Ralph Broad

[Phil Egginton]

It with sadness that I inform you that one of the great tuning legends of the past, Ralph Broad, of Broadspeed fame, passed away last Friday. For the last few years Ralph lived in the Algarve and became a friend of mine. His tales of tuning were legendary including his brushes with the high and mighty of Motorsport. There were some probably unrepeatable stories of his dealings with one Mr B Ecclestone which will have to wait for a light night and far too many pints!!

Ralph came to fame through Mini's and then moved into Dolomites and Jaguars and of course Fords including Anglia, Escort and Capri. Many now famous names raced for him including Tony Dron, Andy Rouse and Derek Bell.

A celebration of Ralph's life will take place during the forthcoming Algarve Historic Festival 15th to 17th October.

[Mike Bell]

Very sad news indeed. I met Ralph last year at Portimao as was racing my Gp2 Escort alongside the Broadspeed built Capri of Vince Woodman. Ralph took time to compliment the period presentation of my car, and I have a treasured photo of the 3 of us together after prizegiving.

Fitting then that as well as the Plus 4 I will be racing my Escort at Portimao again next month. It will carry a tribute to the great man.

R.I.P. Ralph

[Leigh Sebba]

The Company name – Broadspeed – was bought by a neighbour of mine about 10 years ago. He used to refurbish old Minis and sell them to Japan, etc. I thought it a little sad that this famous name could just be bought by someone who had no connection with the Ralph Broad days which I do recall – having had a ‘souped up’ Mini in the mid 1960s

[Phil Egginton]

Hi Mike

Glad to hear you are bringing the Escort again. Things have moved on a bit since my post yesterday.

We are hoping to put together a display of period cars like those Ralph produced and clearly yours could be one of these. Original Broadspeed cars would be great but anything close would be a tribute.

Also we agreed yesterday that a Ralph Broad Cup would be presented to one of the saloon races (probably the 70's) by my own company in-conjunction with the Algarve Resident Group (who publish the local ex pat newspaper/magazine). We are also trying to get together people who knew him or raced with him. I understand Sir Jackie Stewart and Derek Bell are coming anyway both of whom raced Ralphs cars and I expect Tony Dron too (he was here last year).

I am liaising closely with Motorsport magazine but anyone has any contacts that would be useful to us then please email me on phil@peninsulamotorsport.com

Cheers

[Mike Bell]

Hi Phil

I am glad you are organising the tribute. Vince W said earlier in the season that he was bringing his Capri and if the Jag XJC is racing as well that is two genuine cars. If there is not a more suitable Escort would be honoured to be involved.

Mike