Boat builder Frantz Liuzzi had a humble start, building canoes in Neuilly-Sur-Seine on the outskirts of Paris. Following World War II, he became one of the most prolific builders in post-war France with an enviable reputation for building wooden boats just as fast as they were beautiful.

The “Sois Sage II”, one of only five known surviving Lidos, was originally owned and raced by successful motorboat racer Roger Brunet. These boats were originally fitted with BPM engines which, depending on specification, offered between 125 and 250 bhp. Even in a relatively pedestrian specification, Liuzzi’s were capable of speeds nearing 100 km/h.

Bearing his famous #11, Roger won the Paris 6 Hours, held on the Seine itself, which led to clinching the 1957 Class II European Championship. Following its retirement from competition, the boat was used as a recreation water-ski boat and removed from the water. It was later discovered in a barn in 1975. Treated to a through restoration, its original BPM motor was replaced with a 289-cu. in. Chrysler V-8 said to produce 260 bhp.

Purchased by the consignor in 2006, a restoration was commissioned with Rejuvenation Woodworks in Florida and the work was completed in 2010. The boat is accompanied by a trailer as well as a history file including photos of the restoration and a frame photo of Sois Sage II winning the Paris 6 Hours. Beautifully preserved and seldom used since, this is a spectacular boat with fascinating history.