SHEILA VAN DAMM PRESS 1953 PHOTOGRAPH POUGHKEEPSIE NEW YORK RALLY DRIVER

Description: RALLY RACING DRIVER SHEILA VAN DAMM: DISQUALIFICATION: 1953: ORIGINAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPHDATE: LABEL DATED DECEMBER 4TH 1953 DETAILS: A portrait of Sheila Van Damm after her disqualification at Poughkeepsie for allegedly tampering with her speedometer PUBLISHER: P A ReuterSIZE: 20.4cm x 15.4cm including margins CONDITION: IN NEAR FINE, CLEAN CONDITION. LOCATION: MAP DRAWER C: FOLDER 3007: 3007TSheila Van Damm was a pioneering British rally driver and one of the most successful female competitors in motorsport during the 1950s. Her career is notable not only for her achievements on the track but also for her contributions to the arts and her management of the Windmill Theatre in London.Early Life and Background: Full Name: Sheila Maureen Van Damm Date of Birth: January 17, 1922 Place of Birth: London, England Date of Death: August 23, 1987 Sheila Van Damm was born into a theatrical family. Her father, Vivian Van Damm, was the manager of the Windmill Theatre, a famous venue known for its variety shows and "revue" performances. Sheila initially pursued a career in the arts, working at the Windmill Theatre and even performing on stage. However, her true passion was in motorsport, and she soon turned her attention to rally driving.Motorsport Career:Van Damm's interest in motorsport began in the late 1940s, and she quickly demonstrated a natural talent for driving. She competed in various rallies and endurance events, often against male competitors, and earned a reputation for her skill, determination, and courage.Key Achievements: 1954 RAC Rally: Van Damm won the RAC Rally (Royal Automobile Club Rally), one of the most prestigious events in British motorsport at the time. Her victory in this event was particularly significant as it marked her out as one of the top rally drivers in the country, regardless of gender. Monte Carlo Rally: Van Damm competed in the Monte Carlo Rally multiple times during the 1950s, achieving several high finishes. She became one of the best-known female competitors in this event, known for its challenging winter conditions. Alpine Rally: Another of Van Damm's significant accomplishments was her success in the Alpine Rally, a demanding event known for its tough mountain stages. She consistently performed well in this event, further cementing her status as a top rally driver. Van Damm drove for the Sunbeam-Talbot team, and her success helped to promote the brand. She was known for her smooth driving style, excellent navigation skills, and the ability to handle a car in difficult conditions. Her success came at a time when it was unusual for women to compete in motorsport at such a high level, making her achievements all the more remarkable.Post-Motorsport Career:After retiring from competitive driving in the late 1950s, Van Damm returned to the theatre world, taking over the management of the Windmill Theatre from her father. Under her leadership, the theatre continued its tradition of variety performances, including the famous "Windmill Girls" revues. Sheila Van Damm's dual careers in motorsport and theatre management made her a unique figure in British cultural history.She also authored an autobiography titled "No Excuses", published in 1957, in which she recounted her experiences in both motorsport and the theatre. The book provides insight into the challenges she faced and her determination to succeed in a male-dominated field.Legacy:Sheila Van Damm is remembered as one of the most successful female rally drivers of her time. Her pioneering spirit and success in motorsport helped to pave the way for future generations of female drivers. She broke down barriers in a sport that was, and largely still is, dominated by men. Her contributions to the arts and her management of the Windmill Theatre are also notable aspects of her life, showcasing her versatility and talent in multiple fields.Death: Sheila Van Damm passed away on August 23, 1987, at the age of 65. Her legacy lives on as an inspiration to women in motorsport and a testament to her diverse talents and achievements. Free tracked UK postage. For overseas orders we use the eBay Global Shipping Program or Royal Mail International Tracked. This is one of our large range of Formula 1 original press photographs, please view our other listings or make an appointment to visit us. Trading since 1976 in Ripon, North Yorkshire, Hornseys' specialises in fine quality products across many different ranges. Thank you for looking.

Price: 30 GBP

Location: Ripon, North Yorkshire

End Time: 2025-01-22T12:33:33.000Z

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