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Peter Ashcroft Obituary
Peter was born in Penwortham, Lancashire, United Kingdom, a son of the late Jack and Elsie Ashcroft. He was a British Army veteran, having served in the 12th Royal Lancers.
Peter caught the motorsport bug at an early age and started working for a private Formula One team. When they sold out, he moved to Ford of Britain, first as a rally mechanic and then, after a couple of years working with the Peter Sellers racing team, as an engineer. He stayed with Ford for the rest of his working life.
He spent the first few years building better and more powerful Ford engines for their race and rally cars, and became renowned for his meticulous and thoughtful approach. It was largely due to his skills that the company was able to win the longest motorsport event ever held - the London to Mexico World Cup Rally 1970.
When the company had problems with a competition engine in Germany, it was Peter they asked to sort things out. Despite not speaking German, he did so to such good effect that after his work the car went on to win European Championships.
In 1972 Peter was promoted to Competitions Manager and under his leadership the Ford team went on to win countless prestigious events, becoming a fully-fledged World Championship team. It was entirely fitting that he later became Ford's Motorsport Director before retiring in 1991. Although British, he spent his retirement years in the United States.
An intelligent, modest, caring and friendly man, he will be sadly missed by his many friends and colleagues in the sport.
Peter is survived by his wife, Jean of Pawleys Island; one son, Phillip Ashcroft of Halstead, UK; daughter, Sarah Wilson of Stafford, Va.; stepdaughter, Tina-Lou Hopper of Triangle, Va.; three grandchildren, Julie, Claire, and Maggie; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Darren; and daughter, Jacqueline.
A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Thursday, January 31, 2008 at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel.
Please sign a guest book at goldfinchfuneralhome.com.
Memorials may be made to St. Francis Humane Society, 125 Ridge Road, Georgetown, SC 29440.
Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Ashcroft
Norm Murdock
August 2, 2013
The Ford Capri Hall Of Fame has inducted Mr. Ashcroft for the Year 2013. We add our belated best wishes and regrets to the Ashcroft Family. And we celebrate his vibrant life and accomplishments. We would like to forward the award to Mr. Ashcroft's family and may be reached at [email protected].
francois delecour
August 2, 2008
my condoleance.francois delecour
Mark Gold
February 1, 2008
Rest In Peace
I shall pass through Boreham on my way home tonight to say thanks
Eddi Laumanns
January 31, 2008
R.I.P. great man!
Robert Lodge
January 30, 2008
Dear Jean, Sarah and Tina
I have just read in the Motoring News, of Peter's death. My thoughts are with you all. I am very saddened by this news.
Peter was a larger than life character and someone whom I held in great respect. The support and encouragement he gave me: both while I was racing and working alongside him in the Ford Rally Team was immense. His contribution to the world of motor sport over the years, must surely put him amongst the best.
My thoughts are with you all.
Love and best wishes
Robert Lodge
Jerry & Mary Nickerson
January 29, 2008
Sending our Love and remembering fondly our years that you and Peter were our neighbors.
Joan Whittenberg
January 29, 2008
Our deepest sympathy and Love,
Jean and Joan Whittenberg
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