Lycoming Special creator dies

The Lycoming, which still runs today in historic racing, was a stunningly-effective car in its heyday, initially in Watson’s hands, then driven by Malcolm Gill. It was even driven by Bruce McLaren.

It had a second career in the 1960s, in the hands of the ebullient Jim Boyd.

The late Mt Roskill, Auckland, garage proprietor drove the NZ-built special in a series of furious battles with Andy Buchanan’s ex-works Ferrari 250 LM sports car, Boyd never giving an inch to the factory car.

A memorial service for Watson is being held in Auckland on Friday.