Section : General

General Club Chat messages

Harry Webster

Posted By : Chris Taylor, 09-Feb-2007, 01:30pm

I am somewhat surprised to see no mention on this site of the sad news that Harry Webster has died. I noted this from Dave Pearson's blog a couple of days ago.
Aside from Michelotti (and it was Webster who got him on board anyway) I cannot think of anyone as significant in the history of Triumph in respect of the cars we love and cherish. Every Triumph from the Herald onwards (sorry, except Acclaim) was very much his brainchild, and what a range they were. I don't know if he had any hand in the TR2 and 3, but he also had a hand in some of the BL products after the merger.
Some of Triumphs most characterful cars such as the Vitesse, Spitfire and Stag were apparently created by him almost despite the marketing people; let's all be thankful for his vision.
Let's hope some suitable tribute will appear in the Courier as Triumph fans owe this man (and his colleagues) a huge debt.

Followups :

Harry Webster

Posted By : Leon Guyot, 09-Feb-2007, 06:21pm

I had no idea of his demise.

Funny thing is I was just thinking about him, whilst researching the Herald 948.

I had the pleasure of meeting him on a couple of occassions, once at Gaydon for the May 1998, 75th anniversary dinner, with his lady wife, who enjoyed the Triumph Wine I had just brought back from the Triumph Sports Car Club of South Africa.

And again, in April 2000 at the opening of the Standard-Triumph Memorial at The Herald Pub in Coventry.

Always a gentleman, thank you Harry, for all your good work, especially for the Herald & Vitesse!

May you rest in peace.

I do hope that the TSSC will be sending condolences and flowers to his funeral?

Maybe, at least ONE representative Triumph should attend?

Best Regards

LÃ©on
- Harry Webster
  
  Posted By : Stephen Weblin, 09-Feb-2007, 08:23pm
  
  The Daily Telegraph said:
  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/ne...
- Harry Webster
  
  Posted By : Henri + Robert Newton-Allen, 09-Feb-2007, 10:52pm
  
  OK then
  The Webster family may want a private service ?? but if it may be allowed, how about a car from every range that he was associated with, at his funeral,as a mark of respect.
  
  I hereby offer our 13/60 convertible..... whose next ?
  - Harry Webster
    
    Posted By : Leon Guyot, 09-Feb-2007, 11:22pm
    
    I think a 948 1959 CoupÃ© in a duotone paint scheme would be more appropriate, but that's just my opinion.
    
    A Vitesse should be present, as Harry's personal 'brainchild'
    
    As far as the 2000 range is concerned, it should be a 'Mk.1', preferably with PI.
    
    The TR range should be represented by a TR2.
    
    No discrespect intended to 1200 or 13/60, or any other owners.
    
    LÃ©on
    
    And Bernard, I would really like to see a good photo of Harry on the front cover of the next Courier.
    
    We owe him so much respect.
    
    L
    - Harry Webster
      
      Posted By : Colin Wake, 10-Feb-2007, 09:07am
      
      Leon
      
      I suspect it may have to be the April one as I seem to remember the front covers are printed separately to the content in 3 month batches.
      
      But whatever, yes, it would be nice.
      
      Cheers
      
      Colin
      - Harry Webster CBE
        
        Posted By : Mike Crewes, 10-Feb-2007, 11:28am
        
        Guys
        
        The sad passing of a dear friend to the TSSC has not gone unnoticed. Bill Sunderland, our President and a personal friend of Harry Webster is hoping to attend his funeral to represent the Club. I also hope to attend, although I knew Harry, it is much less well than Bill. The TSSC will pay due respects to a much loved and respected friend in formal ways, expected of such an occassion.
        
        Please remember that just because the website does not carry a particular message it does not mean that nothing is being done.
        
        Thank you all for your kind messages about Harry, please continue sending them. The one thing that Harry wished to be remembered for was his design of the variable pitch propellor on the Spitfire Fighter aircraft. He felt that this had added to the performance of the aircraft and had some effect on shortening the war. A link to the Triumph Spitfire after all!
        
        Regards
        Mike
        
        Harry Webster CBE
        
        Posted By : Stephen Coates, 10-Feb-2007, 07:11pm
        
        I am sure everyone in the club will agree with me that the passing of Harry Webster CBE is a sad loss for the Triumph scene and the Triumph Sports Six Club alike. Without Harry we would not have so many great cars to own and admire or indeed our very own Sports Six Club. I hope the Courier magazine will feature a fitting tribute to the great man that gave us the Triumph Herald and all its derivatives. We are forever in your debt Harry. Rest in Peace. Steve
        
        Harry Webster CBE
        
        Posted By : Mike Crewes, 14-Feb-2007, 02:44pm
        
        Harry Webster's Funeral will take place at 11 am on Tuesday 20th February 2007 at St Nicholas Church, Kenilworth. The TSSC will be represented by Bill Sunderland, President and Mike Crewes, General Secretary, there may also be other members present. I also understand that other Clubs are sending representatives as well.
        
        Regards
        Mike
        
        Harry Webster CBE
        
        Posted By : David Cornell, 12-Mar-2007, 09:38pm
        
        Hats off to the great man of the little big cars : His work generating so much fun and pleasure to so many for so long. Very many thanks indeed, Mr Webster.
        
        Harry Webster CBE
        
        Posted By : Graeme Lewis, 16-Mar-2007, 12:39pm
        
        Hows about having a statue of Harry made for the club HQ? Surely that would be a permanent fitting tribute (with the family's permission of course).