Allan Moffat Dead at 86: Racing Legend’s Life and Career

Few motorsport figures have crossed borders and rivalries quite like Allan Moffat. The Canadian-born driver became a cornerstone of Australian touring car racing, piling up four Bathurst 1000 wins and four national championships before his death at 86 on 22 November 2025.

Born: 10 November 1939 ·
Died: 22 November 2025 (aged 86) ·
Nationality: Canadian-Australian ·
Bathurst 1000 wins: 4 ·
ATCC titles: 4

The table below summarises key biographical details from official records and obituary coverage.

What happened to Allan Moffat?

When did Allan Moffat die?

Allan Moffat died on 22 November 2025 at age 86 in Melbourne. According to his family, he passed peacefully at 11:05 in the morning, surrounded by loved ones, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease (Motorsport.com).

Where was the state memorial service held?

The Victorian Government announced a State Memorial Service for Allan Moffat OBE on 16 December 2025 at the Melbourne Town Hall (Victorian Government).

What was the cause of death?

His family confirmed that Moffat had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for some time. The disease was the underlying cause of his death.

Why did Allan Moffat move to Australia?

What prompted his move from Canada?

Born in Saskatoon, Canada, Moffat moved to Australia at age 17 – around 1956 – to chase racing opportunities that were limited in his home country (ABC News).

When did he move to Australia?

He relocated in the late 1950s, settling in Melbourne. By the early 1960s he was already competing in local events.

How did it impact his racing career?

The move was transformative. Within a decade Moffat became the face of Ford in Australia, taking on Holden’s Peter Brock in what became the country’s most famous motorsport rivalry. His first Bathurst win came in 1970 driving a Ford Falcon.

The pattern: his move from Canada to Australia was the single decision that defined his career and the Ford-Holden rivalry for a generation.

Who is Allan Moffat’s wife?

How many times was Allan Moffat married?

Allan Moffat was married twice. His second wife survived him at the time of his death. Specific names are not consistently reported across sources, though family statements refer to his wife as his primary caregiver in his final years.

Who was his first wife?

Public records indicate he was married before his later relationship, but the first wife’s name has not been widely published in obituary coverage.

Who was his second wife?

His second wife was with him at his bedside when he died, according to the family announcement. Her name has not been confirmed in the research materials provided.

What is Allan Moffat’s nationality?

Was Allan Moffat Canadian or Australian?

He was both. Allan Moffat held dual Canadian-Australian citizenship after emigrating in his teens (ABC News).

Did he hold dual citizenship?

Yes. He represented Australia in international motorsport and is universally referred to as a Canadian-Australian racing driver. The Victorian Government memorial page calls him “one of Australia’s most successful race drivers” (Victorian Government).

What is Allan Moffat most famous for?

How many Bathurst 1000 wins did Allan Moffat have?

He won the Bathurst 500/1000 four times: in 1970, 1971, 1973 and 1977 (Supercars). The 1977 victory came alongside Formula 1 legend Jacky Ickx.

What championships did he win?

Moffat won the Australian Touring Car Championship four times (1973, 1976, 1977, 1983 according to racing database SnapLap). Over his career he amassed 36 race wins from 104 championship starts – a win percentage of 34.6%, the highest of any driver with 20 or more wins (Supercars).

What cars did he famously drive?

He was inextricably linked with Ford, especially the Ford Falcon GT-HO and later the Ford Mustang. In the 1980s he also campaigned a Mazda RX‑7.

The implication: his statistics alone place him among the most efficient winners in Australian touring car history.

Timeline

• 1939 – Born in Saskatoon, Canada.
• 1956 (approx.) – Moved to Australia at age 17.
• 1970 – Won first Bathurst 500 (later 1000) with Ford Falcon.
• 1971 – Second Bathurst victory.
• 1973 – Third Bathurst win and first ATCC title.
• 1977 – Fourth Bathurst 1000 win (with Jacky Ickx) and second ATCC title.
• 1983 – Fourth ATCC title.
• 2025-11-22 – Died at age 86 in Melbourne.
• 2025-12-16 – State Memorial Service at Melbourne Town Hall.

“Allan Moffat was an icon and pioneer of Australian motorsport.”

— ABC News obituary (ABC News)

“He redefined Australian motorsport on the domestic and world stage.”

— Victorian Government (Victorian Government)

“A pioneer, a champion, and an icon.”

— Supercars chief James Warburton (Speedcafe)

For the next generation of Australian drivers, Moffat’s career sets a benchmark that few will reach. The Supercars series plans to honour him at the Adelaide Grand Final, ensuring his name remains on the track. For fans of the Ford‑Holden era, the loss is personal – but his four Bathurst trophies and unmatched win rate guarantee he won’t be forgotten. Moffat’s legacy endures as the Canadian-Australian who changed the sport’s DNA.

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