José Villafranca

4/9/1911 - 26/6/1990

Record updated 29-Aug-06

Brazilian driver who raced a Bugatti Chevrolet from 1935 until 1951.

José Villafranca
José Villafranca was born in Spain and moved to Brazil in 1919 when he was 8 years old.

He was a mechanic with workshops in Vila Prudente and for 50 years, prepared racing cars.

Between 1935 the 1951 he raced in many different competitions. He drove in the Chapadão em Campinas with a Stutz in the race in which Moraes Sarmento died.

In March of 1949 he was due to race his Bugatti Chevrolet National Mechanic at Interlagos. Ascari, Viloresi and Farina were present with the works Ferrari and Maseratti. Unfortunately Jose didn't get to race as his mechanic, Alfredo, had taken the cat away to do some work and broke down.                                  

On 30th April 1950, he drove in the Prova II Prêmio Crônica Esportiva Paulista at Interlagos. He finished 9th overall and 6th in class driving his Bugatti Chevrolet. He also raced at Interlagos in June in the I Prêmio Abnegados Paulo Orlando finishing 5th overall and in class winning the “Medal Pablo Orlando”. The race was won by Arlindo Aguiar.

He aslo won at Interlagos in a 500cc Fiat Topolino in the up to 1000cc class.



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