The Le Mans Classic itself takes place over the 24 hour period from 4 p.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Sunday when some of the most beautiful cars from previous eras circumnavigate the famous Le Mans Circuit and relive the glory days of the Le Mans 24 Hours.

 

 

The Le Mans Classic was first run in 2002 and takes place over the same circuit that is used for the annual Le Mans 24 hours race (24 Heures du Mans).

 

When the Le Mans Classic first took place in 2002, it was the first time since 1923 that the full 24 Hour circuit, part of which encompasses stretches of public road on the south side of Le Mans, had been used for an event other than the 24 Heures du Mans itself.

 

Cars entering the Le Mans Classic must either be models which have previously competed at the Le Mans 24 Hour race or be similar cars of the same model. The specification for the cars entered must be as it was for the original so there is no question of cars with modern engines and technology being entered ‘disguised’ by the original bodywork!

 

The Le Mans Classic differs from the 24 Heures du Mans in that it consists of a series of races for cars from 6 earlier eras. Under the present rules, only cars manufactured up to 1979 can enter. The year groups are currently 1923-1939, 1949-1956, 1957-1961, 1962-1965, 1966-1971 and 1972-1979. A series of races are held and each team competes in each era. Cars from different time periods cannot be on the course at the same time so all the six mini-races, cars compete like with like. The overall team winner is based on the team’s performance over the six stages.

 

To compete in the races a driver must own an FIA International Competition licence, meaning that all the drivers compete at a professional level.

 

Aside from the Le Mans Classic race itself, in and around the Circuit de la Sarthe, there are many vintage car shows and auctions. For 2012, it is estimated that as many as 8000 cars may be on display!. Children can join in the fun by driving replicas of previous Le Mans entries at the Little Big Mans but places are limited so early application is required. Vintage bus tours of the Le Mans circuits can be taken and there are even helicopter flights over the Circuit de la Sarthe and the Circuit Bugatti.

    

The 2012 6th Le Mans Classic is a salute the memory of Americans who have competed at the Le Mans 24 Hours. The poster (illustrated) could not be more explicit: it is a view of the Le Mans 24 Hours of 1967. That year marked the climax of the Italian-American duel between Ferrari and Ford, and was won by the latter, with the Ford Mk IV of Dan Gurney and AJ Foyt. In all, eleven drivers from the United States have a combined a total of sixteen victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours.