Mechanic, driver and tuner, Gordini started with a collaboration with Simca and ended with another one with Renault, retiring after selling up in 1968. Although later a French national, Amedee was born Amadeo in Italy but as a very young boy he was orphaned. He started work at just eleven years old and fought as an infantryman for the Italian Army in World War One. He then worked for Maserati as a mechanic before settling in France, but in a bizarre way. He was on holiday when he ran out of money to return. He met a local girl whilst trying to get some money to return, decided to stay and work for Simca. Although Gordini is best known for his constructor years, he did also race, winning the 1945 Bois de Boulogne Formula Libre race and Voiturette victories at Marseille, St. Etienne, Dijon and Nantes in 1946. Gordini was awarded the Legion d'Honneur in 1952.

Biography last updated 13 Dec 2015