Original Print Titled ‘LE MANS-1953’. Hand Signed

Original Print Titled ‘LE MANS-1953’. Hand Signed by Drivers Hamilton and Rolt and the Artist. Jaguar C Type. Original Print No. 53 titled ‘LE MANS-1953’ by Michael Turner. This exclusive print produced in 1988 depicts Malcom Sayer’s legendary Jaguar C type on its way to victory at Le Mans in 1953, driven by the acclaimed Tony Rolt and Duncan Hamilton, as it leads the Ferrari Tipo 375MM of Ascari and Villoresi. This print is a wonderful piece of history being personally signed in pencil by the winning drivers Tony Rolt and Duncan Hamilton and signed and numbered, ‘Michael Turner 53/850’, by the artist in pencil. This particular print was auctioned at Bonhams at some point and is particularly valuable given that the print number and year, 53, correspond to one another. Both Rolt and Co. Cork born Hamilton fought during the second world war and led led fascinating post war lives. Captured by the Germans in May 1940 and taken to Colditz it was Tony Rolt who, after numerous attempts at escape, first suggested that he and his fellow interns attempt to escape by building a glider. Hamilton flew Lysanders during the war and went on to race in Formula 1 as swell as endurance racing. Paired again for Le Mans in 54’, this time in a D Type, they came second to Ferrari, loosing victory at the last moment by a mere 2 miles. The victory depicted by this print is part of motor racing lore as legend has it that Rolt and Hamilton drowned their sorrows in a local pub the night before the race believing themselves disqualified due to a technical breach before going on to win the race. They were funnelled coffee and brandy as the C Type was refuelled. Jaguar’s team manager Lofty England commented that “Of course I would never have let them race under the influence. I had enough trouble when they were sober!” Rarely offered for sale, this signed, original print represents a truly fascinating piece of history.