The 750 Motor Club is sad to announce the passing of Sid Marler last weekend. One of the Club’s earliest and most long standing members, Sid died holding his wife Jo’s hand.
His early motorsport career began in his twenties behind the wheel of Austin Sevens where Sid formed part of the pioneering group of drivers in the formative years of Club racing. As a 750MC member Sid worked alongside Holly Birkett on the
conception of the Birkett Six-Hour Relay Race.
Sid’s motoring and motorsport career went on to span many decades both in the UK and Europe racing against many famous names, however it was the 750MC and its members that he would often regale in his stories. Although he spoke fondly of racing the Austin and the changes he had made to it, one of his favorite cars was the Elova, which Sid raced with great success in 750MC events of the 1960s.
He later raced Gryphon and Diamond Clubmans cars and returned to the formula later on with his youngest son Andrew. Throughout his career he never missed a beat and also competed in machinery including a Chevron B8, Chevron B19 and McLaren M8E. Sid thought about retiring after driving the Chevrons yet went on to race his faithful Lotus Elan for more than ten additional seasons, even taking a championship title in his late 70s in addition to regularly racing in the Birkett as part of his 'Betty Swollocks Sextet' Team.
Sid's passing will leave a big hole in many people's lives and he will be sorely missed by his friends and family. For any messages, Sid’s grandson Oli can be contacted by email
here.