Allan Moffat: The Legend of Australian Motorsport Passes Away at 86
In a monumental loss for the world of motorsport, Allan Moffat, the revered four-time Australian Touring Car champion and four-time Bathurst 500/1000 victor, has passed away at the age of 86 after a prolonged battle with dementia. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news through a poignant post on social media, stating, “It is with deep sadness that the Moffat family announces the passing of Allan Moffat OBE, who died peacefully at 11:05 this morning, surrounded by his loved ones, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.”
Moffat’s legacy is unparalleled, not merely as a champion driver but as an influential mentor, advocate, and friend to many in the racing community. His unwavering passion and competitive spirit have left an indelible mark on the landscape of motorsport, both in Australia and worldwide. Moffat is remembered not just for his victories, but for his profound impact on the sport’s evolution.
Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, Moffat’s journey into racing began when his family relocated to Melbourne during his teenage years. His racing career ignited in his early 20s with a Triumph TR3, and after showcasing his talent in a Lotus Cortina, he ventured to the United States, where he learned from the legends of Team Lotus. Moffat described this experience as “like going to motor racing university,” having worked alongside icons like Colin Chapman and the Wood Brothers.
By 1969, Moffat had returned to Australia, ready to make waves with Ford’s production racing team. His keen mechanical insight and meticulous preparation soon paid off. That same year, he was gifted a brand-new Boss 302 Mustang, a moment that would set the stage for his incredible career. Over the next five years, he achieved the astonishing record of 78 wins from 188 races, although the elusive ATCC title remained just out of reach.
Bathurst was where Moffat truly shone. He came agonizingly close to victory in 1969 but ultimately claimed triumph in 1970 and again in 1971, followed by a win in the inaugural 1000km race in 1973. His rivalry with the legendary Peter Brock added layers of drama to the sport, with Moffat embodying the role of the fierce competitor, even as Brock became the golden boy of Australian motorsport.
The headlines were dominated by their duels, with Moffat clinching the 1976 and ’77 ATCC titles and adding a fourth Bathurst 1000 victory in 1977, co-driving with Jacky Ickx. However, the tides turned when Ford withdrew from racing, forcing Moffat to adapt. He switched to Mazda, capturing his final ATCC title in 1983, along with endurance titles in ’82 and ’84, though Bathurst eluded him once more.
In the mid-1980s, Moffat and Brock joined forces for endurance races, and despite challenges, Moffat’s tenacity shone through. He salvaged a Holden Commodore and achieved a stunning victory at Monza, after several competitors were disqualified. His later years saw him switch to Eggenberger Ford Sierras, adding a final win in Japan in 1989.
Moffat quietly retired two days after his 50th birthday, transitioning to team management while also contributing as a commentator—a role reminiscent of motorsport greats like Sir Jackie Stewart. An Australian citizen since 2004, Moffat was honored with an OBE in 1978 and inducted into the Sports Australia Hall of Fame in 2018.
He leaves behind two sons, Andrew and James—both involved in racing, with James notably finishing as a runner-up at Bathurst in 2014—along with grandchildren Max and Isla, and a legacy cherished by countless fans and friends. Allan Moffat’s passing marks the end of an era in Australian motorsport, but his spirit will continue to inspire future generations.
