1956 Tour de France – Race Official’s Car Flag

In a tradition started with the first Tour de France in 1903, these flags were affixed to wood dowels and placed in special holders on race official cars. These flags were used well into the 1960s. For 20+ years after that the flags were used by officials and course marshals to warn riders of oncoming danger. What is particularly appealing is during the period from post-WWII until the late 1960s, the flags had the year clearly visible. As time has marched on, the desirability of these flags has grown, with particular interest given to the years where the winner was also considered a great champion.

The 1956 Tour de France took place from 5 to 28 July, consisting of 22 stages over 4,498 km (2,795 mi). In tat years edition, despite a strong field no former Tour winners started the race, which was very unusual having happened previously only in 1927 and 1903. The relatively unknown rider, Roger Walkowiak, spent 5 days in the yellow jersey and with the “power of the maillot jaunt” on his back, overcame dramatic odds to win the Tour.

Size 58.5 x 42 cm ( 23 x 16.5 inches)