Wealthy Belgian aristocrat Olivier Gendebien has the unique distinction of being Ferrari’s most successful GT and sports car racer. He won 24 top endurance classics, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans four years out of five, the Targa Florio, 12 Hours of Sebring, and Tour de France Automobile three times each between 1958 and 1962. But he never won the race he loved most, the Mille Miglia. He once said, “The atmosphere, the incredible spectators and an exciting route…

He ran 4th with this Belgian-liveried Ferrari 156 in his home Grand Prix at Spa in 1961.
Photo: Ed McDonough Collection