The Australian motorsport community and public gathered in Melbourne on Tuesday to celebrate the life of legendary driver Allan Moffat, who passed away last month at the age of 86. A state memorial service at Melbourne Town Hall paid tribute to the four-time Bathurst winner and four-time Australian touring car champion, an icon whose rivalry with Peter Brock defined an era.
A Legend's Final Send-Off
The service was a fitting homage to Moffat's incredible career, with three iconic race cars positioned at the foot of the stage. His famous Ford Mustang Trans-Am and the Ford Falcon XC, which he drove to victory in the 1977 Bathurst 1000, were proudly displayed. In a nod to his influence across the great Ford-Holden divide, a Holden VL Commodore that he co-drove to victory in 1987 also featured prominently.
Master of ceremonies Mark Larkham reflected on the significance of Moffat's battles with arch-rival Peter Brock, who died in a 2006 race crash. Their Ford versus Holden duels became the foundation of Australian touring car racing for decades. The service was attended by hundreds, including motorsport luminaries like Mark Skaife, as well as state and federal government figures.
The Man Behind the Legend: A 'Good Shafting'
While Moffat's professional achievements were monumental, the most memorable tributes came from those who knew the man behind the helmet. His friend of 50 years, Andrew Wilson, delivered a hilarious and irreverent eulogy he had promised would be a "good shafting."
Wilson contrasted Moffat's prowess on legendary circuits like Bathurst, Le Mans, and Monza with his terrifying lack of skill on Melbourne's suburban streets. "Allan Moffat was a terrible driver — bloody awful. Forget Sandown and Bathurst and Le Mans... try Prahran, Malvern, Armadale, Toorak and South Yarra," Wilson said. He described Moffat as a "moving violation" on public roads who miraculously never seemed to hit anything.
The stories flowed, painting a picture of a fiercely determined and sometimes gruff character. Wilson recounted tales of suspicious rooster demises, steaks burnt to carbon on the barbecue, and a memorable incident in France where Moffat won an argument with a furious local driver while going the wrong way down a one-way street. "What a ratbag," Wilson said fondly. "I loved him and I miss him. You were bloody magnificent."
Family Memories and a Lasting Legacy
Moffat's son, Andrew, provided a touching family perspective, balancing the humour with heartfelt remembrance. He recalled his father's old-school demeanour, his obsession with racing success, and his selective social engagement. "Socially, he chose who he wanted to talk to - not the other way around," Andrew said.
He shared an anecdote that perfectly captured this trait: Moffat was once raking leaves, deliberately ignoring a neighbour who was calling his name. Only when the neighbour finally yelled, "Look, if you don't want to talk to me, fine, but your garage is on fire," did he get a reaction.
The service also highlighted Moffat's significant impact off the track. Former driver and commentator Neil Crompton praised Moffat's business acumen, noting his rare ability to secure commercial sponsorship. Moffat is the only Australian motorsport figure to be appointed an OBE. Born in Canada, he moved to Australia in 1955 and became a towering figure in the sport.
The memorial concluded with a poignant note about Moffat's final battle with dementia. His son Andrew read a tribute from Formula One great Sir Jackie Stewart, whose wife also suffers from the disease. Moffat served as a patron for Dementia Australia, advocating for research and a cure until the end.
