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Tony Dron
August 29, 1946 - November 16, 2021
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2022-05-06 10:15:10 View / Comment (0)
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2022-02-04 21:42:44 View / Comment (0)
Jeremy Havard
Tony was the instructor who took me round Brands Hatch on my first-ever track day in 1994. At 6'9" I was (like him) too tall for the single seaters so we went round together in an XR3i. He took the first 3 laps overtaking all the single seaters on principle it seemed, then it was my turn. Boy was he a good instructor - I was soon overtaking single seaters myself. We got on well that day and formed a special "tall person" bond. I ran into him many times afterwards at Silverstone and Goodwood and he always stopped to pass the time of day. A real gentleman and an inspiring driver and teacher. I will never forget him.
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2021-12-04 00:13:22 View / Comment (0)
Mark Dixon
Tony gave me my first job in motoring journalism late in 1989, as sub-editor on Classic Cars magazine when he was editing the title. He was literally a larger-than-life character, slightly scary to a tyro hack, but a great boss with a wicked sense of humour and some brilliant anecdotes, usually involving successes or failures with the ladies in his younger days… I remember a 'works outing' to France in a Ford press-fleet Transit, with Tony at the wheel; on the return trip, coming down a twisty section of dual-carriageway, a Cavalier-driving rep made the mistake of trying to burn him off, resulting in us younger members of staff cowering on the floor in an attempt to lower the van's centre of gravity – needless to say, Tony 'won'. He was always the racing driver. While our paths diverged over the next 20 years or so, I'm pleased to say we rekindled our friendship when he started freelancing for my current title, Octane, and even more pleased that we managed to get out to his favourite pub a couple of times during his crippling illness. That's how I'll always remember him: appreciating a good pint and sharing a laugh.
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2021-12-01 13:35:06 View / Comment (0)
Paul Walker
I remember Tony during Press launches when I was Jaguar's Chief Vehicle & Chassis engineer. He was such a delight to talk to and be driven by. His knowledge and enthusiasm were inspirational and his driving skills clearly demonstrated when he jumped into a new car and drove so fluently, briskly but safely, unlike some journalists that i could name!! He is a sad loss to the motoring world and my sincere condolences to his family who have lost a lovely man.
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2021-11-29 20:09:30 View / Comment (0)
Jeremy Snook
I have many fond memories of Tony, mainly related to the 80s and early 90s when I worked for Porsche. He was one of our regular instructors at our Porsche Driving Days and in the evenings used to regale us with many an amusing racing anecdote. But a favourite memory relates to a Porsche press trip to the Nurburgring. During a lull in proceedings, Tony spotted Roland Kussmaul’s ‘company car’ in the paddock. Producing his winning smile he soon had temporary loan of a rather dirty, unremarkable-looking 911. Now Roland was Weissach’s star development race and rally engineer so it only took a few corners of the old ‘Ring for Tony to appreciate he had something rather special under his control. As we went faster and faster the grin became wider. By the end of the lap we were both buzzing. Roland wouldn’t reveal what latest tweaks he was testing but never seemed in the least perturbed about loaning out his top secret 911to a safe pair of hands, perhaps regretting only the state of his tyres! Yes, many fond memories of a talented driver and scribe last seen at one of his last Goodwood Festival of Speed outings. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.
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2021-11-27 23:19:20 View / Comment (0)
Graham Heeps
I can't claim to have known Tony well but we shared a car a few times on launches and always had a good chat. As other people here have said, he was genuinely interested in your life, which in my experience was definitely not always the case with driving partners! Another good reason to share a car with him was that, unlike some, far less talented colleagues, he didn't drive like a racing driver on the road. He was a good guy and I send my condolences to his family and friends.
