Children of Stirling Moss embroiled in High Court battle over inheritance
The children of legendary Formula One driver Sir Stirling Moss are embroiled in a bitter High Court battle over the £27.8 million fortune left by Lady Susie Moss, reports BritPanorama.
Court documents filed by Sir Stirling’s son, Stirling Elliot Moss, contain grave accusations against his stepmother’s 2022 will, which he disputes with his half-sister Allison Bradley. Lady Moss inherited the majority of her late husband’s £22 million estate before her own death on March 18, 2023, aged 69.
The 29-page counter-claim lodged by Elliot, a professional chef, alleges the contested will was “procured by undue influence and/or fraudulent calumny” by a friend and potential beneficiary, who allegedly “poisoned” Lady Moss’s mind against her son. Corroborating evidence for these allegations has yet to emerge publicly.
The counter-claim further asserts that Lady Moss “lacked capacity to manage her affairs” following decades of alcohol dependency and depression, which purportedly caused “damage to her brain,” “episodes of irrational anger,” and “false beliefs.” It notes that Sir Stirling’s death in April 2020 triggered a “complex bereavement disorder” in Lady Moss.
Classic car collector Richard Frankel, 61, faces the most serious accusations, although he has not been formally joined to the proceedings. Allegations claim Frankel would visit the Moss home during Sir Stirling’s final years, “drink” with Lady Moss, and “often lie in between” the couple in bed. Following Sir Stirling’s death, Frankel allegedly encouraged Lady Moss to bequeath “her entire residuary estate” to her stepdaughter during a meeting shortly before she signed the disputed will.
Elliot seeks a court ruling favoring an earlier will dated April 29, 2002, which he claims included a letter detailing an estate division of 75 percent to 25 percent in his favor. Lady Moss’s daughter, Bradley, from Sir Stirling’s second marriage, has until January 28 to respond to the counter-claim and reportedly plans to contest its accuracy.
The counterclaim also raises questions about Sir Stirling’s racing helmet from his final race, which is allegedly untraceable. Frankel reportedly indicated that Lady Moss “had looked for the helmet but could not find it.” Elliot inherited £132,000 upon his father’s death but has indicated that he has received no substantial financial support from his parents and faces selling his London restaurant, Plu, or family home to cover mounting legal costs.
While high-profile family disputes can reflect the complexities of wealth and legacy, this case underscores the enduring impact of personal relationships, even in the face of financial aspirations. The theatre of the courtroom may reveal more than just a contest over inheritance; it delves into the very essence of familial bonds shaken by loss and ambition. In the world of motorsport legacy, how the Moss family navigates this turbulent road remains to be seen.
