Born : July 3 1910
Deceased : October 11 1980
Biography Auguste Veuillet
2 years after the end of the 2nd World war, Auguste Veuillet start Sonauto in Paris. He imported luxurious vehicles to France. After he met Ferdinand Porsche at the 1950 Paris Auto Salon, Auguste Veuillet became the first french Porsche importer.
In 1964 Sonauto expanded to the motorcycle market and agreed with Yamaha to become French importer of these vehicles. Auguste Veuillet trusted the development of the dealer network to Jean-Claude Olivier, a son of the colleague racer Gonzague Olivier.
First Porsche entry at Le Mans 24H
Shortly after the end of World War II, the first motorsport events took place in Europe. August Veuillet was one of the first pilots to participate in these races. In September 1945, Auguste Veuillet appeared at the start of the Liberation Cup in the Bois du Boulogne in Paris in an MG K3 Magnete. In 1948, he finished 6th at the Spa – Francorchamps 24H and in 1949 he participated in the Le Mans 24H for the first time.
Auguste Veuillet was the first man who drove a Porsche in Le Mans. The factory had absolutely no intentions to take part in this race. Call it an aftermath of the war, tensions between Germany and France were still existent. in 1951, Auguste Veuillet entered a Porsche 356 SL Coupe with his friend Edmond Mouche. They finished 20th overall and 1st in class. 1952 brought another class victory to the same team, now with an 11th place overall.
His biggest succes in racing, was a victory in the Bol d’Or 1955, teaming up with Gonzague Olivier in a Porsche 550. His last race exploit was a 6th place at the 1958 3H of Rouen.
