James Scott Douglas

James Louis Fitzroy Scott Douglas (born in Malmesbury, Wiltshire 24 October 1930, died 16 July 1969) was a British racing driver, as well as a Baronet.[1]

Sir James Scott Douglas, 6th Baronet
Nationality British
Born(1930-10-24)24 October 1930
Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England
Died16 July 1969(1969-07-16) (aged 38)

6th Baronet

When George Brisbane Scott Douglas, the 5th Baronet died in 1935, he was succeeded by his great-nephew, James, who never resided at the family home of five generations, Springwood Park, near Kelso, Scottish Borders. He inherited the title 6th Baronet Douglas, of Springwood Park.[2]

He was educated at Wellington College, Berkshire,[2] before serving with the 15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars, where he gained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.[2][3] He gained the rank of Lieutenant whilst serving with the Lothians and Border Horse.[3]

Racing Driver

James was a competent racing driver mainly between 1952 and 1954, but suffered from a Congenital disorder, which made it difficult for him to keep his weight down.[4] Despite that, he was raced 1952 for Ecurie Ecosse in his own Jaguar XK120,[5] recording a number of good results, including a third place in the Grand Prix de Reims [6] and a sixth place in the British Empire Trophy.[7]

When the team switched to Jaguar C-Types, Scott Douglas needed to obtain one to remain at Ecurie Ecosse. However, all UK orders had been taken up, so he used his influence and brought an ‘export’ version from France for the 1953 season. He used this car to score his only victory, an unlimited national event at Castle Combe,[8] as well as his greatest racing achievement, when partnered by Guy Gale, he finished second in the 24 Heures de Spa Francorchamps.[9]

During the 1954 season, it became clear to James, that he was spending his inheritance too quickly, so he decided to move to Argentina and become a farmer. Then, he was left another inheritance, he returned to Britain to resume his hedonistic lifestyle. By now, he had tired of motor sport, and sold his C-Type and retired from racing.[4] After spending his second inheritance, he worked for the Daily Express newspaper selling advertising space, and auctioned the contents of Springwood Park, leaving the house to decay until it was demolished.[3][4] On his death, his baronetcy became extinct.[2]

Racing record

Career highlights
Season Series Position Team Car
1952 GP Reims [10] 3rd Ecurie Ecosse Jaguar XK120
Wakefield Trophy [11] 3rd Jaguar XK120
1953 24 Heures de Spa Francorchamps [12] 2nd Ecurie Ecosse Jaguar C-Type
1954 Zandvoort International [13] 2nd Ecurie Ecosse Jaguar C-Type

Complete 24 Hours of Spa results
Year Team Co-Drivers Car Class Laps Pos. Class
Pos.
1953 Ecurie Ecosse Guy Gale Jaguar C-Type S 242 2nd 2nd

Complete 12 Hours of Reims results
Year Team Co-Drivers Car Class Pos. Class
Pos.
1953 Ecurie Ecosse Ninian Sanderson Jaguar C-Type S+2..0 2nd 2nd

References
  1. GRO Register of Births: DEC 1930 5a 76 MALMESBURY - James L F S Douglas, mmn=Wiltshire
  2. Charles Mosley, “Burke’s Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage" (Burke’s Peerage (Genealogical Books), ISBN 978-1-579580834, 1999)
  3. "Voyage of the Vampire: The extraordinary travels of the adventurer George Henry Douglas Scott » Douglas Family History". Archived from the original on 2015-09-07. Retrieved 2016-01-28.
  4. "Sir James Louis Fitzroy Scott Douglas, Living 1935".
  5. "James Scott Douglas (GB) - All Results - Racing Sports Cars".
  6. "GP Reims".
  7. "British Empire Trophy".
  8. "National Castle Combe [Unlimited]".
  9. "Spa 24 Hours".
  10. "GP Reims".
  11. "Wakefield Trophy [Formula Libre]".
  12. "Spa 24 Hours".
  13. "Zandvoort International [S+2.0]".
Baronetage of Great Britain
Preceded by
George Brisbane Scott Douglas		 Baronet
(of Maxwell)
1935–1969		 Extinct
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