28/05/2026
We are very sad to report the passing of one of the regular members of our “Orange Army”, Kevin Sargeant, recently after a short illness.
Kevin first became involved at Wiscombe Park when he attended events as a volunteer for the St John Ambulance. He then started marshaling regularly.
When not at Wiscombe, Kevin was an NHS nurse for 23 years and then became a palliative care nurse for Hospicecare for 23 years.
Although Kevin never competed, he was a man with a passion for all things automotive, particularly Lotus. His orange overalls were adorned with a big Lotus crest on the back. Many will have admired his glorious 1953 aluminium bodied Lotus 6 in the paddock. Complete with flying helmet and goggles, Kevin dressed the part too.
A red Lotus 7 was his first introduction to the marque in 1979. Unfortunately, this was stolen a year later. He then purchased another Lotus 7, blue, from well-known South West racer Nick Lambert, who competed in the car at Wiscombe. Through Kevin’s connections with the Historic Lotus Register (HLR), he added to his Lotus stable when he purchased the Lotus 6 fourteen years ago.
I had the pleasure of chatting to Kevin at last year's BHC event – he explained to me that every winter, he removed all the panels from the Lotus 6 and stored them indoors. That is probably why it always looked so immaculate. He was a regular exhibitor at various car shows including the Turner Locker Barnfield Revival in Exeter.
He was very pleased that the Lotus 6 was chosen by fashion designer Alice Temperley MBE as her “Car of The Show” at last year's Lyn Valley Classic. Alice was a VIP guest with her great friend, supermodel, racing driver and petrol head, Jodie Kidd.
Kevin shared with me how this came about. After a walk along the sea front he was somewhat surprised to see a glamourous blonde lady admiring his car. A conversation was struck up and Jodie Kidd was soon behind the wheel of the Lotus! Kevin featured in an article in the North Devon Gazette
https://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/news/lyn-valley-classic-among-best-car-shows-in-the-world-says-celebrity-petrolhead-jodie-kidd-6820635
To Kevin’s three daughters, Naomi, Hannah and Rachel, family, many friends and acquaintances, we pass on our condolences. There will now be a big character missing from the Wiscombe Park paddock.
For those wishing to attend, Kevin’s funeral arrangements are as follows -
Thursday 18th June 2.30pm at the Exeter Crematorium.
Everyone is welcome, particularly those wishing to attend with a classic car. There will be a wake afterwards – details will be given to those attending the funeral.
RIP Kevin.
