RIP Keith Duckworth (1933-2005)

Keith Duckworth OBE, who founded Cosworth Engineering with Mike Costin, and a man of gigantic importance to motoring and motor sports, died on Decemember 18, 2005.

Cosworth were responsible for some highly significant developments in motoring history.

This includes ome of the most important engines in motorsport, especially the family that included the legendary the DFV that formed the backbone of "DIY" Formula One racing for some 15 years. The DFV won its first race in 1968 and was still winning races in 1983! In fact, an evolution of the DFV, the DFR, won the 1989 Japanese GP and was still used in GP racing into 1992!

Cosworth had a long association with the Ford Motor Company that led to the development of:

• Cortina Lotus
• Escort RS1600
• RS200
• Scorpio 2.9i 24V
• Sierra Cosworth
• Escort Cosworth

Cosworth was also involved in the development of engines for General Motor's

• Chevrolet Vega
• Opel Ascona 400
• Opel Manta 400
• Opel Kadett
• Opel/Vauxhall Astra GSi
• Opel/Vauxhall Vectra
• Opel/Vauxhall Calibra turbo
• 2.5 L V6 used in the Vectra, Calibra and the Saab 900

Cosworth was also responsible for the engine in the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16. Note that this means Cosworth was responsible for the two distinctly different engines in two cars that competed with each other both on the road and the track, the Ford Sierra Cosworth and the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16. Both are legendary vehicles of that period, noted for their then monstrous ability on the road and their constant on-track skirmishes for podium positions.

The memorial web site is here.