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Maurice TRINTIGNANT

A French driver (1917-2005)

A famous name

Nicknamed "Pétoulet", the name Maurice Trintignant surely cannot be unknown to you. He is the uncle of legendary actor Jean-Louis Trintignant, partner of Brigitte Bardot from Et Dieu… créa la femme.

 

Maurice Trintignant's career at the highest level had exceptional longevity. It began in 1938 at the age of 21, with a Bugatti and ended at the 1965 Le Mans 24 Hours in a Ford GT 40. 

Maurice Trintignant, retired, gives his advice to the Matra Pescarolo-Larrousse crew on their way to victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours © Gérard Larrousse Archives.

A name in history

Trintignant took part in 324 starts across all disciplines and recorded 44 wins during a 27 year career.

 

Maurice Trintignant signed his contract with Ferrari at the beginning of 1954. It was a very good season followed for the Frenchman who finished on the podium seven times, won twice in Rouen and Caen, and won the 24 Hours, in a suspenseful finale at the end of his sixteen races.

Lithographic signed Géo Ham, illustrious Laval artist: in the night, in a pouring rain, the Ferrari #4 doubles the DB Panhard #57. Overtaken by the Italian car, the small French car won the 1954 Le Mans 24 Hours © Artcurial.

A champion nickname

Once retired, Maurice Trintignant sponsored the young driver from his region Jean Alesi and his nephew, the actor Jean-Louis Trintignant who tried his hand at motor racing, notably by entering the 1980 Le Mans 24 Hours. 


Maurice settled down in Vergèze, a small village in the Gard region. He was mayor and above all became the "Merchant of pinard", as Enzo Ferrari amicably called him.

No offense to the leader of the Scuderia, even where wine is concerned, as he will remain “Pétoulet” until the end by marketing under this name his vintage of champions.

Fruit of the vineyard of its Vergèze property, the wine «Pétoulet» perpetuates the nickname of a «super champion» © Private collection (detail).

A question for a super champion

Driver seed issue

It was the first time that French television had broadcast the Le Mans 24 Hours live in 1954. 

Jose Froilan GONZALES and Maurice TRINTIGNANT on FERRARI won the Le Mans 24 hours. Summary of the race and behind-the-scenes images, including the technical device of French television, which broadcast the race for the first time. INA - Producer/ co-producer Automobile Club de L'Ouest, French Television Broadcasting Journalist: Claude Joubert