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2021-11-26 20:46:52 View / Comment (0)
Malcolm McKay
Tony was a lifelong hero of mine, and leaves an empty place in my heart alongside that for my father who passed away just three weeks before him. Tony played a pivotal role in my life, and one for which I will be forever grateful - in 1989, he recruited me as Clubs Editor on Classic Cars magazine, and a couple of years later he promoted me to be his Deputy Editor. It was a huge honour to work under Tony - he was the best boss one could wish for - unfailingly considerate, hugely helpful and above all, incredibly inspiring. I have so many memories, all of them happy, many funny and some barely repeatable! I thoroughly enjoyed my interview with him for the job - especially when he gave me as a subbing test a passage by a writer I knew. I commented that I had no idea this chap's writing needed so much work: "Oh God, do you know him?" asked Tony - "Please don't tell him I gave you his work as a test" "Of course not, Tony - as long as you give me the job!" I joked. He roared with laughter - and did give me the job... He introduced me to historic rallying too, which has been a huge part of my life - I co-drove for him on several stage rallies in his Mk2 Ford Zephyr and will always remember his incredible skill at the wheel. I remember tearing through a Welsh forest stage at 100mph downhill on gravel, with a sheer drop to my left and cliff to the right, thinking with anyone else at the wheel I would have been terrified but with Tony it was exhilarating. We did the Longleat Stages in streaming wet conditions with all types of animal poo on the narrow tarmac roads - everyone else was spinning off, Tony had the extra problem of the gearlever jumping out of second, so was sawing at the huge wheel with his right hand, while holding the column gearlever in second with his left which was also flicking the dash-mounted overdrive switch in and out as required - and at the same time giving me advice on how to set the car up for cattle grids etc. Incredibly focused, he would concentrate in silence for the last few minutes before every stage start. I treasure the glass Longleat lion we won above any awards I've won for my own driving... Tony supported me to the hilt when we launched the annual Club Awards at the NEC classic car show and when our bosses on Classic Cars failed to give the magazine the support it needed to keep market leadership, he gave them such a hard time that they moved him on. I did my best for six months before a new Editor was appointed but the magazine would never regain the authority it had under his leadership. He kept us going through the move into central London with IPC and when they placed us on the 24th floor of King's Reach Tower, he insisted that the Motor archive, which he had saved and which was so valuable to us, must be in our offices, not in the basement as they wanted. Hugely heavy, being almost all glass plate negatives, special racking had to be built against the central core of the tower to avoid the weight affecting the tower's balance... Tony had a tremendous sense of humour and tremendous determination - and a special knack for getting things done the right way. He will be deeply missed.
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2021-11-25 18:49:01 View / Comment (0)
Doro Marden
I am one of the ex girlfriends who had lunch with Tony over the years. We met when I was 16 and he was 18, and stayed in touch through all our other relationships. When we met he was on track for becoming a surveyor and joining the family firm, it shows his determination that he gave this up for a career which was his passion, and riskier in so many ways - he was a happy man! I spoke with him on the phone in October, he was short of breath but still laughing at himself.
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2021-11-25 16:48:40 View / Comment (0)Peter Barker
Tony Dron and Alastair Douglas in Monaco parc ferme before the start of the Common Run of the 1996 Rallye Monte Carlo
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2021-11-25 16:46:51 View / Comment (0)
Peter Barker
I first met Tony during the 1996 Monte Carlo Rally when he was driving a Mini Cooper for British Motor Heritage. He was encouraging to an aspiring young motoring writer who also coincidentally rallied a Mini Cooper. Tony could not have been a better role model, a fast tidy driver and an incisive and intelligent writer. Rest in peace.
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2021-12-02 17:31:30 View / Comment (0)
Paul Clark
Very sad to hear of Tony’s passing. He was my mentor in the 1980s when I worked with him at Classic Cars magazine after he took me on to the editorial staff straight from university. He was always expressing his point of view, and I learnt a lot from his experience both as a racer and journalist. His writing was impeccable - technically without reproach, authoritative, entertainingly informative and composed with a wry wit. There were few people at the time who could convey at first hand the experience of driving a race car at competition speeds round a track while explaining in detail which gear and which line you should take through a particular corner. You could always tell if he had had a successful race weekend by his demeanour in the office on Monday morning - and best to keep out of the way if he hadn't. When I caught up with him again in 2018 for an interview in Octane magazine he hadn't changed a bit. Still fanatical over the correct use of grammar and punctuation and with an ability to wither you at a dozen paces if something wasn’t quite right, he had one of the sharpest memories I have ever encountered. I looked up to him again then just as I had done on the mag 35 years ago. Thanks for everything Tony - you were an inspiration.
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2021-11-20 16:35:05 View / Comment (0)
John Godley
Like many non-racers and youngsters growing up, I was in awe of Tony’s driving achievements, as well as his kind approachability and genuine friendliness. Latterly, observing him behind the wheel in historic Ferraris and Astons, were definitive lessons in understated skill. He was also an excellent MC and he guided several presentation dinners, I was involved with organising at the RAC, with a dry wit and endearing charm. Tony was always generous with his time whenever we met at circuits, and especially while I was researching the Triumph Dolomite campaigns (notably his Spa success over 24hrs in 1974), whether by phone, in written format and even asking me over to his home to discuss it. Later followed by a barbecue invitation from him and Charis, to join them among their friends. I was further in awe! A thoroughly decent gentleman, great writer and such a talent on track. My sincere condolences, Charis. Thank you Tony, rest well, sir.
