Daphne Arnott was a trailblazing woman in the male-dominated world of car manufacturing. Born in 1926, she grew up with a love for motorsport thanks to her father, a third-generation automotive engineer. After a failed magazine publishing venture, Arnott joined her family’s business and soon found herself working alongside George Thornton, the general manager.
In 1951, Arnott and Thornton decided to venture into building a car for the newly established Formula 3 category. The Arnott 500 made its debut at Brands Hatch later that year and impressed many with its speed and innovative features. Notably, Arnott focused on safety, becoming the first F3 car to have an integrated roll hoop and seatbelt, setting a standard that wouldn’t become common in Formula 1 for another two decades.
Despite her passion for racing, Arnott faced restrictions as a woman and never got the chance to compete herself. However, her dedication to the sport and her company’s success caught the attention of the press in London. She was admired for her hands-on approach in the pits, often seen covered in grease and working on the cars alongside the mechanics.
Arnott’s team continued to push boundaries, introducing a fibreglass body for their F3 car in 1953 and setting multiple speed records at Montlhéry. They also produced a road-going sports car, which sold well and received praise for its striking design and performance. Arnott’s ambition led her to enter a car in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours in 1955, although the race ended in disappointment after a driver error caused a crash.
Undeterred, Arnott’s team returned to Le Mans in 1957 with a bespoke coupé featuring innovative suspension technology. Unfortunately, a mechanical issue ended their race prematurely. Arnott eventually sold her company and moved to Devon to run a guest house with her husband. However, she kept one of her iconic Le Mans cars, which has since been restored to its former glory.
Daphne Arnott’s legacy as the founder of a successful car company in a male-dominated industry is a testament to her pioneering spirit and determination. Her innovative designs and commitment to safety set a standard for future generations of car manufacturers.
