Robert Sénéchal

Robert Marie Georges Sénéchal (5 May 1892 – 30 July 1985) was a French industrialist/motor manufacturer, racing driver and pilot, noted for the car company bearing his name and for being the winner of the first-ever British Grand Prix.

[1] After attending school in Amiens and in the Rue des Postes in Paris,[2] he intended to study engineering at L'École Centrale, but contracted typhoid fever and was unable to take up his place.

[2] in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, where he remained until called up for military service with the 5th Regiment of Dragoons, in 1912[1] At the outbreak of World War I, Sénéchal transferred to the French Armée de l'air, qualifying as a pilot in 1916 and conducting artillery spotting missions.

[1] Aiming for the low-cost cyclecar market, the first Sénéchal car was powered by a 6 HP four-cylinder 750cc Ruby engine, with only two gears and no differential, resulting in a light but robust vehicle with a top speed of 80kmh.

[4] Sénéchal ended his personal association with the manufacturing side of Chenard & Walcker in 1927, and acquired a garage on Boulevard Péreire in Paris and the "Auto Stand" showroom on the Champs Elysées.

[4] At the end of 1923, a year in which he had won the French Motorcycle Club's Cyclecar Grand Prix less than 48 hours after suffering a serious accident, Sénéchal was recognised as "Champion of France" and awarded the "Brassard d’Honneur".