Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Philippe �tancelin � Private Racer

Philippe  �Phi-Phi� �tancelin was a French privateer racer who started racing in 1926, winning the Grand Prix de Reims. During his racing career, he drove Bugattis, Alfa Romeos, Maseratis, and Talbot-Lagos.

Born in 1896 in Rouen, he was a wool and down merchant through the Winter, and raced in the Summer. His wife Suzanne was his pit manager, giving him signals in French sign language.

In the illustration below, �tancelin is on his way to winning the French Grand Prix de Pau in 1930, driving his Bugatti Type 35C. He also won the race in 1936, driving an Alfa Romeo.

Scratchboard 7�x 5� � Paul Chenard 2010

In 1934, he raced an Alfa Romeo with Luigi Chinetti in the 24 heures du Mans.

After he retired in 1953, the French government awarded him the L�gion d'honneur for his contribution to the sport of automobile racing.

He passed away at the age of 95 years old in 1981.

No comments:

Post a Comment