1920 Ballot 3/8 LC

1920 Ballot 3/8 LC

Entrusted to Jean Chassagne, this was one of three three-litre Ballots entered in the 1920 Indy 500 where it placed seventh. Returned to Europe, it was then raced by Chassagne in the French Grand Prix. He led most of the race but ultimately had to retire. Chassis 1006 was then taken over by Jules Goux to win the Italian Grand Prix and score Ballot's only major, international victory. The following year, this Ballot returned to Indy for another go, this time placing third in the hands of Eddie Hearne. In 1923, the car was sold to Sir Marlcolm Campbell in England where it was raced at Brooklands for a further nine years by the Campbell himself and also by Jack Dunfee with some success.

The contemporary racing career of chassis 1006 finally came to an end in 1933 when the engine threw a con-rod. Subsequent owner Captain Dennis Shipwright quickly patched the engine and not much later the car was back on track competing in the newly formed Vintage Sports Car Club. In 1940, the car was acquired by M.C. Crowley-Milling, whose family would own the car for the better part of the next eight decades. Following the passing of the late Crowley-Milling's nephew, the car was offered for sale and acquired by an Austrian enthusiast. He had some of the later modifications reverted, which included rebuilding the tail to include the spare tyre once again.

Never fully restored, the Italian Grand Prix winning Ballot was shown at the 2017 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Facing stiff opposition, the rare Ballot was awarded best in class.

Description & picture by ultimatecarpage & Other