Jim Clark left Loretto in 1952 aged 16. He was needed back at the farm. He once said he left when his father realised he was not studious, but there was something apologetic about his assertion that: “Father had no qualms about taking me away from school. He thought I would learn more on the farm than I would from school books.”

In 1965 Dessin de Boivent Duffar of Champion magazine depicted 15-year-old Jim Clark’s resolve to drive racing cars. In 1951 brother-in-law Alec Calder won races in Ireland with a Riley Nine, a car that set Mike Hawthorn on his way to becoming first British World Champion in 1958.

Loretto, founded 1827 with ochre-washed walls near Musselburgh, a fishing port along the Scottish east coast, was a profound influence. A strict school aimed at character-building and good citizenship, it believed that conformity to well-established rules was essential for good behaviour. Cold baths and 10-minute jogs were mandatory.

Jim Clark was not tall. Even when grown-up he was only 5ft 7¼in and 150lbs. To get the sporty Alvis with its long bonnet and huge headlamps moving he pressed the clutch, selected first gear, then when the car set off quickly jumped up to the driving seat to see out. Steering was easy and he could control speed with the hand throttle.