Private Racer Robert Crevits Carried the Ferrari Flag
Ferrari as a company had many great many racing successes which put it on the map around the world. In addition, the record books show many victories piled upon victories all through the 1950s and 1960s. Many of the latter victories were achieved by privateers, in a variety of endurance races, GT races, rallies and Hillclimbs. They were in Ferraris, of course, some which they bought themselves, some which they rented, and some of which were provided by the different Ferrari importers.
Ferrari saw this as a great way to get its products into the hands of talented enthusiasts at important venues that Ferrari could not do on its own.
One of those stalwart private drivers was Robert Crevits, a Belgian businessman who took a liking to GT racing and achieved quite a bit – he won the Belgian Hillclimb Championship three years in a row in 1960, 1961 and 1962.
The author of this homage to Robert Crevits, historian Arnaud Meunier, was able to find the son, Pol Crevits, who had many details of his father’s racing career and with many good historic photos.
From the excellent text of Arnaud Meunier:
“For this new year, Robert Crevits rented again the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, s/n 2445 GT, from Ecurie Francorchamps. He won the first four races of Belgian Hillclimb Championship - Fléron-Trooz, Alle-sur-Semois, Laroche and Bomerée.
“For the next race Andenne-Gives in July, s/n 2445 GT was not available because it had been crashed at the Le Mans 24 Hours. So Robert Crevits piloted another 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, the s/n 2069 GT from Garage Francorchamps. 2069 GT had a steel body and a less powerful engine; nevertheless Crevits finished second in GT. With that he finally took his third Championship title in three years!”
This interesting saga of privateer racing is in the October 1 issue of Cavallino #227, with the extensive article of his exploits, many historical photos and a chart of his racing victories, with the Ferraris entered and all chassis numbers. Only in Cavallino. Subscribe today.
