This Ballot 3/8 LC took the chequered flag at the inaugural Italian Grand Prix in 1921 and on 6-8 September it’s set to star at Hampton Court Palace’s Concours of Elegance.
In fact, it was actually a 1-2 for the French marque in the race, held at Montichiari, near Brescia, on 4 September 1921. This car, driven to victory by Jules Goux, was followed home by Jean Chassagne in another Ballot, the locals’ favourite Fiat 802 having to settle for third.
But that’s not this car’s only claim to fame: it also counts Sir Malcolm Campbell as a former owner, and he raced it at Brooklands in 1923.
It was a cutting-edge racer in its day, capable of hitting 124mph and powered by a double-overhead camshaft, four valves-per-cylinder engine with hemispherical combustion chambers.
This marvel is just one of over 60 rare cars that will take their place in Hampton Court Palace’s Fountain Gardens in September – and almost 1000 cars will be on show across the event’s three days.
