Phil Hill, first American to win Formula One title, dies at 81

America's first Formula One world champion, Phil Hill, died today in a Monterey County, Calif., hospital as a result of respiratory problems complicated by Parkinson's disease. He was 81.

Hill won the Formula One title for Ferrari in 1961. Other highlights in his career include winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times, the 12 Hours of Sebring three times, the Argentine 1000 Km three times, the Grand Prix of Italy twice and the Belgian Grand Prix.

Mario Andretti, America's only other Formula One world champion, said: "It's just terrible. One of those things you don't want to see happen. You want him to be around forever. He's one of those individuals who will leave a tremendous void in our way of appreciating the sport."

American driver Dan Gurney, who also competed overseas, said Hill will always be remembered as America's first Formula One world champion. "I think in his heart, he was always very pleased about that -- justifiably. That's a terrific thing."

The Los Angeles Times said in retirement, Hill spent time on his lifelong love of classic automobiles and his collection of player pianos and other antique musical instruments.

Hill was inducted in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1991.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20080828/ANA01/808289972/1021

But I am a friend of Dick Guldstrand who raced will Phil in the early years. He said Phil was a truly great guy and was also a top notch mechanic in his own right. He really knew what made cars perform and was instrumental in tuning the cars suspensions during practice as well as providing information on the engines to the mechanics. Dick said he was the only guy that could remember all the turns at the Nurburgring. Having driven that circuit myself several times I can tell you that would be a feat in itself. The last I ever saw anything on Phil it was on TV where he attended and drove at the Silverstone Auto Reunion. He still could drive! He was an amazing race car driver.