Phi-phi's last stand?

Sir,

I am amused by correspondence regarding ‘Phi-Phi’ Etancelin’s final season. I can assure WB and your readers he was still racing in 1954.

In the inaugural meeting at Aintree on 29th May 1954, number 16 in the Aintree 200 event is Mr P Etancelin driving a 4.5-litre Talbot. I was not present at that meeting, but Motor Sport was and its July 1954 edition contains the report on the meeting. Phi-Phi qualified for the final and your correspondent noted “and Etancelin’s Talbot gained on the BRM into Tatts”. I think he finished sixth. I have no idea whether he raced again, but there can’t have been many more races that his Talbot would have qualified for. Whilst writing, can I make a plea for assistance from any of your readers who may have material regarding motor racing at Aintree from 1954-64 as I am currently preparing a book on this subject, which I feel has been sadly neglected.

Also can I congratulate you on your excellent magazine. As a long term reader I still enjoy it immensely, keep up the good work!

I AM, YOUR, ETC

A A Bagnail

46 Laurel Drive, Willaston, Wirral, H64 1TW