24 Jun CHAMPION SURPRISE
Earlier in June, FMM had an unexpected visit from ex-SA Driver Champion Neville Lederle and his wife, Norma. Born in Theunissen in the Free State, Neville, now 77, had a short but notably successful racing career including taking part in the 9th SA Grand Prix held at East London on 29 December 1962. Despite a broken steering wheel and a cracked engine block, Neville finished sixth in his privately entered Lotus 21, was the first four-cylinder car home, and gained a World Championship point for his efforts, which made him an F1 graded driver for 1963. Legendary British driver Stirling Moss described Neville as “the most promising young driver of the year”. However, Neville stayed in SA and concentrated on local events, including the Springbok Series races where his finishing record – six overall victories in seven events – led him to the 1963 SA Drivers’ Championship title. However, later in the year the death of his father meant he had to take over the family business. Following this, a broken leg in a practice accident for the 1963 Nine Hour took a long time to heal, the combination leading to his retirement.
A surprise was in store at FMM for Neville and Norma when they saw on display the 1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom II that then owner and close friend Waldie Greyvensteyn had lent them for their wedding car. A photo opportunity not to be missed. MM
