Motorsport Australia Celebrates the Legacy of Alan Hamilton

The motorsport community in Australia unites in celebrating the life of Alan Hamilton, who has sadly passed away at the age of 82.

Alan Hamilton’s influence on Australian motorsport is profoundly linked with Porsche, a brand that he and his family were pivotal in establishing within the nation. His father, Norman Hamilton, played a crucial role in introducing Porsche to Australia in 1951, making it the second market globally after Europe. Alan followed in his father’s footsteps, officially joining the business in 1962 and significantly contributing to the expansion and esteemed reputation of Porsche in Australia.

In addition to his remarkable contributions off the track, Hamilton was also a distinguished driver. His motorsport career began in a 1954 VW Beetle and progressed to a variety of Porsche sports cars, including the legendary 904/8 Bergspyder, the 906, and various models of the 911. His most significant near-victory occurred in 1969, when he narrowly missed out on the Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC) title by just one point, piloting a Porsche 911 T/R against the era’s dominant Ford Mustangs.

Hamilton’s legacy was also felt in Australia’s premier endurance race, the Bathurst 1000. He was part of Ford’s legendary 1-2 finish in the 1977 race, co-driving the second-placed Moffat Ford Dealers Falcon alongside Colin Bond. Over his three appearances in the Great Race, Hamilton teamed up with Allan Moffat in the factory Ford crew and later with Bob Skelton’s Torana team.

As a four-time Australian Hillclimb Champion, Hamilton’s driving career was abruptly halted due to a serious crash during the 1978 Australian Grand Prix at Sandown. Nevertheless, his enthusiasm for the sport remained unwavering, and he continued to stay actively involved. His mentorship played a role in the success of drivers like Alfie Costanzo in the Gold Star Championship, while his collection of race-winning Porsche cars became iconic in Australian motorsport, driven by the likes of Moffat, Colin Bond, and Alan Jones.

Sunil Vohra, the CEO of Motorsport Australia, recognised Hamilton’s immense impact on the sport, noting both his competitive spirit and his crucial role in Australian motorsport history.

“Alan Hamilton was a significant figure in Australian motorsport, whose contributions went well beyond his time behind the wheel,” Vohra stated.

“His remarkable efforts to establish and enhance Porsche’s presence in Australia are commendable, but it was his talent on the track that solidified his legacy within our sport. Coming within a solitary point of clinching an Australian Touring Car Championship title in a Porsche 911 is a truly outstanding feat.

“Alan was a fierce competitor in some of Australia’s most esteemed events, including the Bathurst 1000 and the Australian Grand Prix. His presence will be sorely missed, yet his contributions to the motorsport scene in this country will remain indelible.”

Motorport Australia extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Alan Hamilton during this difficult time.