Michael Lynch | FerrariChat

Michael Lynch

Discussion in 'Vintage (thru 365 GTC4)' started by Jack-the-lad, Jan 12, 2019.

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  1. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 22, 2004
    69,037
    Moot Pointe
    Doug Nye is reporting on Autosport.com that Michael Lynch has died. I have searched but have been unable to find any verification. I hope this is not accurate but Nye is typically a very reliable source, especially about such matters. Can someone confirm one way or the other?
     
    Christian.Fr likes this.
  2. Pierre Coquet

    Pierre Coquet Rookie

    Mar 3, 2005
    49
    F - 21340 Baubigny
    Full Name:
    Pierre Coquet
    Found yesterday on Facebook :

    Alexis Lynch
    11 janvier, 14:35 ·
    Today the world lost one of its great story tellers and car aficionados. My dad moved on to the big race track in the sky.

    My dad was one of those guys with such classic stories. He talked his way into Harvard, and then made money by writing people’s papers for them with a keg next to his desk. And his telling of it all never got old. He went on to eventually become a well-respected and loved car historian and author.

    He was lucky enough to pass peacefully with the love of his life on one side of him and me on the other. And I was lucky enough for him to wait to go until I had achieved the important life milestones of a tremendous kid, career success and overall happiness I wanted him to see and be proud of. It feels trite to say I’ll miss him, but I really really will. Love you, Popsy.

    And thank you to Vicki Lynch, his life partner for the past 27 years of marriage. She truly made him a better person and has been by his side through every difficult health crisis he faced over these past years. Not everyone finds their Vicki, and my dad is so damn lucky she chose him. (As am I.)
     
  3. Ferri

    Ferri Formula Junior

    Dec 26, 2004
    842
    The Netherlands
    Full Name:
    Hugo Garritsen
    Very sad new. Sincere condolences.

    Hugo
     
  4. Marcel Massini

    Marcel Massini Two Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary

    Mar 2, 2005
    22,737
    Michael T. Lynch just finished his new NART book end of last year.
    May he rest in peace.

    Marcel Massini
     
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  5. 375+

    375+ F1 World Champ
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    Dec 28, 2005
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    Very sad news indeed, Mike was one of the good guys. I'm happy to hear that he was able to complete the NART book. Rest in peace Mike.
     
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  6. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 22, 2004
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    Thank you, Pierre.

    Sincere condolences to the Lynch family.
     
  7. DWR46

    DWR46 Formula 3
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    Jun 19, 2012
    1,807
    I am really glad he was able to finish the book, as I knew health issues were building up over the last few years.
     
  8. Admiral Goodwrench

    Admiral Goodwrench Formula Junior

    Mar 2, 2005
    687
    Santa Fe, New Mexico
    Full Name:
    Robert Phillips
    This is a huge loss of talent and knowledge to the Ferrari historian world. Michael and I had a one year overlap at the Harvard Business School in the late sixties and ever since we have exchanged dozens of e-mails concerning various aspects of early Ferrari trivia in search of the actual stories. He judged for many Concours until he lost a few friends for being an honest judge, in the earlier years he and Vicky graciously hosted annual get togethers at their home in Carmel during car week. His writing were always interesting to read and always well researched. Here in Santa Fe he led the special memorial to Denise McCluggage. When HelenAnn and I ran into them on the lawn at Pebble Beach this past August, we both commented on how good he and Vicki looked, all dressed up in classical Pebble Beach spectator attire. Our most sincere condolences to Vicky and Alexis, we will truly miss him.

    Robert
     
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  9. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 22, 2004
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    Additional information on the book from a source who spoke with Luigi since Michael's death:

    It is close but not ready for print. There is at least one chapter/appendix to be added and it hasn't even been developed beyond a concept.....It will be definitive.....The book will definitely fill a major gap in Ferrari documented history.

    Let's hope that these sad circumstances will not delay publication by too much. It sounds like the book will be a fine and lasting legacy.
     
  10. Nembo1777

    Nembo1777 F1 World Champ
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    Nov 4, 2006
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    Marc Sonnery
    A lot of special people are leaving us this winter....it seems the book kept him going until his work was done...it was an honor to speak with him and listen to his wisdom at Cavallino and Pebble as well as a few times on the phone, years ago, RIP Sir.
     
