Sad news

[Hugo]

I am sad to report the untimely death of Toby Graffty Smith, former keyboardist with the 'acid funk' band Jamiroqai. I don't know if other Forum members have come into contact with Toby, but he sold me my E-Type, which he had imported from N Carolina one of a barn full of cars he had imported from the States. He's one of those people who makes a lasting impression on one, even though I only met him briefly a couple of times. I went up on my almost new Moto Guzzi to take a look at the car in his barn near Brackley. "Let me have a go" he said "Only round the farm". I was wary of letting him loose with such a heavy bike on the gravel roads, but he has a persuasive manner! He hopped on the bike and was gone - haring off down his long driveway at high speed. He returned (in one pice) about ten minutes later, and confirmed my suspicions that there was something badly wrong with the handling of the bike. Front tyre, we concluded.
I knew he was ill, since the next time I went to Brackley I texted him to ask if I could drop in and see him. A few hours later he replied, apologising that he had missed me, but he had been in bed recovering from radio-therapy, so I knew it wasn't good. Apparently he had been suffering from cancer for a while but kept it hidden, and they thought it was in remission. True courage. He was 46 years old, and full of life. He leaves a widow Gabriella, and children Anastasia, Dylan and Rose. Such a sad loss

[Simonpfhc]

Sad indeed. I knew Toby and even ended up buying an Etype of him too. He was such a great character and a true passionate enthusiast of all things automotive and musical.

A great loss.

[SimonBrown]

Very sad. I too bought my E Type off him and had no idea he was ill.

A really lovely guy and a great loss. Our thoughts are with his family.

[V12 Epyte]

One of the cars he imported was at Brightwells sale today

Nice looking car

https://assets.brightwells.com/image/lo ... 011_31.jpg