The children of the late Formula 1 icon Sir Stirling Moss are embroiled in a bitter High Court legal battle over the distribution of his multi-million-pound fortune, a dispute that has surfaced following the death of his widow.
The Roots of the Inheritance Dispute
When Sir Stirling Moss passed away in April 2020, he left the majority of his £22.08 million estate to his third wife, Lady Susie Moss. This substantial sum did not even include his assets in the United States. However, upon Lady Susie's own death in 2023 at the age of 69, a new conflict emerged. Reports indicate that she did not leave a will, setting the stage for a legal tussle between Sir Stirling's offspring.
According to the rules of intestacy, their son, Stirling Elliot Moss, was set to inherit 75 per cent of the fortune, while their daughter, Allison Bradley, from Sir Stirling's second marriage to Elaine Barbarino, was due to receive the remaining 25 per cent. Disagreeing with this outcome, Allison has now initiated a probate dispute against her half-brother in the High Court.
A Glimpse into the F1 Legend's Life and Wealth
Sir Stirling Moss, who was knighted in the year 2000, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers never to win the world championship. His legendary career spanned from 1951 to 1961, during which he secured 16 race wins and 24 podium finishes. His prowess extended beyond F1, with an incredible 212 victories from 529 races in various types of cars.
Among his most celebrated achievements were his against-the-odds victory at the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix in a Lotus, and his record-setting run in the gruelling 1955 Mille Miglia. His racing career was cut short in 1962 after a horrific crash at Goodwood that left him in a coma for a month. The lion's share of his wealth was amassed from his illustrious racing career.
The Personal Legacies and Current Conflict
Beyond the vast monetary wealth, Sir Stirling's will revealed more personal bequests. He left gifts, paintings, model cars, and even a lucky silver-set rabbit's foot to his friends. He also allocated £1,000 for his agent and partner to enjoy a meal at the famous Joe's Stone Crab restaurant in Miami.
The current legal proceedings cast a new light on the family's dynamics. Elliot Moss, who recently closed his London restaurant, Plu, after it failed to secure a Michelin star, had previously expressed that a more modest inheritance from his father's original will had left him facing financial difficulties. The resolution of this High Court probate dispute will now determine the final distribution of one of British motorsport's most significant fortunes.
