Le Mans Classic 2014

| 8 Jul 2014

 

Every two years, the Circuit de la Sarthe becomes a haven for historic racing as hundreds of cars, drivers and enthusiasts pour into the Loire Valley from all over the world. This year's event proved to be the biggest yet, as more than 110,000 visitors and 450 historic racers packed into the circuit for three days of nail-biting motor sport.

This year, the Lola T70s, Ford GT40s and Jaguar D-types enjoyed their usual success on track, but there were plenty of surprises away from the racing, including a rare appearance by the turbine-powered 1965 Rover-BRM, which is usually housed in a museum, and the famous 1929 Bentley Speed Six 'Old Number One'.

 

A vast array of French classics filled the clubs area, including an impressive showing of rare Matra Bonnet Djets. 

 

Though primarily a sporting event, there were plenty of luxury classics wafting around the Bugatti Circuit. 

It was possible to take part in parade laps in the gaps between races. This Alpine-Renault is fresh from a turn of the track. 

 

The 1927 Amilcar C6 of Courtine and Benoit Latour did battle with Lagondas, Bugattis and Aston Martins throughout three races. 

 

The Heritage Motor Museum's 1965 Rover-BRM sounded incredible when it was fired up, and bagged a concours prize to boot. 

 

Gary Pearson proved formidable at the wheel of a Jaguar D-type. 

 

 

A committed performance in the wet wasn't enough to give David Hart outright victory in Plateau Four, but it was a magnificent spectacle for the crowd. 

 

 

The Longtail Porsche 910 looked spectacular, but couldn't break the Lola T70 Mk3 stranglehold on Plateau Five.