Jacques Duval, Founder of Le Guide de l’auto, Passes Away

The team at The Car Guide is mourning the loss of former race car driver, auto journalist, TV host and founder of Le Guide de l’auto, Jacques Duval, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89.

A widely known and highly respected figure in Quebec and beyond, Duval was a household name within the auto industry as well as among the general public.

Soon after starting his own TV show called Prenez le volant on Radio-Canada (1966-1974), Duval founded Le Guide de l’auto in 1967. He could never have imagined that his annual book would become a bestseller in La Belle Province and serve as bedtime reading material for legions of car enthusiasts.  

Duval steered Le Guide de l’auto for 37 years (except for a short period where he worked for Ford) before leaving in 2004. He returned as a collaborator from 2013-2015.

He was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame and was given the Georges-Emile Lapalme Award by the Government of Quebec in 2011 for his outstanding career and exceptional contribution to the province’s cultural development.

Duval is survived by his wife Suzanne Charest, his three children Brigitte, Pierre and François, as well as his five grandchildren. Everyone here at The Car Guide extends their deepest sympathies to the family.

RIP Jacques!