Legend of Zandvoort: Luc Toscani (93) the forgotten hero from the golden years who lives in Hua Hin
Zandvoort is once again in the starting blocks for a spectacular Formula 1 weekend. The iconic circuit, which has played an important role in Dutch motorsport for decades, will once again turn orange when thousands of enthusiastic fans descend on it to see Max Verstappen in action. Expectations are high; everyone hopes for an impressive pole position for the Dutch champion.
But Zandvoort is more than just the stage for contemporary racing spectacle. The circuit has a rich and eventful history dating back to the 1960s, when the international top of motorsport competed here for the coveted prizes. One of the most legendary events from that time is the 'Trophy of the Dunes'. This race brought the best drivers in the world to the Dutch coast and allowed the public to enjoy blood-curdling overtaking maneuvers and heated competition.
One of the drivers from those glory days is Luc Toscani, now 93 years old and one of the few who can still vividly retell that time. Toscani, called by some “the Last of the Mohicans”, is a living legend in the motorsport world. His adventures and experiences symbolize an era when courage, speed and perseverance dominated the sport.
To record Toscani's story for posterity, documentary maker and biographer Ernst Daniel Nijboer traveled to Thailand. In the tranquility of the seaside resort of Hua Hin, where Toscani spends his days, Nijboer delved deep into the life of the former driver. The result is a unique insight into a rich past, in which Toscani's memories and anecdotes bring the history of Zandvoort and Formula 1 back to life.
Submitted by Ernst Daniel Nijboer
Video:
About this blogger
Read the latest articles here
Reader SubmissionDecember 12 2024Video: Enchanting Amphawa offers more than expected (reader submission)
Reader SubmissionDecember 12 2024For sale from a reader: BMW F850 GS Adventure in top condition
Tax in the NetherlandsDecember 12 2024Thailand tax question: Wise “multi currency account” where are the accounts located?
Visa questionDecember 12 2024Thailand Visa Question No. 220/24: 90 days notification – first notification after entry
NOS posted this message on its website https://ap.lc/gZFzR about the Thai prince Bira who caused a sensation in August 1948.
Coincidentally, there is an article in the telegraph today about a Thai prince who won the race at Zandvoort in 47.
Jan, I think you mean this:
https://www.thailandblog.nl/achtergrond/over-een-thaise-prins-die-de-eerste-grand-prix-op-zandvoort-won/
Nice memories and film recordings. Although I regularly meet Luc Toscani in Hua Hin, I never knew until now that he was a famous driver in Zandvoort in the 1960s.
How nice to see someone so lively at that age. Bravo Luc. May you be with us happily ever after, because that creates joy!
A beautiful story and I remember exactly what happened in Zandvoort. When I was 15, in 1957, I already went by train to the Grand Prix as it was then called and saw the great masters race such as Fangio, Graham Hill, Graf von Trips etc. In 1965 I became track marshal (the men with the flags). ) and was present every weekend when there were races, behind a few straw bales and some chicken wire. Communication with the race management was done using old army telephones that you had to turn on.
As Luc tells us, Henk van Zalinge was the great 2-stroke master. He achieved unprecedented power from loudly screeching DKW and Saab engines (which came from the same factory), Gijs van Lennep with everything he could find, the Swart brothers with Fiat600 - their father was the Fiat importer. The small BMWs with 2 cylinder boxer, souped-up Volvos, Peugeot 404, but also the DAF Formula 2 and later F1. But the Van Zalingen racers were the top and often remained intact. You came across Rob Slotemaker and all the well-known and lesser-known Dutch drivers, such as Ben Pon, Carel de Beaufort, in the wild. Talking to Jack Brabham about his spin in Bos-uit where I stood during the award ceremony at the town hall. Those were the days.
Back from Zandvoort to The Hague via Vogelenzang with my tuned Triumph Herald Coupe and later Spitfire in 4-wheel drift racing with an acquaintance with a tuned pre-war MG (or immediately post-war, with compressor.
After my marriage I stopped in 1970 because it was not really safe along the track. The speeds got higher and higher, and after a few serious accidents on my route, including Piers Courage who was burned in his F1 and a colleague fatally injured by an Austin Healy at the top of the Scheivlak that flew off the track, I realized that my family was more important . But of course I went to watch it in the stands or in the dunes and now from the comfort of my couch in Chiang Mai, or when I'm in my house in the Netherlands, I'm always there at the age of 83, like Luc, even at night. Thanks for this nice video.
Thick
Beautiful, glorious.
As a documentary maker - visual biographer, it is always a challenge to capture a special highlight of someone's life in combination with appropriate atmospheric images. This Zandvoort past is just a fraction of the interview and the rich life story of Luc Toscani. Behind every BioPic4Ever lies a series of life events that gives meaning to existence; for Pride and Comfort... as a crowning glory of life with a comma, and as a precious memory for posterity.
Have it recorded while you are still clear and presentable... they will 4Ever thank you for it.