1929 Burgundy Grand Prix poster – Grand Prix Automobile de Bougogne 1929
A Stunning Art Deco Masterpiece: The 1929 Burgundy Grand Prix Poster
The 1929 Burgundy Grand Prix poster, a vibrant testament to the golden age of motor racing, is a true work of art. Created by the talented artist R. Pernod, it captures the thrilling dynamism of the race with breathtaking energy.
The poster presents a dramatic scene: a sleek, crimson race car leaps into the air, defying gravity as it hurtles past a packed grandstand. The car’s elegant lines and powerful stance convey a sense of speed and exhilaration. Above the airborne vehicle, a banner proclaims the name of the race, emphasising its importance.
The vibrant colour palette further enhances the 1929 Burgundy Grand Prix poster’s impact. The fiery red of the car stands out boldly against a dynamic background of mustard yellow and vibrant orange, creating a sense of movement and excitement.
The text on the 1929 Burgundy Grand Prix poster reveals the event’s organisers: the prestigious L’Automobile Club Bourguignon, or the Burgundy Car Club, in collaboration with the influential daily newspaper, Le Matin. This partnership undoubtedly contributed to the race’s high profile and attracted a significant audience.
The 1929 Burgundy Grand Prix poster is not merely an advertisement; it’s a captivating piece of art that encapsulates the spirit of a bygone era. It serves as a reminder of the glamour and excitement that surrounded early motor racing, and it continues to inspire awe and admiration in art and racing enthusiasts alike.
The 1929 Burgundy Grand Prix at Dijon
The 1929 Burgundy Grand Prix, the third running of the event organised by l’Automobile Club Bourguignon, featured the prestigious Repusseau Cup, donated by Mr. Francois Repusseau, along with a substantial prize of 10,000 francs.
The race took place on the challenging 17.5-kilometer Dijon circuit, a triangular route encompassing roads between Dijon, Is-sur-Tille, Savigny-le-Sec, and Norges-la-Ville. Spectators gathered at stands and pits situated near Dijon on national road no. 74. The race distance was set at 30 laps, with 750cc sports cars contesting a shorter 24-lap distance.
A competitive field of 27 cars, spanning 11 classes, vied for victory. The favorites were the powerful Bugatti team, with Baron P. de Rothschild (racing as “Philippe”) and Count Guy Bouriat leading the charge in their 2-liter Bugattis. Robert Gauthier, also driving a Bugatti in the 3-liter class, posed a significant threat. They faced stiff competition from Henri Stoffel and Cyrille Devere in their formidable Chryslers.
The 1.5-liter class witnessed a fierce battle between six Bugatti drivers and Michel Doré’s Corre-La Licorne. The sports car category featured a diverse entry list, including prominent female drivers such as Derancourt and the debuting Mme. Depret, all piloting powerful machines like Bugattis, an Alfa Romeo, a Sizaire et Naudin, and an American Oakland.
This concise summary captures the key elements of the event, including the significance of the Repusseau Cup, the challenging circuit, the prominent drivers and teams, and the diverse range of cars competing.
The Burgundy Grand Prix, held on a cloudy Thursday, witnessed a large crowd gather along the roads despite the inclement weather. The entry list received a late addition with the inclusion of Louis Devaud driving an Amilcar.
The race commenced under a light rain, with Robert Bouriat in a Bugatti quickly establishing dominance. After the first lap, Bouriat led, followed by Gauthier, Foc, and Doré in the racing car category. In the sports car class, Mme. Depret, Zehender, Perot, and Bussienne held the early positions.
Bouriat set a blistering pace, breaking the lap record in the opening laps. Baron Philippe de Rothschild, also driving a Bugatti, advanced to second position, with Gauthier, Foc, Doré, Tetaldi, Mme. Depret, and Lanciano trailing. Tragedy struck on the third lap when Vinatier, the sole 750cc sports car competitor, crashed his Rosengart while attempting to avoid another car. Vinatier was transported to a hospital in Dijon with serious injuries, including broken ribs and a punctured lung.
The race continued, with Bouriat maintaining a comfortable lead. However, he began to ease off the pace, seemingly allowing Baron de Rothschild to close the gap. At the end of the eighth lap, the two Bugattis crossed the finish line simultaneously, both clocking a time of 59m27s.
A captivating duel ensued between Bouriat and Baron de Rothschild, with the lead changing hands several times. The race saw a number of retirements, including Devaud, Billiet, and several other notable competitors. Despite these setbacks, the two Bugatti drivers maintained a consistent pace, consistently posting lap times around 7m30s.
Midway through the race, Bouriat briefly regained the lead. However, Baron de Rothschild reasserted his dominance, holding a slender advantage over his rival. Gauthier, Foc, and Lanciano rounded out the top five.
The intensity remained high in the latter stages of the race. Bouriat pushed hard, but Baron de Rothschild held firm. As the checkered flag approached, the two Bugattis crossed the finish line in a breathtaking photo finish. Baron de Rothschild emerged victorious, edging out Bouriat by a mere 0.2 seconds.
The Burgundy Grand Prix proved to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the remarkable skill and determination of the drivers. The race, despite the challenging conditions and numerous retirements, delivered an unforgettable climax with the thrilling duel between Bouriat and Baron de Rothschild.
