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1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C Heads to Auction

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1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C

Images by Simon Clay, courtesy RM Sotheby’s

This 1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C is one of just four AMR1s remaining. It was driven by Brian Redman and David Leslie in period and is a successful historic racer in the modern day.

It will head to the auction on the 18th of August at RM Sotheby’s’ Monterey sale.

Emerging into an intensely competitive period of sports car racing, the AMR1 was an all-new design for the 1989 season. The model got off to a somewhat rough start, with AMR1/01 crashed in testing and Aston Martin missing the first round of the season. Its debut would take place the following month at Circuit Dijon-Prenois, where it finished 17th in the Coupe de Dijon.

1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C

AMR1/01 was joined by AMR1/03 for the 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans. Both cars would qualify poorly, securing just 32nd and 40th place. The race itself was somewhat more promising, with AMR1/01 finishing 11th. Aston Martin would skip another round of the championship, Trofeo Repsol at Circuito Permanente Del Jarama, before returning for round 4 at Brands Hatch with the car you see here.

The car, AMR1/04, was built up as one of two AMR1 Lightweights. The 920 kilogram machine was powered by a 6-litre Aston Martin/Callaway RDP87 V8 that could comfortably and reliably put out 700 horses.

1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C

It was finished in time for the 480 km of Brands Hatch, for which Brian Redman and David Leslie would share the wheel. The pair was finally able to unlock the AMR1’s potential, finishing fourth overall behind the Sauber C9 of Kenny Acheson and Mauro Baldi, the Blaupunkt 962C of Frank Jelinksi and Bob Wollek and a second C9 driven by Jean-Louis Schlesser and Jochen Mass.

AMR1/04’s next outing would be at the Nürburgring for the ADAC Trophy, where Leslie and Redman would take it to 8th overall. The 480 Kilometers of Donington saw the car improve to 6th overall, while the Coupes de Spa unfortunately produced its first retirement when a connecting rod failed.

1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C

The car was bought direct from the Aston Martin factory by its current owner. He has raced it extensively in historics since early 2000, including the 2003 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

It was treated to a refresh before 2013, when Brian Redman once again hopped on board to run the car in the Monterey Historics, setting a fastest lap in the race that was two seconds clear of anyone else.

1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C

In exceptionally original condition, with an excellent race history covering both its period and contemporary racing, this most successful of Aston’s AMR1s will be auctioned in just a few weeks at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale. The Monterey sale will be held over the 18th and 19th of August at the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey, California. This car will be auctioned on Friday the 18th and is expected to fetch between US$475,000 and $675,000.

For the full details, hit the RM Sotheby’s website here.

Images by Simon Clay courtesy RM Sotheby’s

1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C

1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C

1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C

1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C

1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C

The post 1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C Heads to Auction appeared first on Motorsport Retro.


Previewing the AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring

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Images by Marcel Hundscheid/Speed-O-Graphica.com

The 45th edition of the Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring will be held from the 11th to the 13th of August, 2017. We’re very much looking forward to it!

One of Europe’s biggest historic motorsports events, the event is also considered to be one of its most traditional. It marks the highlight of the historic motorsports season in Germany, featuring about 500 iconic cars.

An event highlight, sure to attract a vast crowd, is the race for DTM, ITC and STW cars, which will be held on the weekend for the very first time. The race is open for cars from 1984 to 1999.

Another crowd puller is the DRM, also known as the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft, Revival Race. This race will feature Group 5 monsters such as the Ford Zakspeed Turbo Capri, Porsche 935, BMW M1 Turbo and many others.

An iconic race not to be missed is the FIA Masters Historic F1 Championship, including Formula 1 cars from the sixties, seventies and eighties, as well as Le Mans Cars from 1962 to 1974.

Another FIA historic single seater championship that is a regular participant of the Oldtimer Grand Prix is the FIA Lurani Trophy. This event is open to classic single seaters from the early days of Formula Junior racing.

More recent single seaters are gathered into a race of Formula 3 vehicles from 1964 to 1984. The single seater series are completed by a race for historic grand prix cars up to 1960, which will recall the early days of Formula 1.

On Saturday evening the AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix will host an evening race for two-seater sportscars and GTs up to 1960/1.

