For aeons, Mike ran the successful Pilbeam Racing Designs company, which designed racing cars and components as well as component manufacturing for road cars. 2014 saw a return to the tracks after a brief absence, in sportscars and the company remained involved in the sport. Mike himself finally retired, aged nearly 90, in 2026. Mike designed his first car back in 1959 and raced for a while, but in 1963 joined the firm that he is best associated with; BRM. Mike worked as a stress engineer initially and then assisted Tony Rudd on F1 projects, whilst designing their hillclimb cars by himself. He then worked on the BRM engine before spells at Ford, Surtees and Lotus before returning to BRM. In 1975, he formed his own business and became a successful freelance designer, with great success in hillclimbs.

Biography last updated 28 Jan 2026