Great Read: Louis Chiron — a true racing great, even at 55

Fancy footwork gave F1's oldest entrant his break | View in browser FROM OUR ARCHIVE, SEPTEMBER 1999 | BILL BODDY Louis Chiron: idol of France Today's Great Read looks at our first 2023 Hall of Fame nominee – the incredible Louis Chiron, who still holds the record as the oldest person ever to finish an F1 race. Bill Boddy reports on a career that lasted over 30 years and took the Monégasque to the very top Louis Chiron served in the 1914-18 war as an Army driver and in the immediate aftermath was appointed chauffeur to Marechal Petain. He then earned a living as a gigolo, a dancing partner, at the Hotel de Paris in his home town, for wealthy ladies wanting companions. This enabled him to buy a Brescia Bugatti from the Bugatti agency in Nice. Then, aged 26, he was able to change this for a Type 35 GP Bugatti. It has been said that an American lady with whom he had danced found the finance for his first three Bugattis. READ MORE PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES HALL OF FAME Help choose a Hall of Fame legend for a chance to win £1900 Goodwood tickets The door is open once more for one of racing's true legends to join the gallery of the greats. Each of this year's nominees hold a significant record, along with a lengthy list of achievements and undeniable talent. Help us decide by voting now and you'll be entered into a draw for two Goodwood Season Tickets, giving you access to every day of next year's Members' Meeting, Festival of Speed and Revival — plus grandstand access. VOTE NOW ELECTRIC CARS | ANDREW FRANKEL Electric car boom is slowing for one reason: they aren't good enough      The car industry is ploughing billions of pounds into electric cars but sales are already declining among private buyers. Andrew Frankel puts his finger on the problem. READ MORE SHOP PROMOTION Motor Sport shop: Bestsellers Official Motor Sport Magazine 100 Years Calendar | 2024 Build a Porsche 911 | Advent Calendar | Christmas Gift Benetton | The Rebels of Formula 1 | Signed by Damien Smith Formula 1 - Las Vegas Grand Prix - City of Lights - 2023 Binder | Racing Green | Motor Sport Jenson Button Signed | Full Size Brawn GP Helmet Share this newsletter: Stay up to date  Update your preferences to select the content you wish to receive.   UPDATE NOW  Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy. Motor Sport magazine, 18-20 Rosemont Road, London, NW3 6NE Company no. 05471049, Vat no. 871 544 60