There will be plenty to see on track, like the Stena Line Gentlemen Drivers (GT until 1965), Championship of Masters Historic Racing for GT cars, the Vintage Sports Car Trophy and the ASC Trophy Competition for pre-war race cars. For DTM and STW cars a regularity test will be run under the Touring Car Revival.

To complete the very busy and more than complete programme, there are presentation runs from Slowly Sideways (historic rally cars) and Skoda (from the history of motorsport, as well as for the 70th anniversary of Ferrari.

Tickets for this not to be missed event can be found here.

The post Previewing the AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

Seriously Sideways in a Lotus Cortina at the 74th Goodwood Members Meeting

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Richard Meaden Lotus Cortina Lap

Jump on board with Richard Meaden for a pinned and very sideways lap of the Goodwood Motor Circuit in a magic little Lotus Cortina.

“I’ve never formed a more fruitful partnership than with that Cortina – ‘Mighty 63‘ as it came to be known by myself and the team. Strapping into it was like pulling on a favourite pair of shoes, racing it a completely instinctive and utterly joyous process.” – Richard Meaden via Motorsport Magazine

Dickie’s lap is on point and on the limit as he drives the Cortina to pole position for the 2016 Whitmore Cup. He displays beautiful car control and race sense, using all of the circuit and navigating slower cars without dropping a tenth.

He went on to win the race as well, leading from start to finish.

Hit play, turn it up and enjoy the lap!

MORE: Video: Jim Clark sideways in a Lotus Cortina (1964)

MORE: 74th Goodwood Members’ Meeting – Widescreen Gallery

The post Seriously Sideways in a Lotus Cortina at the 74th Goodwood Members Meeting appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

Mega Gallery & Report – The 45th edition of the AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix!

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Images and story by Marcel Hundscheid/Speed-O-Graphica.com

The AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix is one of the biggest events in the European historic motorsports scene. The 45th edition saw more than 500 historic cars and drivers from 17 countries take to the mighty Nürburgring in front of 46,000 fans of the golden age of motorsport.

Read on, and enjoy our report and mega gallery.

Despite the poor weather conditions, especially on Friday and Saturday, the 45th edition of the AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix attracted more than 46,000 spectators. Morning temperatures of Friday and Saturday in summerly August reached just between 9 and 11 degrees Celcius.

More than 500 historic cars and drivers from 17 countires entered the venue. Farthest from home were drivers from the United States, Brazil and Australia.

The programme extended from the early days of motor racing to the beginnings of Formula 1, endurance racing classics of the ’50s and through to sports cars and single-seater races. Drivers could compete in 20 races and regularity tests, celebrating an action-packed journey back into the history of motorsport.

In Germany the AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix is noted as the most prestigious historic event on the inland motorsport calendar. It features three rounds of FIA-championships, including the FIA Masters Historic F1 Championship, FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship and the FIA Lurani Trophy for Formula Junior Cars. This year’s event also featured, for the very first time, two ‘Touring Car Classics’ for former DTM and STW-cars.

FIA Masters Historic F1 Championship

Eighteen former Grand Prix-cars entered qualifying including Tyrrells, Williams, Arrows, Fittipaldi, Brabham, Ensing, Shadow, Lotus, March, Ligier and Hesketh cars.

The battle for the pole was fought between Martin Stretton in his 1983 Tyrrell 012 and Michael Lyons in a Williams FW07/B. Stretton was just 0.7 second quicker than the Williams driver, securing him pole position for race 1.

After the start Stretton went straight on in the first corner. Lyons profited and took the lead. Within a blink of an eye he had a massive lead of 30 seconds. Stretton lost second place to Loic Deman, but after a spin of the Belgian Stretton regained second place. Gearbox problems forced Lyons to slow down and Stretton caught the experienced Lyons. This gave Stretton victory in race 1, as Lyons limped over the finish line in second.

However, as Stretton failed the ride-height check in post-race scrutineering, the Briton was disqualified and Lyons was declared winner.

Results race 1:

  1. Michael Lyons  Williams FW07/B
  2. Loic Deman Tyrrell 010 + 30.375
  3. Simon Fish   Ensign N180 + 36.448

The second race on Sunday became a hunt for Stretton as the Tyrrell driver took the lead in front of Belgian Loic Deman. As Michael Lyons suffered from gearbox problems on Saturday he wasn’t able to compete in race 2. Stretton and Deman battled it out but the Briton proved to be too quick for the Belgian-driver.

