Sportscar great who suffered from a long, debilitating illness (since the mid 1980's) which claimed his life. He did still try to make as many appearances at historic events as he could, however. Of aristocratic background, Olivier was a qualified engineer who served as a paratrooper in the Second World War before moving to the Belgian Congo where he impressed people by his off-road skills. This developed into rallying which opened up his chances in motorsport. Gendebien won the Reims 12 Hours twice, the Targa Florio three times, Le Mans four times and Sebring three times in a glittering career. He also had a spell in America as a cattle rancher. One of Olivier's key driving attributes was a strong mechanical sympathy and knowledge of his cars.

Biography last updated 8 Nov 2020