The biography of Pat Moss: Remembering the legendary female race driver

The biography of Pat Moss: Remembering the legendary female race driver

Claudia Kogi
December 2, 2023 at 6:46 AM

The late rally driver, Patricia Ann Moss Carlsson, was one of the most successful female auto rally drivers of all time, renowned for achieving three outright wins and seven podium finishes in international rallies. Moreover, she was crowned European Ladies' Rally Champion five times before her death. This article remembers and explores everything about Pat Moss, including information about her cause of death.

What was Pat Moss' cause of death?
Pat Moss (R) received a hug from her brother, Stirling, after she had won the 5-lap handicap race on 27 March 1955, at Goodwood, Sussex. Photo: Popper Foto (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Thanks to her skills behind those steering wheels, she was one personality who amassed significant fan bases on and away from social media. From 1963 until her death, she raced alongside her husband, Erik Carlsson, who was known for being her driving partner.

Pat Moss' profile summary

Full name

Patricia Ann Moss Carlsson

Date of birth

27 December, 1934

Place of birth

Thames Ditton, Surrey, England

Date of death

14 October 2008

Nationality

English

Ethnicity

White

Zodiac sign

Capricorn

Relationship status

Was married

Spouse

Erik Hilding Carlsson

Profession

Former auto rally driver

Pat Moss' family

Pat Moss (died at the age of 73 on 14 October 2008) was born on 27 December 1934 in Thames Ditton, Surrey, England, to a British race car driver, Alfred Moss and Aileen. She was bred in Bray, Berkshire, and was introduced and taught to drive at 11 years old by her older brother, Sir Stirling Moss.

What was Pat Moss' cause of death?

The late successful female auto rally driver allegedly died of cancer on 14 October 2008 at the age of 73 in Eaton Bray, Bedfordshire.

Pat Moss' racing career

Before venturing into car racing, she started her sporting career as a horseback racer. She later became known as a successful show jumper and member of the British showjumping team. She started driving in club rallies after being introduced to the sport by her then-boyfriend, Ken Gregory, Stirling's manager.

Pat Moss
The late English-born equestrian and show jumper, Pat Moss, posing with her pony 'Hairpin of White Cloud' in a field near her home in Berkshire, England, in June 1946. Photo: James Jarche
Source: Getty Images

She displayed commendable skills behind those steering wheels, winning various awards and bagging achievements. During her peak years, she took overall victory at the Liège–Rome–Liège in an Austin-Healey 3000 and finished 2nd at the Coupe des Alpes.

However, one of her most notable achievements was winning the Netherlands' Tulip Rally in a Mini Cooper. She was more than a beast on those rally roads. Her brother, Sir Stirling Moss, claimed in an interview with BBC Sport,

I do not think she bothered about the differences. When the flag fell, she did not just want to beat the girls, she was out to conquer the men as well.

Pat Moss' achievements

Even at death, the legendary rally driver's legacy is still embraced and remembered. Here are some of the achievements Patricia Ann is remembered for;

  • European Ladies' Rally Champion (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964 to 1965)
  • 4th place at Belgium's Liège-Rome-Liège Rally in an Austin-Healey 100/6
  • Netherlands Tulip Rally in a Mini Cooper
  • 3rd at the East African Safari Rally in a Saab 96 and at the Royal Automobile Club
  • 3rd at the Acropolis Rally

Of all her achievements, her notable one was winning the Netherlands Tulip Rally in a Mini Cooper. As a result, she was considered twitchy and pretty unruly on the limit.

Pat Moss' racing career
The late racing driver, Pat Moss Carlsson, smiling at the wheel of a Ford Cortina at the annual motor show at Earls Court on 16 October 1962, in London. Photo: J Wilds
Source: Getty Images

Aside from her racing career, she is the author of a memoir, The Story So Far, and The Art and Technique of Driving, which she co-wrote with her husband.

Was Pat Moss married?

The famous race car driver was married to her long-term racing partner, Erik Hilding Carlsson, who died on 27 May 2015. The two tied the knot in 1963 and stayed together until their ultimate deaths. They were blessed with one daughter, Susan.

Pat Moss' spouse, Erik Carlsson, was not only in love with his wife but also was her biggest fan and supporter, racing alongside her in almost every race.

Interesting facts about Pat Moss

The legendary racing car driver Pat Moss is still regarded among the most successful female auto rally drivers of all time. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about her that you ought to know.

1. When did Pat Moss die?

The renowned female auto rally driver died of cancer on 14 October 2008. However, not much is known about it except she died at her home.

2. What books did Pat Moss write?

She is the author of the memoirs The Story So Far (1967) and The Art and Technique of Driving (1965), which she co-wrote with her husband.

Pat Moss' achievements
Erik Carlsson (R) and his bride Pat Moss (L) are pictured surrounded by photographers on their wedding day, outside Caxton Hall, London, on 9 July 1963. Photo: Kent Gavin
Source: Getty Images

3. Who were Pat Moss' parents?

Patricia Ann Moss-Carlsson was born on 27 December 1934 to Alfred Moss and Aileen.

Final word

Pat Moss, whose full name was Patricia Ann Moss Carlsson, was one of the most successful female auto rally drivers ever. Although she passed away in 2008, she is still renowned for achieving lucrative awards and honours, including three outright wins and seven podium finishes in international rallies.

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Authors
Claudia Kogi photo
Claudia Kogi
Claudia Kogi is a Kenyan content creator with over 3 years of experience. Claudia joined Sportsbrief.com as a writer in January 2022, covering sports and relatable content.