Sadly, Michael passed away on April 4th. He was one of the most respected motoring writers of his generation and a celebrated author of all things Porsche. The by-line MLC at the end of an article was a guarantee of perceptive authority and no Porsche library is complete without a shelf of his books.
Michael began his career as a journalist on The Croydon Advertiser before joining Motor Sport in 1966 and becoming Editor of Motoring News the following year.
He joined Porsche Cars GB in 1976 as Press Officer and before long John Aldington, then MD of Porsche Cars, suggested that Michael should also act as Executive Secretary of Porsche Club GB. This was agreed immediately. Part of the strategy was to develop the relations between Porsche Cars and the Club, the challenge being to keep both parties happy. That he succeeded in this balancing act says a lot for Michael’s diplomacy and standing.
Michael returned to the freelance world in1983, on April Fool’s Day he would gleefully recall, later concentrating on GT and endurance racing. Newspapers, magazines and websites across the world carried his words. Books featured too, especially on Porsche given his unique insight into the marque. Porsche Progress, Blue and Orange – a history of Gulf in motor sport – and 24:16: Le Mans 24 Hours, 16 Wins with Porsche – a biography of Norbert Singer, are three standout titles alongside the Collectors Guide series.
My personal memories of Michael are of his warm friendship, ready advice and support to me, Charlotte and the Club. I was honoured when he agreed to write a monthly column for Porsche Post which continued until his retirement.
The Club sends its condolences to his wife Henny, his sons Andrew, who followed his father into motorsport journalism, and James, and daughter Natalie.
Stephen Mummery