Club
Just one week before the 24 Hours of Le Mans, approximately 60 classic cars will make an appearance on the grounds of the Le Mans Country Club château at Yvré-l'Evêque (8-10 June). With a Tour d’élégance by Chopard planned, as well as numerous attractions, noteworthy cars and renowned collaborators...the 3rd edition of the Classic Grand Tour is shaping up to be sensational! Admission is free for ACO members.
On Monday 28 May, organizers and partners of the Classic Grand Tour gathered at the Le Mans Country Club château to announce the program, new attractions and unveil the poster for the third edition. The Sarthe Grand-Prix Héritage association, managed by Philippe Pasteau, is organizing this Tour d'élégance in partnership with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and the Département de la Sarthe. For Dominique Le Mèner, president of the Sarthe Council, this event is the kickoff of a "great celebration of the automobile." ACO president Pierre Fillon added: "The Classic Grand Tour is a part of the two weeks of the 24 Hours of Le Mans."
The château grounds will be open to the public for three days: 8, 9 and 10 June. Sixty classic and otherwise noteworthy cars will be on display from 11 different countries - France, Germany, England, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Taiwan - and grouped into three fields: Pre-WWII, Vintage from the 1950s and 1960s, and modern Sporting Supercars.
Some of the stars of the show are sure to be the 1930s Alfa Romeo 8C, the Ferrari 250 GTO and the Bugatti Chiron, not to mention American actor Paul Newman's Mercedes 300 SL!
There will also be a play area for children with plenty of activities.
In celebration of Porsche's 70th anniversary, late afternoon Saturday 9 June a dozen of the German manufacturer's most remarkable cars will put on a parade for the crowd, with official 24 Hours of Le Mans speaker Bruno Vandestick narrating the proceedings.
Lamborghini will present six cars driven by well-known figures including the Italian ambassador to France.
In addition to the attractions in the grounds of the château, 60 cars will take off on Saturday for a fantastic Tour d'élégance through the region's backroads. Their 2018 route "is based on the legendary path of the first automobile race in the region, the 1906 Grand Prix," explains Philippe Pasteau. The route passes through the towns of Bouloire, Bessé-sur-Braye, Saint-Calais, Vibraye, Montmirail, La Ferté-Bernard, Sceaux-sur-Huisne, Connerré, Montfort-le-Gesnois, Fatines, Yvré-l'Evêque, Luart, Dollon, Thorigné-sur-Dué and Saint-Corneille...
Les automobiles rendront également visite aux châteaux de Courtanvaux, du Luart et de Montmirail. Cette année, les organisateurs souhaitaient une véritable fête dans les communes lors du passage des voitures. "Les municipalités ont préparé des animations", se félicite le président de l'association.
None other than Tom Kristensen, with a record nine wins at Le Mans to his credit, and Henri Pescarolo, participations record-holder at the 24 Hours!
Swiss watchmaker Chopard is returning for the second time and is set to award four watches to pre-selected driver line-ups!
French glassmaker Lalique will also present gifts to participants including specially designed perfume bottles. The most stunning releases from the 1920 and 1930s will be offered to the public Saturday evening.
The Automobile Club de l'Ouest will offer around 20 high-end trophies personalized with the legendary route of the 1906 Grand Prix.
From 8-10 June, Le Mans Country Club in Yvré-l’Evêque. Free admission for ACO members on presentation of a valid membership card. Public admission price: €5. Appropriate dress required.
>> Detailed Program (in French) <<
2017 Classic Grand Tour photos
PHOTO: Classic Grand Tour organizer Philippe Pasteau, ACO president Pierre Fillon and Sarthe Council president Dominique Le Mèner.