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  11. Dino2400

    Dino2400 Formula 3
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    Feb 21, 2009
    1,297
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  12. Lusso123

    Lusso123 Formula 3
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    Oct 18, 2010
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    Marshall Buck
    Very sad. He was a true gentleman. Sincere condolences. Rest in peace Michael.
     
  13. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    33,736
    Austin TX
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    Brian Crall

    I know Adolfo and recognize the gentleman at the other end. Can someone supply the names of the 4 on Adolfo's right?
     
  14. kevfla

    kevfla Formula 3

    Nov 20, 2003
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    gone 4 good
    Possibly Winston Goodfellow on the far-right.
     
  15. Marcel Massini

    Marcel Massini Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 2, 2005
    22,737
    Absolutely not.
    And Michael Lynch is #2 from left.

    Marcel Massini
     
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  16. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    Brian Crall
    Thats Adolfo Orsi
     
  17. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    Brian Crall
    Thanks Marcel
     
  18. Dino2400

    Dino2400 Formula 3
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    Feb 21, 2009
    1,297
    From the far right to the left:

    Mr. Adolfo Orsi
    Mr. Alfieri Maserati
    Mr. Tim Considine
    Mr. Michael Lynch
    Mr. Robert T Devlin

    If i'm wrong, please correct me

    Maarten
     
  19. wbaeumer

    wbaeumer F1 Veteran
    Consultant

    Mar 4, 2005
    8,826
    Michael T. Lynch was also a very much respected member of the old Maserati telaio and posted numerous contributions. All with great knowledge.
    He also helped me with my first book.
    What a loss!

    R.I.P.

    (PS.: ...and one of this persons listed is -in my humble opinion- definitely NOT a Gentleman!)
     
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  20. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    Brian Crall

    Thank you. I thought the gentleman opposite Adolfo was Bob.
     
  21. bitzman

    bitzman F1 Rookie
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    Feb 15, 2008
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    wallace wyss
     
  22. bitzman

    bitzman F1 Rookie
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    Feb 15, 2008
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    Does anyone know Lynch's proposed publisher? I read a NART Book recently that was very unsatisfying, a mere recounting of which cars they ran where and nothing really revealing about the personalities involved and all the intrigues.
    Here's the review of the one I read from Amazon.com. I'd say not worth the paper it's printed on....

    N.A.R.T.: A concise history of the North American Racing Team 1957 to 1983Hardcover – December 14, 2015
    by Terry O'Neil (Author)

    Most people with an interest in motor sport will be familiar with the acronym N.A.R.T., yet few people profess to know too much about the North American Racing Team.

    Starting in the the second half of the 1950s, NART existed for three decades, during which it experienced successes on the tracks of America and Europe. It also suffered financial difficulties, and arguments with track organizers.

    This book explains what NART was, how it was formed, and what it achieved over three decades of competition. It wasn't just sports cars that were entered into races, NART entered Formula One cars and Formula Junior cars as well.

    Never as financially stable as his rival team owners, Chinetti did deals with Ferrari to purchase the latest specification sports cars at the end of a season, in order to attract the best drivers to drive for NART. It was also an opportunity to lease the cars on a race-by-race basis, an arrangement that appealed to some of Chinetti's clientele.

    Whilst success on the track was significant, problems were never far away. Working on the cars with a limited number of staff, and not receiving spares from Ferrari on time, NART always appeared to be in a state of crisis.

    No matter ... despite the difficulties, the formula worked well for Luigi Chinetti, and the acronym N.A.R.T. has rightly become legendary.






    18 Used from $26.9521 New from $44.06
     
  23. BIRA

    BIRA Formula Junior

    Jun 15, 2007
    950
    With cars dealers my friend , this is tough territory!!
     
  24. 375+

    375+ F1 World Champ
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    Dec 28, 2005
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    David Bull Publishing.
     
  25. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 22, 2004
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    #25 Jack-the-lad, Mar 18, 2019
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2019
    When I go to the Bull web site I get a "private" page, password required. I wonder what's going on.

    The FB page has an entry saying they are unable to fill any orders.

    I know they were looking for a buyer about five years ago. This does not sound good.

    This makes publication of the Chinetti/NART book seem even less certain.....
     

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