<< Prev Page 2 of 2 Entered for Jean Behra and Jean Lucas, the first Type 24 S did not actually race at Le Mans in 1953 due to a suspension failure. The event was certainly not a complete waste for Gordini as a six-cylinder engined example won its class. At the car's competitive debut at Reims, the French pairing failed to reach the finish due to an accident caused by a puncture. Driving solo, Lucas finished sixth at Caen. Joined by Alfred Barraquet, Behra next entered the Tour de France where he was first across the line. Due to the Index of Performance used, an OSCA was declared the winner with the Gordini classified second.
Up next was an American sojourn for the Gordini team with the first Type 24 S entered in the 1953 Carrera Panamerica and a brand new example fielded in Buenos Aires 1000 km early in 1954. Both outings were unsuccessful, and prompted the start of a difficult season. The pair of eight cylinder Gordinis did not win again until late in the year and in minor events. Franco Bordoni used the second car to win two races in Italy including the GP Pergusa, while Jean Behra claimed top honours in the Coupe du Salon against a well stocked field of Ferraris, Jaguars and Porsches.
To comply with stricter regulations, the first Type 24 S was fitted a more conventional two-seater body ahead of the 1955 season. The two cars continued to be raced but more success eluded the small French team. By this time Amédée was faced with serious financial difficulties and eventually had to shut down his independent team. He would go on to tune Renaults to great effect, cementing his name as an engine wizard. Along with the similarly engined Grand Prix cars, the Type 24 S remains as the ultimate Gordini competition car. << Prev Page 2 of 2
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Entered for Jean Behra and Jean Lucas, the first Type 24 S did not actually race at Le Mans in 1953 due to a suspension failure. The event was certainly not a complete waste for Gordini as a six-cylinder engined example won its class. At the car's competitive debut at Reims, the French pairing failed to reach the finish due to an accident caused by a puncture. Driving solo, Lucas finished sixth at Caen. Joined by Alfred Barraquet, Behra next entered the Tour de France where he was first across the line. Due to the Index of Performance used, an OSCA was declared the winner with the Gordini classified second.