Champion crushed to death by his prized car

A motor racing champion died after being crushed by his prized Austin Healey as he worked on it, an inquest heard.

Stuart Bullas, aged 52, was discovered at his company, BG Bullas Ltd, in Fletcher Street, Lye, on April 10 by three of his friends who had become concerned after they were unable to contact him.

Smethwick Coroners Court yesterday heard Mr Bullas, of Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, had been working on his Austin Healey Sprite at the factory when it slipped from a supporting belt and fell on top of him.

He was carrying out maintenance work on the vehicle, which had helped him become a three-time Hill Climb champion, in preparation for a race near Shrewsbury the following week.

The inquest was told that the vehicle was being held up solely by the belt, connected to a crane by metal hook, despite two supporting A-frames being available for use nearby.

Mr Bullas' elder brother, Graham, said that he hoped the tragedy would convince anyone working on vehicles to take extra care to avoid similar accidents from happening in the future.

Mr Bullas' body was discovered by one of his best friends, co-driver and co-owner of the car Robin Johnson. Mr Johnson wept as he told the hearing that he and his friend had been scheduled to meet on April 10 but he had been unable to contact him to arrange a time.

He had gone to the factory at the time they usually met but was concerned when the roller shutter was down.

Mr Johnson then tried at Mr Bullas' home but received no response. Mr Johnson and two other friends of Mr Bullas then went back to the factory and called for a keyholder to open up the building where they found the body.

Mr Johnson said: "My first thought was to get the car off him so I reconnected the belt and used the crane to lift it."

Paramedics were called but nothing could be done.

Graham Bullas described his brother as a "kind and generous man" who did not have an enemy in the world.

"My brother did not have children of his own but my three-children adored him as did our two nieces by our elder brother.

"He will be deeply missed.

"Anybody working on a motor vehicle in the future who reads this sad story must take care to avoid such tragic accidents themselves.

"It has been truly difficult for us all and it could have been avoided."

Black Country coroner Robin Balmain recorded a verdict of accidental death at the end of yesterday's hearing and he said that the medical cause of death was traumatic asphyxia.