Jim Clark was the world champion Grand Prix driver in 1965 for the second and final time – and the same year won at Indianapolis.

Thirty-five years on he is still routinely ranked as one of the best – if not THE best driver of all time.

His records set him alongside Juan Manuel Fangio, Sir Stirling Moss and Indy legends AJ Foyt, Mauri Rose and Wilbur Shaw.

His distinguishing talent was his versatility; he was a winner anywhere in the world in sports cars, stock cars, single seaters and even took fastest stage times at the highest level in rallying.

He was a true racing legend.

When Jim Clark was killed, the sport cried real tears. At his funeral Jim’s father told his great friend and rival, the smiling, tall American Dan Gurney, that he had been the only driver Jimmy truly feared.

Gurney never forgot it, but typically kept it to himself.

“It destroyed me, really, in terms of self control,” said Gurney. “I was drowned in tears. To hear that from someone whose son had been killed was more than I could cope with. For a long time I didn’t say anything because I felt it was a private thing and I didn’t want to use it to glorify my driving ability or reputation. It was the biggest compliment I ever received.”

A Los Angeles radio station disc jockey was broadcasting on Sunday April 7th 1968 – the day that Jim Clark died in his car amongst the rain-soaked pine trees beside the track at Hockenheim, West Germany.

“If you are mourning the death of the great Jim Clark, put on your headlights.”

The whole freeway lit up at midday..