Jean-Paul Forclaz, a string instrument collector and early rally raider, passed away on Tuesday. He was 79 years old.

Hailing from Sierre, Forclaz raced the Paris–Dakar Rally in 1981 and 1982 in a Daihatsu with Alberto Reverberi. The Swiss duo failed to finish the 1981 race in time, but completed the race nonetheless with the 49th-best time (only 42 teams finished within the time limit). A year later, they upgraded to the prototype Daihatsu F55 but retired. Forclaz also suffered serious injuries in an accident in 1982.

He also competed in the Rallye des Pharaons in a Rover SD3500 that was eventually purchased by a private owner. Forclaz had long expressed interest in buying it back but could never make it work.

Outside of racing, he enjoyed playing the guitar and collecting string instruments throughout history. His mother was a mandolin player, so he naturally followed in her footsteps. His collection began in 1968 and boasted over 600 instruments, which had more niche pieces too such as the 19th-century Joseph Poussot violin and theorbo.

Forclaz passed on May 12, with his family by his side.

Forclaz playing the theorbo

Forclaz playing the Poussot violin

Featured image credit: Le Nouvelliste