11 Facts About Antonio Lago

Antonio Franco Lago was an Italian engineer and motor-industry entrepreneur.

Antonio Lago grew up in the company of actors, musicians and government officials, developing relationships with leaders such as Pope John XXIII and Benito Mussolini.

Antonio Lago graduated in engineering from the Politecnico di Milano.

One of the fascists was killed and Antonio Lago fled to Paris, reportedly never returning to Italy.

Antonio Lago worked for Pratt and Whitney in Southern California before settling in England in the 1920s, where he changed his name to Anthony.

Antonio Lago acquired the rights to export Wilson gearboxes from England.

Antonio Lago insisted that the racing cars should be closely related to Talbot production models.

Sales were slow due to French recession and lack of racing success so Antonio Lago found a new publicity niche, covering 100 miles in one hour at the Autodrome de Linas-Montlhery.

Capitalising on the company's success in sportscar racing, Antonio Lago announced plans to build a 3-litre V16-engined car for the 1938 Grand Prix season.

Antonio Lago was awarded the Legion d'Honneur by the French government "for the glory he brought to France on the race course".

Antonio Lago is buried in the cemetery of Predore, the village where he lived.