24h Le Mans
Le Mans Classic is all about the cars that took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but these cars had to be brought to the circuit back in the day. Some made their own way by road, but most were conveyed by transporters long before the modern trucks came onto the scene.
Le Mans Classic is all about the cars that took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but these cars had to be brought to the circuit back in the day. Some made their own way by road, but most were conveyed by transporters long before the modern trucks came onto the scene.
Transporters had several roles. First and foremost, they transported the race cars from circuit to circuit. They were also used as a dormitory for the mechanics who slept inside. And they also acted as a travelling workshop when gremlins struck the car. A number of drivers even travelled in the truck.
These race car transporters have been placed in the spotlight at this edition of Le Mans Classic. One of the most iconic is undoubtedly Scuderia Ferrari’s 1967 OM 150 (coachwork by Bartoletti) which transported the Italian manufacturer’s cars.
Another gem is the 1968 Mercedes-Benz 0317 which transported the Porsche Gulfs of John Wyer in the 1970s.
The 1960 Commer TS3 of Ecurie Ecosse is yet another to catch the eye. The Ecurie Ecosse outfit entered the Jaguar D-Types that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1956 (Ron Flockhart and Ninian Sanderson) and 1957 (Ron Flockhart and Ivor Bueb).
More than ten race team transporter trucks have been given pride of place in the circuit Village. The exhibition is organised by the Fédération Française de Véhicules d’Epoque (French Federation of Vintage Vehicles).
Photo: This Commer TS3 which transported the Jaguars of Ecurie Ecosse is one of the stars of Le Mans Classic 2016