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2021-11-20 16:35:02 View / Comment (1)
rob potter
Although Tony was ( years younger than me we shared similar early years.. Same school Aldenham and then College of Automobile Engineering, Chelsea. He came to dinner one evening with his former wife Diana in 1977and spotted the sad remains of one of my Group 1 Camaros, outlawed from British touring car racing ,it was now a useful overnight refuge for a couple of chickens. He told me that the ETC round at Brands Hatch next March had a class for Group 1 cars and that it would be a laugh to enter..The car was resprayed , the frost damaged engine block sorted and may hours spent restoring it to life. My great friend Jac Nellemann shared the driving and to everyboy's astonishment we wonv
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2021-11-20 15:24:02 View / Comment (0)
Charis Whitcombe
As Tony’s wife, it's hard for me to pick one memory that sums up the man I loved, but I hope this makes you smile. I was happy that many of Tony’s close friends were women, often ex-girlfriends, and I had no problem with him keeping in touch, going to lunch or even staying with them. I trusted him implicitly and happily for 22 years. One day I saw a missed call from Marina on his phone. “Who’s Marina?” I asked, without suspicion, just interest. Tony wouldn’t tell me. This was weird. I asked again and he refused to say and, for the first time ever, I felt a faint hint of unease. So I looked through his calls (NOT something I’d normally do). There were regular calls to and from Marina, going back months, and suddenly there I was - the suspicious wife. “Tony - just tell me who Marina is, please.” “Nope.” Shaking, I picked up his phone and rang the number. After a few rings it was answered… “Welton Hythe Marina”. It was where he kept his narrowboat. I looked at Tony and saw that familiar, wide, amused smile spread across his face. I tried to be angry but we both started laughing. That was Tony. I will miss him forever.
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2021-11-20 14:05:40 View / Comment (0)
Matthew Whitcombe
I knew nothing about motor racing when Tony and my sister Charis became an item. Soon after, I followed him from Silverstone to Cambridge - him in a bog-standard and somewhat ancient Citroen 2CV, me in some much faster Audi modern. Could I keep up with him? Not a chance. Not a hope in hell. That's when I started to appreciate this man had strange powers to bend the laws of physics and move along the surface of the earth much faster than ordinary mortals (coolly, calmly and undemonstratively of course). I came to admire what a splendid, old-fashioned, gentleman he was - in all the very best meanings of those words. We miss you Tony.
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2021-11-19 22:52:14 View / Comment (0)
Mike Grundon
As motoring writers Tony and I drove and navigated through the press launch of the first generation Audi R8, an event that was based in the hills above the south coast of France. After the road route, journalists were given an opportunity to be driven around the Paul Ricard circuit by a small team of racing drivers but the hacks weren't allowed to take the powerful sports car out on their own, mostly in order to protect the cars from the journalists and to protect the journalists from themselves. Audi was ready to make an exception for Tony for obvious reasons but he turned down the offer as he thought it would be unfair to the other writers and look like favouritism. I was hugely impressed by the juxtaposition of the awe in which Tony was viewed by the people at Audi, and his gentle humility and sense of fair play. It left an impression. I'm honoured to have known him and proud that he knew me over the years since then. My heart goes out to the family and close friends he has left behind: there is a big gap where once he stood.
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2021-11-19 17:41:50 View / Comment (0)Graham Bish
In 1992 I was working for Blake’s Ford in Liverpool. They had decided to enter the new Ford Escort Rallye Sport Series and contracted Tony to be the driver. As team manager it was my job to gather a bunch of scouse mechanics from the dealership to give up their time and go racing with this tall posh guy. Well what a year we had! We won many a race in this multi disciplined event and if Tony wanted something doing the lads where happy to oblige. He became a fellow scouser for the year and even my mother knitted some baby clothes for Katy. He was a consummate perfectionist professional in writing and his driving. Thank you for the memories Tony.
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2021-11-18 22:37:23 View / Comment (0)
Steve Cropley
I was always flattered by the fact that Tony was so friendly to me, and so nice when he approved of something I’d written, because I really only knew him in later life. He came along to Brooklands to take part in one of our talks, and was absolutely fascinating about young James Hunt, with whom he was very close, and the kind of lives these young racers shared. He was so modest about his achievements; it was an example to us all. However, Tony was influential on me long before I ever met him. Soon after I arrived here from Oz at the end of the 1970s I went to the Classic Car show and there, parked in the foyer, surrounded five deep by reverent punters like me, was an orange Porsche 911 made special because it was often written about by the famous journalist and racer, Tony Dron. It was a graphic illustration that particular cars can be famous because of who drove them. Tony was a lovely guy, and I hope he is resting well.
