Just four of these 3-litre 8-cylinder cars Ballot cars were produced for top level Grand Prix racing in the 1920s, and this particular example has an impeccable history. In 1921 it won the first ever Italian Grand Prix, and it was also owned by Sir Malcolm Campbell, who raced it at Brooklands in 1923. The Ballot 3/8 LC was a Grand Prix car designed in the early 1920s. The “3/8” indicates the engine size—3 liters, with 8 cylinders.
Ballot, a French automobile manufacturer active during the early 20th century. The company was known for producing high-performance cars, particularly in the 1920s. Ballot was founded by Ernest Ballot in 1905 and initially made automobile engines. The company gained fame in the 1910s and 1920s, particularly for its involvement in racing. Ballot cars were known for their engineering quality and success in motorsports.
The Ballot 3/8 LC was designed by Ernest Henry, a Swiss-born engineer who worked for several prominent car manufacturers during his career. The 3/8 LC was developed in response to the new 3-liter engine capacity limit imposed for Grand Prix racing.
The car was powered by a 3.0-liter straight-eight engine, a layout that was innovative and advanced for its time. The engine was equipped with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), which allowed for higher revs and better performance. The 3/8 LC was capable of impressive speeds for the era, contributing to its success on the racetrack.
The car had a sleek, streamlined design that prioritized aerodynamics, a crucial factor in racing. The “LC” might indeed refer to “Low Chassis,” indicating a design focused on stability and handling.
The Ballot 3/8 LC competed in various Grand Prix events during the early 1920s, including the famous 1921 French Grand Prix. Although it didn’t always win, it was highly competitive and helped establish Ballot’s reputation as a maker of high-performance racing cars.