Anne-Cécile Rose-Itier (née Itier; 31 July 1890—23 March 1980) was a French multi-talented automobile driver and co-driver, competing in rallies, hill climbs, circuits, and endurance events.
Having previously learned to fly, she began driving competitively at 31 after she left her abusive husband and began what would become a protracted divorce.[1][2] Other drivers derisively labeled her a "mobile chicane", but she proved a determined competitor, finishing second in her class and sixth overall in the 1926 Paris—Pau road race.[1][3] In 1930 her financial situation appears to have improved significantly, likely indicating that her divorce was finalized.[1] At that time, she purchased an apartment in Jardin des Tuileries, a summer home in Capbreton, and a supercharged Bugatti Type 37.[1][3]
During the Second World War, Itier helped to evacuate children out of occupied France.[4]
She retired from racing at 58 and operated a tea shop in Capbreton, near her country home.[3] Itier died on 23 March 1980 in Cannes.[3]
Career
Her long competitive career, which started with the 1926 Paris—Pau race (in a Brasier), continued more than a quarter century, to the 1953 Monte Carlo Rally.
She frequently raced in the Cyclecar category from 1929. From 1931 to 1933, she drove a Bugatti Type 37, then a Type 51 (after a brief stint on a Type 39A, associated with José Scaron) from 1934, alternating with a Fiat 508S Balilla from 1935.
She was also co-driver with the English driver Kay Petre in an Austin and very often with the German Fritz Huschke von Hanstein in a Hanomag Diesel (1939 German touring car champion and winner of the 1940 Mille Miglia), with whom she even had an affair, after the latter had saved her from death during the Morocco rally of 1937. She was at his side for his last race before the war: the 1939 Monte Carlo Rally.
In 1935, with Jacques Delorme, Germaine Rouault and Hellé Nice, she founded the U.S.A. (Union sportive automobile), which soon became the A.C.I. (Association pour les conduites indépendants), which she continued to administer until the mid-1960s, under the aegis of the French Federation of Automobile Sport (FFSA).
After the war, she raced again in her old Fiat Balilla, then quickly on a Renault 4CV and took part in the 1948–1953 Monte Carlo Rallies with co-driver and former dancer, Hellé Nice.
Record
Rallying
2nd place: Monthléry women's rally in 1928
Seven participations in the Monte Carlo Rally, in 1939 then from 1948 to 1953
Carting
Cart race at the Nîmes circuit in 1932 (Trophée de Provence);
1937: retirement with Fritz Huschke von Hanstein on Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine GT (first completely closed racing car at the time), due to engine failure
^Madame Rouault elle-même victorieuse de l'édition 1937 du Paris-Saint-Raphaël et seconde en 1935 sur Delahaye, avec une participation aux 24 Heures du Mans 1950 associée à Régine Gordine sur Simla Gordini.
