Born on December 28th, 1896 in Rouen (Normandy), 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, Étancelin 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 his Maserati V8 R.I., one of only 4 produced!
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 Légion d'honneur for his contribution to the sport of automobile racing.
He passed away at the age of 85 years old in 1981.
I want to personally thank André Étancelin for his help. Merci!
I want to personally thank André Étancelin for his help. Merci!
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