A Glimpse into the 12th Le Mans Classic
The 12th edition of the Le Mans Classic, held last weekend, was a celebration of automotive history, with a 1923 Delage and a 1982 Ferrari marking the start and end of the event. Over 800 competition cars and more than 9,200 club display vehicles filled the grid, offering something for every motorsport enthusiast. With temperatures soaring and rain making its presence felt over the three competitive days, the drivers delivered a spectacle that truly lived up to the ‘classic’ label.
Highlights from the Event
Bentley 4 1⁄4 litre ‘Partout Embiricos’
Hidden in the annals of motoring history is the remarkable achievement of Edward Ramsden Hall, an amateur racer who completed a solo drive of the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1950. This feat remains unique, as he finished eighth in his distinctive Bentley 4 1⁄4 litre. This year, Sir Paul Carter brought a recreation of Hall’s car to the Le Mans Classic. The chassis B106GA, featuring a Ridlington ’36 TT bodywork, ran smoothly and impressed both on and off the track.
Porsche 356 (Pre-A) 1100 Coupe 1951
The 1951 Le Mans race marked the debut of what would become one of the most successful manufacturers in the event’s history. This year, a silver 1951 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1100 Coupe captivated spectators with its unique wheel-covering spats. Driven by Jean-Francois Penillard, the car maintained reliability throughout the races, despite a slower lap time.
Jaguar D-type 1955
The Jaguar D-type made its debut at Le Mans in 1954 but truly found its stride in 1955. Two 1955 D-types participated in this year’s event, with Andy Wallace driving one to second place in the first race. The car’s aerodynamics and handling were key factors in its performance.
Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 made a significant impact at the Le Mans Classic, with eight 1965 Mk1 models competing against four Ferraris. The battle between the #28 GT40 of Emile Breittmayer and the #83 Scuderia Filipinetti car of Max Lynn was particularly thrilling, with just a fraction of a second separating them at the finish line.
Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Competizione 1971
Two examples of the 365 GTB/4 were present in Grid 5, with the #51 standing out due to its meticulous preparation. Although not an original factory Competizione, the car’s condition was exceptional, and it performed reliably throughout the races.
WM P70 1970
The Welter-Meunier P70, a rare prototype racer, was also part of the event. This exacting recreation of the original, which never raced at Le Mans, performed well across all three races, finishing mid-field in the finale.
BMW M1 Procar
Despite its lack of success in Le Mans, the BMW M1 Procar remains a crowd-pleaser with its flame-throwing performance. Its rarity and spectacle make it a standout in the event.
Moynet LM75 1975
An unusual story of a class win, the Moynet LM75, driven by an all-female team, captured attention. Michele Mouton’s performance during the rainy night was crucial to the car’s victory in 1975.
Maserati Tipo 151/4 1965
A faithful recreation of the 1965 Maserati Tipo 151/4 faced challenges during the event, ultimately catching fire and spinning out. However, the driver remained unharmed.
Bentley Speed 8 2003
From the Endurance Racing Legends support grid, the Bentley Speed 8, which won Le Mans in 2003, was a highlight. Max Lynn’s strong performance was slightly overshadowed by a penalty, which saw him take the top step of the podium in race one.
The Le Mans Classic continues to be a testament to the enduring legacy of classic racing cars, showcasing their beauty, engineering, and the passion of those who drive them.
