A Glimpse into the 12th Le Mans Classic: A Celebration of Automotive Heritage
The 12th edition of the Le Mans Classic, held last weekend, brought together a fascinating array of vintage and historic racing machines. The event was marked by an impressive turnout, with over 800 competition cars and more than 9,200 club display vehicles on the grid. Spectators, numbering around 238,000, were treated to a spectacle that showcased the evolution of motorsport through the decades.
Despite challenging weather conditions—ranging from intense heat to heavy rain—the drivers delivered performances that lived up to the ‘classic’ billing. The event also featured three support races, each highlighting different eras of endurance racing. These included the Endurance Racing Legends, Group C cars from 1983 to 1991, and a dedicated Porsche Classic Race, adding further excitement to the already vibrant atmosphere.
Here are some of the standout moments from the event:
The Bentley 4 1⁄4 Litre: A Solo Achievement
One of the most intriguing stories from the event was the return of the Bentley 4 1⁄4 litre, a car that once belonged to Edward Ramsden Hall. Hall, an accomplished amateur racer, made history in 1950 by completing a solo drive of the Le Mans 24 Hours, finishing eighth in his unique Bentley. This year, Sir Paul Carter successfully raced a recreation of Hall’s car, which featured a replica Ridlington ’36 TT bodywork and other period-accurate details. Carter praised the car’s performance, calling it a “delight to drive.”
The Porsche 356 (Pre-A) 1100 Coupe 1951: A Debut That Shaped History
The 1951 race marked the debut of what would become one of the most successful manufacturers in Le Mans history. The Porsche 356 SL 1100 Coupe, designed by Ferry Porsche and Erwin Komenda, made its mark despite a damaged sister car. This year, a silver coupe with distinctive wheel-covering spats captivated spectators, appearing almost to float above the track. Driven by Jean-Francois Penillard, the car completed its races reliably, showcasing its timeless design.
The Jaguar D-Type 1955: A Legacy of Speed and Aerodynamics
The Jaguar D-Type made its debut at Le Mans in 1954 but truly came into its own in 1955. Known for its superior aerodynamics and handling, the D-Type went on to win multiple times. Two 1955 D-types participated in this year’s event, with Andy Wallace driving one to a second-place finish in the first race.
The Ford GT40: A Battle for Supremacy
The Ford GT40 left a lasting impression at the event, particularly in Grid 4, which covered the years 1962 to 1965. The battle between two Ford GT40s in the first race was nothing short of thrilling, with the #28 and #83 cars separated by less than a tenth of a second. The event saw a mix of Ford and Ferrari entries, with the GT40s dominating the podium.
The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Competizione 1971: A Beauty in Motion
Two examples of the 365 GTB/4 were present in Grid 5, with one standing out for its meticulous preparation. Although not an original factory Competizione, the #51 model, converted by Carlo Bonini, looked stunning and performed reliably. Its stability on fast curves made it a formidable competitor, even if it lacked agility on tighter circuits.
The WM P70 1970: A Lightweight Prototype
Grid 5 also featured the Welter-Meunier P70, a lightweight prototype built using a tubular chassis and bonded composite monocoque. Though not the original, the recreation performed well across all three races, finishing in the midfield in the final event.
The BMW M1 Procar: A Flame-Throwing Spectacle
The BMW M1 Procar, known for its flame-throwing exhausts, was a crowd favorite in Grid 6. Despite its lack of success in Le Mans history, the car remains a rare and visually striking machine. Its presence at the event added a unique flair to the proceedings.
The Moynet LM75 1975: An Unlikely Winner
The Moynet LM75, driven by an all-female team, made headlines in 1975 when it won its class. Michele Mouton’s performance during a rainy night was pivotal to the victory. This year, the car qualified strongly and maintained its original appearance, making it a standout entry.
The Maserati Tipo 151/4 1965: A Fragile Dream
The Maserati Tipo 151/4, a recreation of the 1965 model, faced challenges during the event, ultimately catching fire and spinning out. While the car was damaged, the driver remained unharmed, highlighting the risks inherent in vintage racing.
The Bentley Speed 8 2003: A Modern Classic
From the Endurance Racing Legends support grid, the Bentley Speed 8, which won Le Mans in 2003, made a strong showing. Max Lynn drove the car competently, though he was overtaken by Jamie Constable’s Zytek. However, a penalty for a pit window infringement allowed Lynn to claim the top spot in race one.
