A Service of Thanksgiving for the life and work of Sir Stirling Moss is to be held at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday May 8, 2024 at 11.00am, with more than 2000 people expected to gather at the London church to celebrate and remember his achievements. One hundred tickets have been made available to Magneto readers via this link. Please use the code MAGNETO.
As if you need reminding, those achievements included landmark wins at the Monaco Grand Prix, the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio, confirming Sir Stirling’s status as one of the most revered figures in motor sport history. Some of the cars that he raced will be on display outside the Abbey, including the 1955 Mille Miglia-winning Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR ‘722’.
Sir Stirling’s son and daughter-in-law, Stirling Elliot Moss (usually known as Elliot) and Helen Jane Moss, plan to give him the long-overdue send-off he has always deserved, but which was not possible at the time of his death in April 2020, just a month into lockdown.
The service will celebrate Sir Stirling's life as a racer, friend, father, gentleman, joker and international icon
“To be able to do this for my father – a man I admired in just about every way, and one whom I still miss very much – is an unimaginable honour,” said Elliot. “I know that I am not alone in either of those sentiments, so it is fitting that this service will celebrate his life, and allow so many of those who feel as I do, to be able to pay their respects and come together to remember the astonishing and inspirational man that he was.”
The service will celebrate Sir Stirling’s life as a racer, friend, father, gentleman, joker and international icon, and will allow the motor sport community and fans to come together to pay tribute to the legendary racing star. Speakers at the service will include Sir Jackie Stewart, motor sport journalist and commentator Simon Taylor, and The Duke of Richmond and Gordon.
Throughout his career, Sir Stirling competed in numerous racing disciplines, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations of enthusiasts. As an icon of sportsmanship and dedication, he captivated audiences with his thrilling performances on the track and his charismatic personality off it.
A number of former Moss cars will be positioned outside the Abbey on the day of the service, for both invited guests and the general public to view. The display will include the iconic Mille Miglia-winning Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR 722, which will be brought over by Mercedes-Benz Heritage. The 722 will appear in silent tribute, following its ‘last blast’ in 2021 when it roared through the streets of London to the home of the Moss family in tribute to Sir Stirling.
Additionally, at the Royal Automobile Club on Pall Mall there will be a further two vehicles significant to Sir Stirling on private display in the Rotunda: a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé and a Mercedes-Benz W 196. From May 9, for one week only, 722 will be on display in the Rotunda. This could be the last-ever chance to see the famous car outside of the Mercedes-Benz Museum, but please note that it is for Royal Automobile Club members only.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, executive vice-president Mercedes-Benz AG, and head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, said: “Sir Stirling Moss was one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. He has achieved incredible successes for and with our brand. Mercedes-Benz will always keep the memory of this exceptional racing driver alive. This includes the 300 SLR racing sports car with starting number 722 from the 1955 Mille Miglia.
“In this car, Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson won the iconic street race in the best time ever achieved. The legendary vehicle has a permanent place of honour among the Silver Arrows in the Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart.”
The Moss family has made 722 tickets available for the wider motor sport community to attend the celebration of the life of Sir Stirling Moss. These tickets will be available from March 20 and via this link. Remember to use the code MAGNETO.
