The heirs of Formula 1 icon Sir Stirling Moss are embroiled in a bitter High Court dispute over his £20million fortune and a historic helmet that saved his life during a career-ending crash.
A Bitter Legal Battle Over a Racing Legacy
Elliot Moss, 44, and his half-sister Allison Bradley, 59, are locked in a legal fight concerning the estate of Lady Susie Moss. Sir Stirling's third wife inherited the bulk of his wealth when the racing legend died in April 2020 at the age of 90. Following Lady Susie's own death in 2023, a will from January 2022 surfaced, leaving everything to Allison, Sir Stirling's daughter from his second marriage.
Elliot Moss promptly lodged a caveat with the probate registry, halting the administration of the estate. This move forced Allison to initiate legal proceedings to have the 2022 will executed. In a significant counterclaim, Elliot now contests the validity of that will, alleging that Lady Susie was suffering from a mental disorder at the time it was made.
Allegations of Undue Influence and a Historic Helmet
Court documents reveal Elliot's claim that after Sir Stirling's death, Lady Susie developed a "complex bereavement disorder", which worsened her existing depression and alcohol dependency. His barrister, Tracey Angus KC, described harrowing behaviour, including Lady Susie carrying her husband's ashes with her and dabbing them behind her ears.
The counterclaim alleges that individuals around the vulnerable widow sought to "poison" her mind against Elliot, leading her to cut him out of her will. It references a family friend who allegedly continued to supply her with alcohol and influenced estate decisions. Elliot seeks to have an earlier will from 2002 recognised, which would split the estate 75-25 in his favour.
Central to the dispute is a helmet Sir Stirling wore during a horrific 1962 crash at Goodwood. The crash left him in a month-long coma, ended his top-level career, and the helmet is credited with saving his life. Elliot claims his father gifted it to Lady Susie for tax reasons but intended for it to eventually pass to him. A note in the 2002 will allegedly expressed her desire for Elliot to have it. Its current whereabouts are unknown.
Potential Settlement and a Storied Career
No hearing date has been set at the High Court, and it remains possible the siblings could reach a settlement before a trial. The case sheds light on the final wishes of one of Britain's greatest racing drivers. Sir Stirling Moss won 16 Grands Prix between 1951 and 1961. After his death, he left personal gifts to friends, including paintings, model cars, and a lucky rabbit's foot.
The legal battle underscores the complex and often painful family dynamics that can surface after the death of a global sporting icon, with a multi-million pound fortune and priceless memorabilia at stake.
