Three times Formula One World Champion and Scottish sporting legend, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, unveiled a new display at the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, today (8 September) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his first World Drivers’ Championship in 1969 and Scotland’s Year of Homecoming 2009.
Sir Jackie Stewart is loaning his 1971 World Championship winning Tyrrell 003 Formula One car to National Museums Scotland for up to three years. The 1971 Tyrrell 003 has won more Grand Prix races (eight) than any other individual car and goes on display along with Sir Jackie’s 1971 Monaco Grand Prix and German Grand Prix trophies, as well as his famous tartan rimmed helmet.
Gordon Rintoul, Director, National Museums Scotland said:
“We’re very excited that Sir Jackie is lending National Museums Scotland what is a very important car in the history of Formula One. It will form the centrepiece of a display marking the 40th anniversary of Sir Jackie’s first World Drivers’ Championship in 1969 and will also mark our support of Homecoming 2009.
“I’m sure the display will prove to be a huge draw and inspiration for thousands of motor sports enthusiasts and proud Scots of all ages who will be inspired by the triumphs of a truly outstanding ambassador for Scotland.”
Sir Jackie Stewart said:
“This car is the winningest Grand Prix car in history and holds a lot of very good memories for me. To see it displayed in this magnificent museum where the stories of so many distinguished Scots and the impact they have made on the world are told makes me feel extremely honoured, especially as my family and close friends are here to see it.
“We have some wonderful young drivers from Scotland doing very well around the world at the moment and I hope this fantastic display can encourage and inspire many more young Scots to follow their dreams and succeed in this sport or whichever career they pursue.“
The Sir Jackie Stewart display is open to the public from today (8 September 2009).