100 Years of Legends
LE MANS CLASSIC 2023
2 July 2023 • Written By Virgiliu Andone
The mythical race in the Sarthe celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. Just a few weeks after the 2023 edition wrote its own page in the history books, it was time for the Le Mans Classic, the Peter Auto organised event that every other year imprints some of the past glories into the living memory of the current generations.
Every edition feels special, but this one clearly went the extra mile, as a fitting homage to what is probably the most famous automobile race in the world. A century of racing cars took to the 13.6 km long track, under the eyes of a record breaking audience of 235000 spectators, over the weekend. More than 800 machines, dating from 1923 to 2010, dusted off the cobwebs and stretched their legs, getting reacquainted with the place that, for so many of their brands, was where their stature got the ultimate confirmation.
Alfa Romeo’s motosport success is so comprehensive that few remember that it also includes some thrilling chapters in the Sarthe. This fact didn’t go unnoticed on the corridors of power of our favourite manufacturer and, to our great delight, the company decided to deliver a much needed reminder to the world. Alfa was an official sponsor this year, celebrating both the centenary of the Quadrifoglio, but also the 4 straight wins it bagged, between 1931 and 1934. It also distinguished itself post war, both in the 6C era and with the jewel that is the Tipo 33 series and could possibly do it again in the near future.
The 2023 Le Mans Classic was a spectacular success, an event that, despite its significance, didn’t succumb to the pitfall of taking itself too seriously and also offered a healthy dose of non car related entertainment, with a re-energised Village buzzing with action long into the night. Its own microcosmos of campsites, caravans and their ever more effervescent navettes and commuters, all mingling with historical priceless cars blended in a vibrant soup reminiscing of the coral reefs, only perhaps even brighter. Charm triumphed over pomp and circumstance and everyone left with a sweet taste of what enjoying motorsports is all about.
Yes, it’s thrilling, but it’s also a great formula for bringing people of very contrasting backgrounds together, transcending their differences and finding joy in their common ground.
