March 22, 1974

Peter Revson, the nephew of the founder of Revlon cosmetics, dies at age 35 when his car crashes at 160 mph and bursts into flames during a practice run in Johannesburg for the South Africa Grand Prix.

Witnesses say a faulty steering mechanism appears to be the reason for the crash. Revson is the ninth top driver to be killed since 1970.

Revson was a dashing bachelor who often was linked romantically with beautiful women. His most recent steady girlfriend was Marjorie Wallace, the first American to be crowned Miss World. Despite his jet-set, playboy image, Revson took auto-racing seriously.

"It was the most important thing in his life," said George Follmer, a fellow driver and Revson's closest friend on the racing circuit. "I know he didn't crash because he made a mistake. He just didn't make mistakes."