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ann wisdom

Elsie ‘Bill’ Wisdom

August 11, 2025 By pete

Elsie ‘Bill’ Wisdom

Story by Giles Chapman

When we received Giles Chapman’s latest book we thoroughly enjoyed the short bios and interesting stories that comprised “Three Million Miles in a Volvo and other Curious Car Stories.” These are just perfect for the VeloceToday format, and here is the sixth in a series of excerpts from the book.

Embroidery, of the written kind, is an essential skill for every good hack. But the story of how correspondent and racing driver Tommy Wisdom met his wife Elsie takes some beating. Tommy was sailing off the south coast one day with his brother and a friend when their dinghy overturned. The pal drowned but the brothers were rescued and taken ashore, and Tommy recovered on the nearest sofa that could be found. It was in the home of Elsie Swain and, as he dried out, love blossomed.

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Tagged With: ann wisdom, Brookland womens' speed record, Elsie Wisdom, giles chapman, Tommy Wisdom, women racing at Brooklands

Annie Soisbault, 1934-2012

October 3, 2012 By pete

Photo by Graham Gauld

French rally and race driver Annie Soisbault passed away on September 18th at the age of 78.

Not well known in the U.S., Soisbault was nevertheless one of the finest women drivers of the 1950-60s, a time in which women were participating in large numbers in both racing and rallying. Soisbault’s peers, sometimes competitors and friends included Gilberte Thirion, Pat Moss, Ann Wisdom, Sheila Van Damm, Denise McCluggage, Evy Rosqvist, Betty Skelton, Louisette Texier, Annie Bousquet and many more truly excellent women drivers.

[Read more…] about Annie Soisbault, 1934-2012

Tagged With: ann wisdom, annie soisbault, fast ladies, ferrari gto 3607gt, gto 3607, lady drivers, lady racers, lady rally drivers, pat moss, rally drivers, soisbault, texier, Ventoux hillclimb

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