During the recent days and weeks a large number of PreWarCar motoring enthusiasts have been preparing for their annual pilgrimage to Paris for Rétromobile. We therefore hunted high and low for a French 'femme fatale' purring away in a suitable car near the Eiffel Tower. No such luck, but we are pleased to find this picture of a cute young Gloria Vanderbilt whose Mother would take her on frequent trips to France from their American home.
We will leave you to dig deeper into Gloria's life (HERE) if you wish, but let's say it was eventful. She inherited wealth, her aunt Thelma was mistress to the Prince of Wales, and in later life she enjoyed affairs with Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Howard Hughes and Roald Dahl.
Let's get back to wheeled transport and enjoy a picture of Gloria at a horse show. We found no pictures of her in sumptuous 1930s limousines so favoured by American actress/socialites, but there was something good about that early upbringing which included French pedal cars and Scottie dogs, because Gloria will celebrate her 92nd birthday later this month. We wish her a very happy birthday, so why not come and raise a glass to her on our Rétromobile stand (F100). Just look for the biggest car in the place!
(Text Robin Batchelor, pictures from archives)