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The 1960s was the golden age of European motorsport, with two countries leading the saloon car field: Britain with the Mini and Italy with the Fiats 500 and 600. As their rivalry was further ignited by the creation of the Mini Cooper and Fiat Abarth, there was a fervent need for tuning and 'go faster' component companies - and here, one of Britain's most iconic, Radbourne Racing, was born.
In this captivating memoir, Lincoln Small - the last surviving co-founder of Radbourne Racing - shares the untold story of how a small company, fuelled by ingenuity, left an indelible mark on British motorsport history. Through a retelling rich with anecdotes of both rivalries and triumphs, Small brings to life the glamour, grit and camaraderie of those unforgettable halcyon days, offering a heartfelt tribute to the people, cars and innovations that shaped motorsport's most exhilarating era.
Featuring rare, personal photographs and comprehensive appendices,
Abarth, Radbourne Racing and Me is both a nostalgic celebration and a vital record of a team and a time when every lap was a leap into the unknown. For petrol-heads and racing enthusiasts alike, this is a story of inspiration and legacy that will resonate long after the final page.
About the author
In 1962, Lincoln Small travelled to Italy, where he quickly fell in love with the culture, became fluent in Italian, and taught at an interpreter's school in Ancona. A promise of his first car brought him back to London, where a chance meeting with John and Geoff Anstead led to the founding of Radbourne Racing. Together, they secured the UK concession for Abarth, the iconic Italian racing brand, Fiat, Renault Sport, Weber carburettors and many others. Lincoln's passion for motor racing and his ability to connect with legends of the sport defined his career, blending a lifelong love of cars and competition.
