Le Mans Classic 2020 reveals its first entry lists

A first list of entrants was published on January 31. Other competitors could be announced in the coming weeks; In the meantime, here are some legendary cars not to be missed in Sarthe next summer.

>>Committed Plateaus 1 to 6<

Plate 1 (1923-1939)
1939 – Talbot Lago T26 ex-single seater

At the end of the 30s, the German Silver Arrows dominated all races. The offset Talbot Lago T26 Single Seater is designed to dethrone them. Its in-line six-cylinder engine unfortunately cannot beat the V12 of the Mercedes-Benz W154s. And yet, that did not prevent him from having a great racing career with a victory at the Comminges Grand Prix or a second place at the 24 1950 Hours of Le Mans.

Plate 2 (1949-1956)
1953 – Cunningham C4R

Briggs S. Cunningham Jr. was one of the most renowned American motor sportsmen of his era. With his eponymous brand, he led the United States to the forefront but above all to victory. Of the 36 Cunningham brand cars, only nine are racing models. Among them, the C4R, which won the most titles including John Fitch's victory at the Elkhart Lake race in 1952 and Sebring in 1953. The statistics speak for themselves, the three C4Rs produced won 74% and finished 84 % of races in which they participated.

Plate 3 (1957-1961)
1955 – Jaguar D-Type

After a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1951 and 1953 with the Type-C, Jaguar was under pressure: the next model must be as efficient and thus maintain English domination! The Type-D kept all its promises and won the famous Le Mans event in 1955 with the duo Mike Hawthorn-Ivor Bueb at the wheel.

Plate 4 (1962-1965)
1964 – Ferrari 250 LM

The Ferrari Berlinetta Le Mans aimed to succeed the legendary 250 GTO. Produced in 32 units, GT approval was unfortunately refused. However, it will offer a fine podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965 with a first place for the NART and a second position for the Ecurie Francorchamps.

Plate 5 (1966-1971)
1970-Porsche 917

The Porsche 917 is an icon for all car enthusiasts. The specialist press even awarded it the title of the most significant racing car of its century. A true racing beast, this automobile is undoubtedly the queen of endurance of the 70s. Specially designed to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it provides a spectacle, particularly at the Mulsanne level.

Plate 6 (1972-1981)
1976 – Inaltera

Inaltera was known, at the time, as a wallpaper brand chaired by Charles James. But that will quickly change! Le Mans Jean Rondeau is looking for financing for a car for the 24 1976 Hours of Le Mans. Charles James will provide it and thus give the name of his brand to this car. At the start, two Inalteras: the first carries the number 1 and will be driven by Henri Pescarolo and Jean-Pierre Beltoise. No. 2 is piloted by Jean Pierre Jaussaud, Jean Rondeau himself and a woman, Christine Beckers. The n°1 will also finish in 8th place!

Group C Racing (1982-1993)

Difficult to select a particular model. Indeed, several melodious rarities will be lined up: five Jaguars (XJR-8, XJR-9, XJR-11), four Porsches (956, 962) as well as three Peugeot 905 V10s! The soundtrack promises to be exceptional:

>>Group C Racing entrants<

Endurance Racing Legends (1994-2010)
1997 – Panoz Esperante GTR-1

At the end of the 1990s and then at the beginning of the 2000s, the Panoz Esperante GTR-1 was the first symbol of the originality and passion of its initiator Don Panoz, a major player in the renaissance of endurance. Seen in the FIA ​​GT championship in 1997, with best results of ninth places at Spa-Francorchamps and Donington, the example presented here (chassis 003) also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1997 and 2004, respectively under the colors of David Price Racing and Larbre Compétition (withdrawals).

>>Engaged Endurance Racing Legends<