Australia’s greatest grand prix driver Sir Jack Brabham has died aged 88 at his home on the Gold Coast.

One of Australia’s most revered sportsmen, Brabham had been undergoing kidney dialysis three times a week in recent years.

His wife Lady Margaret said her husband had seemed fine after waking early and having breakfast.

“He had just finished his breakfast and then he was gone,” Lady Margaret told Speedcafe.com

“He was fine yesterday so it has been a bit of a shock even though he had been sick for some time.

“I have spoken to all three boys and we are in the process of organising funeral arrangements.”

Brabham claimed the F1 world championship in 1959, 1960 and 1966, the latter famously in a car of his own design – the Brabham BT19.

He is survived by his wife Margaret, sons Geoff, Gary and David and grandsons Matthew, Sam, Jason and Finn.

In recent weeks Matthew had won his first Indy Lights race while Sam broke through for this first British Formula Ford races.

His first wife, Betty, died in Brisbane in September last year.

Until his death Brabham had the distinction of being the oldest living world champion.