One of Britain's best racers in the immediate post-war era, Parnell later became a team owner up until his death from peritonitis in 1964. He began his career though in 1934, after buying a Bugatti in a local scrapyard for £25, but unfortunately the gamble failed, and the car broke before he could even attempt to qualify. Retired from a fine racing career in 1957, and then managed the Yeoman Credit and Bowmaker Lola Grand Prix teams, and the Aston Martin sportscar team. Parnell's main line of work was that of a transport business and during World War Two, he won a contract to run errands for the Ministry of Defence with his trucks and lorries. This proved very profitable but it also allowed for him to safely store racing cars during the war along with Joe Ashmore (father of Gerry) and so when it came to 1946 and people were ready to race, Parnell was in the position to supply them accordingly.

Biography last updated 28 Nov 2020