RIP: Paul Fr�re, 1917-2008

Rory Phoulorie · Zorce Jedi Knight Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 1698

We're saddened to report the passing of Paul Fr�re, veteran racer and revered elder statesman of automotive journalism.

Fr�re was born on January 30, 1917 in Belgium. As a racing driver, Fr�re competed in Formula One between 1952 and 1956, and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1960 behind the wheel of a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. As an automotive journalist, Fr�re served as European editor for Road & Track, and as editor of French Porsche magazine Flat 6, in addition to authoring several books about cars and racing. In September 2006, we reported on a major accident Fr�re had near the Nurburgring in Germany, from which he recovered after spending two weeks in intensive care having punctured both lungs and broken several bones.

Fr�re died this past Saturday at age 91. We extend our appreciation to Steven who informed us to the sad news, and our deepest condolences to Paul's bereaved family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

autoblog

Rory Phoulorie · Zorce Jedi Knight Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 1698

I found that his articles in Road & Track were quite informative and enjoyable.

I remember the very first article I read that he wrote was in 1986 on a Lamborghini Countach "mule" that was being used to test technologies to be incorporated into the upcoming Diablo.

MG Man · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 4:04 pm Post subject:

damn
another one gone
I really hope one day I can meet Peter Egan
I missed meeting my hero Gerry Marshall my a matter of three months....but I did get to shake hands with WB Blydenstein, Pentti Airikkala and Russell Brookes!
_________________

I know it's so, for I told me so

Plex · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 5:20 pm Post subject:

Another goes and a legend to....RIP

MG Man · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 6:57 pm Post subject:

Race in Paradise?
_________________

I know it's so, for I told me so

Plex · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 7:33 pm Post subject:

Perhaps in Heaven..

This is one of vids he raced in..

NarendZORCE · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:48 am Post subject:

This just in from Porsche:

NarendZORCE · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:52 am Post subject:

Paul Fr�re was one of the greats... I also enjoyed his articles...
At 91 I suppose he really lived but his passing is a great loss to the automotive world.
_________________
Drags, Circuit, Solodex, Rally, Karting, the Shows, the Girls, the Car you drive...
ZORCERs done know... the speed lifestyle magazine in the Islands, ZORCE
Click to hear it >> http://www.zorce.com/fortheforums/Zorce15NEW.mp3
Download & SEE iT! >> http://www.zorce.com/fortheforums/Zorce-15.mp4
...........................................................
Oh Yeah! Feel the Rush, it's like... WOW!
May the (Mass x Acceleration)-F+Z be with you...

MG Man · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:02 am Post subject:

amazing how he touched two, maybe three generations for different reasons
I know he was an accomplished racer, but what I revered him for was his journalism.....I would imagine an entire generation went by, knowing him better for his racing exploits......and teh lucky older guys who may have been able to appreciate both!

I wonder who among the current pack can carve out such a distinguished career after racing......

Imagine Kimi: I drive the new Hyundai......eet not fast........nice car.....tenk you

Schumacher: The new Tiburon ran great, I would like to thank all the guys, the team, everybody who made this win possible...........

Button: What in bloody 'ell is this rubbish? NO complimentary champagne? No asian birds? Bollocks with this...........I was an F1 champion for godsakes.......what? I wasn't? Well I bloody 'ell should have been

Rubens: I like the new Hyunday. It;s very nice. Pleasant. Very nice.....can I have a job? Please?

Hamilton: Ron said to say it's a nice car but I would not drive it. Did I get that right, Ron?
_________________

I know it's so, for I told me so

Sheriff! · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 7:38 pm Post subject:

rip man!