Gilberte Thirion

While she retired before the 1960s began, Thirion’s success laid the foundation for the increased participation of women in top-level rallying during the decade, influencing drivers like Ewy Rosqvist and Pat Moss.

• Renault Dauphine: Used in her 1956 Liège–Rome–Liège victory — a lightweight, nimble car ideal for endurance rallies.
• Porsche 356: Piloted in Alpine and high-speed tarmac events with notable results.
• Simca Aronde: Early-career rally car used primarily in regional French and Belgian events.

Thirion's ability to consistently outperform expectations in small-displacement cars was a hallmark of her strategic and composed driving approach.

Known for her composed demeanor and precise handling, Thirion excelled in long-distance rallies where discipline and focus were key. She never relied on brute force, instead favoring finesse, navigation accuracy, and vehicle conservation. Her career proved that rallying was not just about power, but intelligence and stamina — helping reshape perceptions of what women could achieve in motorsport.

Although she stepped away from competition before the 1960s, her success continued to resonate as more female drivers entered the scene, citing her as a source of inspiration.

Thirion often competed alongside Nadine Puyo, forming one of the first successful all-female driver-navigator duos in European rallying. Their synergy was built on trust, precision, and mutual preparation — a rarity in an era when most teams were male-dominated.

Their performances not only broke ground competitively, but also symbolized a broader shift toward inclusivity in motorsport that would gain momentum in the 1960s.