Prince of Siam (Prince Birabongse) who was an excellent racing driver pre and post war. A fascinating, charming, if sometimes complex characher, Bira also enjoyed a range of other activities, including sculpture, yachting and flying. He competed in the Olympic Games as a sailor, and flew for Thai Airlines as a commerical pilot. Died of a heart attack on the London Underground. Bira was the grandson of King Mongkut, who was immortialised by Yul Bryner in the musical film The King and I. A long time resident of England who studied at Eton and Cambridge, Bira often flitted through various interests in life and could often do this in racing too, driving superbly when he wanted and rather pedestrianly when he wasn't so keen. But having said that, he won numerous races from 1936 until 1955, which included 3 non-championship F1 races and the 1955 New Zealand Grand Prix.

Biography last updated 20 Sep 2015