The British Sports Car Hall of Fame, established in 2016 to “preserve and perpetuate the legacy and impact of these legendary vehicles and to honor the men and women responsible for their success,” has selected its 2019 Induction Class:
Stanley “Wacky” Arnolt – Arnolt sold imported cars in Chicago but is best known as the father of four collaborative efforts with Carrozzeria Bertone that resulted in the Arnolt-MG, Arnolt-Bristol, Arnolt-Aston and Arnolt-Bentley. He also sponsored works efforts at the 12 Hours of Sebring that took home the team prize in 1955, 1956, and 1960.
Tom Boscarino — Founder of the American MGC Register, Boscarino was also involved with the New England MGT Register, NAMGBR and AMGBR. A leading voice in the American MG community, he received the Cecil Kimber Award in 2002 for his contributions to the MG marque.
Alec Issigonis — Issigonis started his automotive career at Humber and Austin and then went to Morris, where he created the Minor and the Mini, two of the most successful vehicles ever built in Britain.
Denise McCluggage — A trailblazer for women’s equality in journalism and motorsports, she pioneered the field of participatory journalism when she raced her MG TC and Jaguar XK140 as a means to get closer to the story. McCluggage took class honors at the 12 Hours of Sebring and Monte Carlo Rally. She also saved Competition Press, which would become known as AutoWeek.
Paul Newman — Although famous for his exploits on the big screen, Newman won four SCCA National Championships, including his first driving a Triumph TR6. Newman also won several championships in open wheel racing in the United States and took class honors at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Charles Runyan – Runyan founded The Roadster Factory in 1978, which grew to become a leading supplier of aftermarket parts for MGs and Triumphs. He also operated a British-style pub known as The Coventry Inn.
The British Sports Car Hall of Fame is based in Petersburg, Virginia, where it displays cars and automobilia.
In addition to the Class of 2019, executive director John Nikas announced that the Coventry Foundation, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the Jaguar marque’s history, will assume oversight and operation of the British Sports Car Hall of Fame.
“Transferring control of the British Sports Car Hall of Fame to the Coventry Foundation will help ensure the continued success and health of this wonderful institution, which has done so much to thank and honor the people that made the British sports car hobby in America,” he said.
