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A Journey Through Time: Highlights from the 12th Le Mans Classic
The 12th edition of the Le Mans Classic, held last weekend, was a celebration of automotive history, featuring a remarkable array of vintage and classic racing cars. From a 1923 Delage to a 1982 Ferrari, the event showcased over 800 competition vehicles and more than 9,200 club display cars, offering something for every enthusiast. Despite challenging weather conditions, including intense heat and heavy rain, the drivers delivered an unforgettable spectacle that lived up to the “classic” label.
The event also featured three support races, which added extra excitement. These included the Endurance Racing Legends, Group C cars from 1983 to 1991, and a grid of Porsches in the Porsche Classic Race. Here are some of the standout moments from across the event.
Bentley 4 1⁄4 litre ‘Partout Embiricos’
Hidden in the annals of motorsport history is the story of Edward Ramsden Hall, an amateur racer who made history by completing a solo drive of the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1950. This achievement remains unique to this day. This year, Sir Paul Carter brought Hall’s legacy to life by racing a recreation of the original Bentley 4 1⁄4 litre. The car, with its Ridlington ’36 TT bodywork and aerodynamic enhancements, performed flawlessly, earning praise for its handling, power, and braking.
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 captured attention on the track, thanks to its distinctive wheel-covering spats. Driven by Jean-Francois Penillard, the car completed its races reliably, showcasing the timeless design of this early Porsche model.
Jaguar D-type 1955
The Jaguar D-type made its mark at Le Mans in 1955, winning multiple times in the following years. This year, two 1955 D-types participated in Grid 3, with Andy Wallace driving car number 29. He finished second in race one, just eight seconds behind the winner, highlighting the enduring performance of this iconic machine.
Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 left a lasting impression on the Le Mans Classic, with several models competing in Grid 4. The 1965 Mk1 GT40s, in particular, were a highlight. An epic battle between two Fords in race one saw them separated by less than a tenth of a second, demonstrating the high pace and intensity of the event.
Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Competizione 1971
Two examples of the 365 GTB/4 were present in Grid 5, with the #51 standing out for its exquisite preparation. Though not an original factory Competizione, it was converted by renowned Ferrari specialist Carlo Bonini. While not the fastest on tight circuits, the car demonstrated excellent stability and reliability during the races.
WM P70 1970
The Welter-Meunier P70, a rare prototype racer, was another highlight. Designed by Peugeot engineers, the car used a lightweight composite monocoque and a 1.3-litre engine. Although not the original, the recreation performed well, finishing mid-field in the final race.
BMW M1 Procar
Despite its lack of success in Le Mans history, the BMW M1 Procar remains a crowd favorite due to its flamethrower effect. This year, it stood out in Grid 6, drawing attention with its unique design and powerful engine.
Moynet LM75 1975
The Moynet LM75 had a dramatic story, featuring an all-female driver lineup and a win in the 1975 Le Mans. This year, the car qualified strongly, showcasing its historical significance and performance.
Maserati Tipo 151/4 1965
A faithful recreation of the 1965 Maserati Tipo 151/4, the car faced challenges during the event, ultimately catching fire and spinning out. However, the driver remained unharmed, highlighting the risks involved in historic racing.
Bentley Speed 8 2003
From the support grids, the Bentley Speed 8, which won Le Mans in 2003, was a standout. Max Lynn drove the car with strong performance, though he couldn’t pass the Zytek, which received a penalty, allowing him to claim victory in race one.
