Bira, Prince
Prince Bira in B Type ERA at Crystal Palace, 1937.
Name/Title
Bira, PrinceEntry/Object ID
2025.1.106Description
Prince Bira, born Birabongse Bhanudej, was born on July 15, 1914, at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Siam (now Thailand), and died on December 23, 1985, in London, England. A member of the Thai royal family, he was one of the most accomplished drivers of the pre- and postwar eras and became Thailand’s first Formula One competitor. Before World War II, he achieved major success in European voiturette racing with his White Mouse Racing team, winning prestigious events and helping establish Thailand’s national racing colors of pale blue and yellow. He later competed in Formula One from 1950 to 1954, scoring championship points and becoming the only Southeast Asian driver in Formula One until 2001. Outside racing, he was also an accomplished sailor who competed in four Olympic Games. Despite his talent and reputation, Prince Bira never won a Formula One World Championship race or podium and often competed as a privateer against better-funded factory teams. His best World Championship result was fourth place, and reliability problems frequently affected his races. World War II interrupted his successful prewar racing career, during which he served as an instructor connected with British military aviation training. Although he never achieved the same level of success in Formula One as he had in prewar racing, he remains a pioneering figure in Asian motorsport and one of the most versatile competitors of his era.Collection
Simeone - PhotographCategory
Race Car Drivers, Formula One