 2 Porsche, Allison and Ian Burgess were permitted to start the race, but only from the very back of the grid. This unique circumstance marked the sole instance in Formula One history where the fastest qualifier was prevented from starting on pole due to entry regulations. Allison's race was short-lived, as clutch failure forced his retirement after just two laps.

Career Peak and Devastating Crashes

Allison's Formula One career reached its zenith at the 1960 Argentine Grand Prix, where he secured his best-ever F1 result with a commendable second-place finish. This performance underscored his capability to compete at the sharp end of the grid. However, the 1960 season also brought a severe setback. During practice for the Monaco Grand Prix on May 29, Allison suffered a major crash. His Ferrari violently impacted a straw barrier, rendering him unconscious. The incident resulted in a broken left arm, multiple rib fractures, facial cuts, and a concussion, placing him in serious condition. His recovery was extensive, sidelining him for the majority of the year. Tragically, Allison's return to Formula One in 1961 was short-lived and ended with another devastating accident. During practice for the Belgian Grand Prix, driving a Lotus, his car careened off the course, overturning in a field. This horrific crash left him with broken knees and a fractured pelvis, injuries that would ultimately force his retirement from motorsport.

Legacy Beyond the Track

Cliff Allison's racing career, though punctuated by remarkable speed and resilience, was ultimately curtailed by severe injuries. Despite the premature end to his competitive driving, he maintained a connection with the sport, often returning as a popular visitor to the paddock at reunions. Beyond the high-octane world of Formula One, Allison returned to his roots in Brough, taking over the management of Allison's Garage, a business originally established by his father. In a testament to his community spirit, he also contributed to local life by driving the village and school bus services, a stark contrast to the speeds he once commanded on the world's most challenging circuits. Cliff Allison passed away in his hometown of Brough on April 7, 2005, leaving behind a legacy of a determined and talented racer whose career was tragically cut short, but whose spirit remained connected to the sport he loved.