Son of the French entrepreneur, film producer and Titanic survivor of the same name, Pierre Maréchal won his first races — at Santander, Cantabria, driving hydroplanes owned by family friend Count Soriano — at the age of 13.

[2] Maréchal was a member of the class-winning Ecurie du Lapin Blanc HRG sports car team in the 1948 Spa 24 Hours race.

The innovation enabled one of the drivers to repair his car on the circuit and helped the team to win the coveted Coupe du Roi.

Maréchal's outstanding natural flair brought him to the attention of Leslie Johnson, who won the race outright in a prototype Aston Martin shared with St. John Horsfall.

in the works team of Aston-Martins making its debut at Le Mans was indicative of the high opinion of his driving held in knowledgeable circles.

Motor Sport summarized his ensuing accident: "Alas, just as we hoped to see Maréchal press for his third place, it was reported at 1.05pm that the Aston Martin saloon had overturned at White House corner, Pierre being seriously hurt.

Christian Maréchal became a journalist, advertising copywriter and creative director, and helped pioneer the UK ultralight aviation market.