George Abecassis

George Edgar Abecassis was a British racing driver and co-founder of the HWM Formula One team, born in 1913. He began his racing career in 1935, achieving early successes before World War II, including wins with an Alfa Romeo and Bugatti. During the war, he served as a Squadron Leader in the RAF, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross.

After the war, Abecassis resumed racing, co-founding HWM (Hayes Wilson Motors) with Peter Heath, building innovative cars but facing financial challenges post-1954. He excelled in sports car racing, notably winning his class at Le Mans in 1950 with an Aston Martin and finishing second at Sebring in 1953. His personal projects included a Jaguar-powered HWM sports car used until 1956.

Abecassis also participated in the Mille Miglia, where he finished 11th overall in 1956. After Peter Heath's fatal accident in 1956, Abecassis focused on business ventures, importing Facel Vega cars and leveraging his Aston Martin connections through his marriage to Sir David Brown's daughter.

He died in 1992 at age 78. His legacy includes a biography by son David (A Passion for Speed, 2010) and grandson Jonathan's involvement in vintage racing with an Austin Healey 100/4.