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**roy mawbey** · 10-12-2017, 07:06 PM

Gerard,

How interesting these photos and information. I must sort out some information I have on Gilberte. My memory must be wrong on the Le Mans I think I was confused by conversations of over 40 years ago. Betty Haig lived in a very large 500 year old house with many out buildings for her cars. She owned a number of 356 cars including a 1950 356 coupe that still survives today in excellent condition. Because back then in the early 70's restoring that car was not so easy. My brother having a 51 coupe allowed her to copy the wooden door cappings for example and we had many conversations.

Regarding the Ferrari cars she drove I do remember the cut down Ferrari pistons she used as ash trays! She was involved with Historic Racing Car club for many years too.
Thanks again!!

Roy

**356** · 10-17-2017, 11:40 AM

+1 Roy.
~Vance

**roy mawbey** · 10-17-2017, 06:49 PM

Gerard,

I have located the 1969 PCGB magazine with the re-printed Betty Haig story of Gilberte she wrote for the magazine in 1962.Betty met her at the 1952 RallyeParis St Raphael meeting when Gilberte was in her new silver 356 and Betty in her Healey Silverstone.
Gilberte new on scene had the front lid of her 356 come up at speed and she was lucky to not crash. The following year according to Betty Haig she had her car fitted with the first O.H.C. Carrera engine which Gilberte used to great success later on. This Belgian girl really knew how to drive!!

I will try to scan the magazine story, it recalls also the story of the Porsche cars in the 1951 Le Mans race in which Betty drove the V12 Ferrari.

Roy

**Porschinelle** · 10-17-2017, 10:21 PM

Thanks Roy

The 1952 Paris Saint Raphael "feminin" (Feb 27/March 4th 1952) was the first race for Gilberte Thirion bright new 356 GT-02/chassis 061
Although this rallye was reserved to women pilots, you had the right to have a man as co-pilot
Therefore Gilberte who at that time was 24 years old shared her car with her father Max Thirion who in fact was the real owner
As I said before Max put on this new car his beloved special registration plate 1211 plate who wull stay on the 356 for the whole 1952 race season
Starting from 1953 until end 1954 the 356 wear Gilberte personnal plate 937669
As you say during that race they finish in 2nd position Gilberte and her father Max lost the front lid of the car
For the price giving celebration at the race end, Gilberte had the very cliver idea to fill the boot with flowers

**roy mawbey** · 10-18-2017, 07:11 PM

Gerard,

How good your history is even down to the flowers under the broken hood area !!! Attached below the 1962 story written by Betty Haig of that rally. hope you can read it all.

Often wondered about Gilberte.

Roy