Innovative designer who was with Borg-Warner as a Research and Development director. Eventually retired to Lutterworth, Leicestershire, where he kept an interest in historics, as well as still following the modern day version of the sport until his relatively recent death. He also designed boats and microlites during his long career as a designer. Gardner came into the sport after a spell with Harry Ferguson, working on four-wheel-drive systems, which saw him do the same role but with Matra. His most notable success was working with Tyrrell and Jackie Stewart, bringing the team its only constructor title in 1971 and two drivers championship titles for Stewart in 1971 and 1973. Derek left Formula 1 and Tyrrell in 1977 after suffering a bout of ill-health and then lost movitation to return. He was heavily involved in club racing and was also a key part of Martin Stretton's engineering team which helped Stretton win many historic events.

Biography last updated 5 Feb 2022