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2021-11-18 20:49:02 View / Comment (0)
KYLE FORTUNE
Enormously saddened to hear of Tony's passing, the word legend is banded around a lot, but Tony was exactly that, and so much more. As a young journalist I recall meeting him for the first time, when I arrived slightly late for an evening dinner on a Mercedes-Benz event. There was a seat next to Tony, and I joined him at the table. I can remember the conversation like it was yesterday, his story telling, so beautifully expressed when written equally so in conversation, and, boy, did Tony have some stories to tell... Engaging, fascinating company, for all his wonderful tales, his extraordinary ability as a driver and his quick wit and humour, it was his humility, and his welcoming interest in everyone else that was truly wonderful. He made a young, inexperienced journalist feel like he belonged and mattered, he encouraged and advised and always had time for people, and I'll forever be grateful for that. Naturally, any opportunity following that initial meeting to spend time with Tony was always taken, sharing cars, meals and the odd bar stool, Tony's incredible enthusiasm for life and warmth defined him. I am blessed to have known him, the world has lost a truly wonderful person, race in peace, the stars will shine a little bit brighter with you up there. Sincere condolences to all your family and friends.
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2021-11-18 19:31:32 View / Comment (0)
Andrew Frankel
Tony was the best of us. The racing driver we all wanted to be, the motoring journalist we all aspired to be. But I'm writing this about the person behind the professions. His humour, his warmth, his passion, his touching failure to understand why we were all just a little bit in awe of him. But most of all because he was one of those rare and special people who appeared genuinely more interested in hearing about you than telling you about himself. I am so sad that he has gone, but feel so blessed to have known him for so long. To Charis, Will and all his family, my most sincere condolences.
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2021-11-18 12:01:54 View / Comment (0)
Graham King
Rapidly approaching 30, I didn't really know what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. At the time, Tony was a regular contributor to Octane - it was some of, if not the best, automotive writing I've ever read. Reading his brilliant words reignited a dream I had long since given up on and I set about carving out a career as a motoring writer. Were it not for Tony and the inspiration he gave me, I probably wouldn't be where I am now, gainfully employed in the career I've wanted since I was a teenager. I'll always be grateful to him for that.
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2021-11-18 11:47:56 View / Comment (0)JULIUS THURGOOD
I had called up Tony asking for a favour. Would he drive my Lotus IX at Brands Hatch? He was humorously gracious in his in acceptance of the task to drive the newly restored and since unproven car. "I cannot guarantee a win". We took the car to the Lotus Day at Brands Hatch where it was not only entered in the historic race but was part of the Concours. Hazel Chapman was a Judge and Tony was with the car. Job done! Tony went on to lead the race against impossible opposition in the worst conditions. What a memorable day - all made perfect with that special touch of Dron magic! Thank you dear Mate for everything.
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2021-11-18 11:03:22 View / Comment (0)
I’ll never forget the day Tony Dron telephoned. I was a 21-year-old wannabe journalist willing to write about anything - even old cars - if it got me into the industry. He’d heard about me through a mutual friend of my father, and Dron - his cut-glass accent and deep, baritone voice coming down the line like a 1940s radio broadcast - made an instant impression. ‘I can offer you three days a week, £100 a day,’ he said slowly and deliberately, ‘and then we’ll just see how it goes. Sound fair?’ It felt more than fair, it felt like a divine summons from a world where the air was just that little bit sweeter. Over the next five years I spent a lot of time with Dron and I’m proud to consider him a mentor, even a father figure at times, although I’m pretty sure some of the advice he passed on would have made my own father wince with alarm. Above all, however, I was lucky enough to sit next to him in a variety of driving machines - from state-of-the-art race and rally cars to a 40ft canal barge - and I can categorically say that he was a man who had an affinity with the dimensions of space and time that was far beyond the understanding of most mortals. And such respect for those machines, too. Pure mechanical poetry. He often spoke of his admiration for the WW2 fighter pilots who defended this island during the long hot summer of 1940, and I recall he was moved to narrate onto tape ‘The Last Enemy’ (the story of burned fighter ace Richard Hilary). Dron was cut from the same cloth as these men, which is about the greatest accolade I can think of. Ian Young
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2021-11-18 09:59:18 View / Comment (0)
Gavin Sverdloff
So sorry to hear of the passing of Tony, as I write this I am looking at a signed Certificate of a Porsche Advanced Driving Course dated 20th September 1984, Tony was my Instructor & showed me how to handle my Porsche 911. He definitely had patience that day with me. MHDSRIP.
