It is hard to imagine a tougher beginning than the one Jim Redman had to face. Born in 1931 in Hampstead, London, he survived the devastating bombing of Britain’s capital during the Second World War but was hit hard after his father’s suicide. Later, when he was just 17, Redman’s mother died leaving him and 18-year old sister Jackie in charge of his younger brothers, 11-year old twins Peter and Wendy.
When he turned 18, Redman was called to join the military. He was able to suspend service for two years, focusing on his role as the new head of the family. With no possibility of extending his leave from the army further, it appeared as though his twin siblings would be forced to leave the family for an orphanage. The only possibility was to leave the country, thus Redman chose to immigrate to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) as he had a friend there.
He then began to race in South Africa, beginning the 1958 season as a Paddy Driver. In April he made his GP debut at Brands Hatch and from then on was a regular amongst the fastest riders and in 1960 he won the 500cc GP of Spain on a Norton. Later Honda hired him. His first victory for the Japanese manufacturer came in the 250cc Belgian Grand Prix in 1961 and the following year he took both the 250cc and 350cc titles. In 1963 he again achieved the double crowns of the 250cc and 350cc classes, with two more 350cc titles in 1964 and 1965.
Despite being over 30 years old, Redman still had a score to settle in the 500cc class. As Redman looked to launch an assault on the premier class crown, Honda were set to launch the CB450 and the Japanese company knew that advertising for the new larger displacement bike would be crucial. It was then agreed that Honda would build a prototype four-cylinder machine with Redman to attack the 1966 title alongside fellow MotoGP™ Legend Mike Hailwood.
Redman won the first two races in Germany and Holland, but during the Belgian Grand Prix everything went wrong. In torrential rain he and his motorcycle parted company at more than 160km/h. The fall resulted in a broken wrist, he tried to race just five weeks later in Ulster, but it was impossible. Assuming the inevitable, Redman retired and went to live in South Africa. Six-time winner of the legendary Isle of Man TT, he continued to participate in classic motorbike competitions during the early 21st century.