Philippe Etancelin - Privateer

Philippe Etancelin career was unique in several respects. E 'through four decades, from 1926 to 1952. When placed fifth in the Italian Grand Prix in 1950 became, at 53 the oldest driver, who scored championship points. And in the start date of the F-1 Championship in 1950, Philip was also 53 when he made his debut. He drove in twelve F1 World Championship Grand Prix, before retiring from motorsport in 1952. And as a brand, with a tweed cap style of 1920, turned in the opposite direction so that the visor was in the back. When helmets became mandatory, simply place the lid on the top of the helmet. He was 56 when he drove his last race and even though his Talbot in competition with one faster than the Ferrari, Philippe third place.Unlike bags still many drivers, Etancelin not grow in an environment of race or any great interest or passion for racing cars when he was young. Born December 28, 1896 in Rouen, France and grew up there. He owned a farm and was a trader in wool handling and bedsprings. He bought a Bugatti T35A in celebrating the birth of her second child, with the sole intention of using it for leisure guide. Then he began to drive smaller local sports events. After discovering that he liked the sport, has begun to take seriously. Philip has never been an employee works driver, but sometimes you have to drive with support from the factory. It was basically a private independent driver.After buy another Bugatti T35, entered the Grand Prix of Reims, Marne, in July 1927 and won. He entered the San Briac Florio Cup, where she placed third overall and first in his class (2 liters). His wife, Suzanne, Caroline, shares his enthusiasm for the sport and served as its well managed. Put your children to school in Rouen so he could accompany Philippe international competitions. While driving the circuit signals are transmitted to him using sign French language.For some reason he did not play in 1928 but returned to the highway in 1929, won four Grands Prix. They were followed in 1930 with victories in the Grand Prix of Algeria, the Dauphine-circuit, the Grand Prix of France Grand Prix and Paoli. He scored four wins again the following year. His great victory in 1932 was the Grand Prix de Picardie, who won again in 1933. 1933 was the Club of French car race until the last lap, when Giuseppe Campari with him. In 1934 came after 24 hours of Le Mans, Le, and cooperate with Luigi Chinetti won. In 1936 he finished first in Pau, driving an Alfa Romeo and completing 100 laps in 3 hours, 22 minutes and 22 seconds.Known as Phi Phi with friends, was popular among his followers and, after it was withdrawn awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government for his contribution to motor sport over four decades.