OldRacingCars.com

Louis Wagner

Louis Wagner, 1914 French Grand Prix. Photo taken pre-1923, so copyright lapsed. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2016.

Louis Wagner, 1914 French Grand Prix. Photo taken pre-1923, so copyright lapsed. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2016.

Born:

05 Feb 1882
Pre-St-Gervais

Died:

13 Mar 1960
Montlhery

Nationality:

France

Indy 500s:

1 (1919)

Early racer, who raced in the 19th century, one of the very few who did. Won as early as 1903, then became one of the top drivers in the sport for 20 years, winning the Vanderbilt Cup in 1906, the American Grand Prix in 1907 and the British GP in 1926. He retired from racing in 1929 but remained involved with the car industry all his life, despite ill health from 1944 onwards which saw him lose a leg to diabetes. Later worked as assistant circuit manager at Montlhery. In 1955, Wagner was awarded the Legion d'Honneur. Louis also served his country in the First World War, fighting in the French Artillery division.

Biography last updated 8 Mar 2016