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2021-11-18 09:58:59 View / Comment (0)
I'm very sad to hear of Tony's passing - we had a spell of being on the same events a few years back and I was flattered he was so open and willing to share stories and make a relative rookie to the car world feel so welcome. He was always such fun to be around too - I remember one Guild of Motoring Writers dinner where he grabbed me by the arm, said "this is boring, I know a better bar" and we sneaked off up some hidden staircase to a quiet upstairs bar in the RAC clubhouse and enjoyed a private drink before returning to the throng! Another memory that will live with me forever is joining him for a celebration of the 1908 Dieppe Grand Prix and riding with him in the mighty Benz along public roads. Those who knew Tony will be aware of his colourful turn of phrase at times and clinging to the seat and laughing as he somehow guided this brakeless monster through busy traffic while shouting and gesticulating at the hapless locals around us was an absolute hoot. That he pulled it off at a pace that was exciting from the co-driver's seat but also totally in control of the car and what was going on around him, all the while chatting away, was beyond impressive. Always fun to be around, always fascinating, always funny and generous to those around him his love for life and cars has stuck with me since then, and I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. A true gentleman, and a hell of a driver, too. I feel honoured to have known him and pass on my condolences to all his family and friends.
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2021-11-18 02:57:05 View / Comment (0)
Charles Morgan
To y bought a Morgan Plus Eightfrom me because he thought it had the best power to weight ratio for a sports car at the time. He encouraged me to improve the sliding pillar suspension, hence the Aero. He also enjoyed talking to me about the Cresta Run as we were both impressed with the sense of speed on the ice I loved Tony He was a true gentleman He will be much missed by everyone Charles Morgan
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2021-11-17 20:10:06 View / Comment (0)
Mike Goodbun
I knew of Tony from his prolific appearances at historic motorsport events such as Goodwood Revival and Festival of Speed, never dreamed I would work with him. Tony was a legend long before I joined the Classic Cars magazine editorial team, receiving his updates on 2CV escapades or another epic feature. Hearing his recollections first hand, always with great modesty and a cheeky glint in his eye, was always a pleasure. Especially anything to do with the Avon Tour of Britain. The reverence never faded. I will always remember him as a gentle giant, deftly balancing the Dino 246S on the limit through St Mary's, a sight I've missed in recent years... And, by his side through this period of later life, the equally warm and welcoming Charis - a more talented automotive writing duo I have yet to come across. I'll miss you dearly Tony, thank you for the memories. Race In Peace
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2021-11-17 14:33:22 View / Comment (0)
Rob Halloway
When I first met Tony, I was unaware of his amazing racing pedigree. He was just a lovely chatty modest bloke in a extra long race suit. Later on, seeing his tall frame unfurl from the cramped cockpit of something tiny and priceless gave me some idea of his talent. Then, watching him behind the wheel of a speeding Silver Arrow or the monstrous Brooklands special Napier-Railton was an even better insight into his abilities. The stories that followed were always worth reading, too. We spent a very happy sunny afternoon on his narrowboat once, chugging gently along the Grand Union Canal through Buckinghamshire. After an hour or so, Tony let me have a go on the tiller. It was only then, as we headed towards the bank, that I realised he was as adept at 4mph as he was 140mph. He gently corrected the leftward lunge, and said no more about it. A lovely guy. My sincere condolences go to Tony's family.
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Ray Hutton
Ray Hutton
As a writer and journalist, Tony was the best racer. He won the Guild of Motoring Writers awards for outstanding achievement in the world of motorsport year after year. I understood why when, early in his time with Motor, he and I shared a car on a winter driving exercise in Sweden. A circuit had been ploughed on a frozen lake and our individual lap times were recorded. While most of us bounced off the snow banks, Tony was neat and tidy – and seconds quicker than any of other journalists attending. As a racer, Tony was the best journalist and writer. Lots of celebrity racing drivers have columns in magazines and newspapers. Some are written by other people, all need revising and polishing by editors. Tony was an editor and knew what constitutes a good story and his text was word-perfect. It is significant that he was commissioned to produce the extended and updated version of the definitive Porsche book by Paul Frère, the doyen of journalist-racers in the 1960s.
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