3 of The Best Historic Car Races

Classic sports cars zooming around an historic race track is something every modern day Gentleman should aspire to spectate, or better, participate in. The beauty of historic races lies in the fact that each car is a flashback into the golden era of racing – they are the product of the original specification. It’s not just the impressive cars that draws us in – and millions of others – to historic races either. Relaxed atmospheres, flawless scenery and timeless race circuits make for an unforgettable weekend. Join us, as we detail three of the most historic races that can still be raced to this day.

The Historic Monte Carlo Grand Prix

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Held every two years; commonly two weeks before the famous F1 Grand Prix of Monaco and taking place on the same circuit as the F1 Grand Prix, this is an event that truly gives a charming step back into the past. For the spectator, the scream of the finely tuned engines and the sight of the drivers tackling the twists and turns of the street circuit delivers spectacular, priceless memories. Last year saw the stunning cars distributed into seven different races, from pre 1952 Grand Prix cars to pre 1985 formula 3. May 2014 will be the 9th edition of the race and we expect to see scenes that are equally as astounding as previous years. Additionally, It’s not just the Motorsport that makes a weekend at the Historic Monte Carlo Grand Prix so special. Most race fans reside in exceptionally luxurious hotels in Nice, Cannes or Menton. As well as these being the ideal places to relax in style – most of them overlook beautifully picturesque scenery to the tune of unthinkably fast sports cars such as the McLaren P1 speeding past the windows.

Le Mans Classic

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Big crowds, bigger atmosphere, classic cars, immense circuits and non stop action! These make up just some of the many qualities the Le Mans Classic experience has to offer. What makes this event so extraordinary is that it’s a real test of the drivers sports cars. Beginning in 2002, the Le Mans classic runs every two years on the full 13.65km circuit which is also used for the annual modern day 24 hours of Le Mans. The cars driven are generally those which have previously (pre 1979) competed in the 24 hours of Le Mans or similar cars of the same model. Such event is recognised world wide as being one of the most prestigious historic races not only because it’s a superb sporting event – but is a celebration of the history of automobiles. To top it off, a weekend at the Le Mans Classic provides numerous other ways to enjoy yourself. Whether it be being browsing exhibitions or eating the interesting array of French delicacies – there really is something for everyone.

Spa 6 Hour

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If you happen to be anything like us, your an admirer of classic cars such as: Ford GT40’s, E-type Jaguars, Bentley 4.5’s, Brabhams, Lola T70 and Ferrari 250LM. If not, then one of the other 600 competing cars will surely catch your eye. As with the other historic races, Six Hours of Spa offers a delightful atmosphere whether you’re a sports car fanatic or an intrigued novice. Perhaps what makes this race so extraordinary is the gripping six hours endurance race on the Saturday evening. The roar of the classic auto mobiles darting through the streets of Belgium is nothing short of a phenomenal experience. Furthermore, the event is walking distance from a number of tidy, family run hotels that equate to the perfect place to recharge for the day ahead. Alternatively, a lot of spectators – and racers – camp at the Camping Eau Rouge site and enjoy themselves long into the night. Sounds good to us!

By James Clarke

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