An incident between Max Smith-Hilliard (Fittipaldi F5a) and Gregory Thornton (Lotus 77) brought the safety car to the track. After the restart Stretton could get away as Deman had to challenge Steve Hartley (Arrows A4) and Joaquin Folch (Brabham BT49C). Finally Stretton claimed victory in front of Deman and Hartley.

Results race 2:

  1. Martin Stretton Tyrrell 012
  2. Loic Deman Tyrrell 010 + 2.209
  3. Steve Hartley Arrows A4 + 3.385

FIA Lurani Trophy for Formula Junior Cars

With 39 cars on the grid, the FIA Lurani Trophy provided one of the bigger fields over the weekend. Cameron Jackson from the UK claimed a demanding pole position in his Brabham BT2. None of the drivers could answer his dictating speed as he crossed the finish line first during race 1, with a lead of an impressive 37.5 seconds. Italian Manfredo Rossi di Montelera finished lonely in second with Briton Peter Morton crossing the chequered flag in third.

Results race 1:

  1. Cameron Jackson Brabham BT2
  2. Manfredo Rossi di Montelera Lotus 22 + 37.591
  3. Peter Morton Envoyette  38.569

Sunday’s race was almost a copy from the race held on Saturday. Jackson drove in another league and after a lonely 12 laps he crossed the finish line first with an impressive 26.5 seconds lead over Manfredo Rossi di Montelera. Italian Piero Enrico Tonetti finished third.

Results race 2:

  1. Cameron Jackson Brabham BT2
  2. Manfredo Rossi di Montelera Lotus 22 + 26.543
  3. Piero Enrico Tonetti Brabham BT6 + 37.419

FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship

Sport scars from the sixties and seventies filled the grid for their single 60 minute race on Sunday. One of the highlights in the 28-strong field was a splendid Porsche 917 driven by Frenchman Claudio Roddaro. Chassis 917-037 was built back in 1970 as a spare and used by Gulf Racing for the 1970 edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours. After being kept by several owners in Europe and the United States, the Porsche was brought back to Europe at the beginning of 2017 and was a welcome entry at the Nürburgring.

The 60-minute race saw an entertaining battle between the Lola T292 of Diogo Ferraro from Portugal and team mate Martin Stretton from the UK and the Lola T290 of Swiss-driver Michael Gans. The Swiss-driver drove a very strong race and Ferraro couldn’t make a pass during his stint.

After Stretton took over for his stint, Gans defended as hard as he could but finally the Briton saw a gap and claimed the lead. The race was red-flagged seven minutes early, when the McLaren M1A of German Harms Winter blocked the track. Ferrao and Stretton took victory in front of Gans and the Lola T70 Mk.IIB of Jason Wright.

Results:

  1. Diogo Ferraro-Martin Stretton Lola T292
  2. Michael Gans Lola T290 + 4.274
  3. Jason Wright Lola T70 Mk.IIIB + 54.198

DRM Revival German Racing Championship

One of the crowd pullers are the cars of the former DRM (Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft)-Championship. With two races over the weekend, the crowd was pleased with a 32-cars field including former Group 5 flame throwing Porsche 935s and BMW M1s, a Ford Capri Zakspeed Turbo, and lots of other spectular cars.

German Wolfgang Kaufmann drove the bright orange Kremer Racing Porsche 935 K3 to the pole ahead of the BMW M1s of Swiss-driver Michael Kammermann and German Sebastian Glaser.

During the first race on Saturday evening Kaufmann proved to be in a class of his own. The German drove a demanding and lonely race. Just as in qualifying Kammermann finished second ahead of Sebastian Glaser.

Results race 1:

Wolfgang Kaufmann Porsche 935 K3

Michael Kammermann BMW M1 Procar + 9.275

Sebastian Glaser BMW M1 Procar + 9.757

The second race on Sunday afternoon became a hunt for the Porsche 934/5 of German Afschin Fatemi, who fought off the demanding Ford Capri Zakspeed Turbo of his fellow countryman Peter Mücke. German Sebastian Glaser managed to claim his second consecutive podium finish of the weekend with third.

Results race 2:

  1. Afschin Fatemi  Porsche 934/5
  2. Peter Mücke Ford Capri Zakspeed Turbo + 2.281
  3. Sebastian Glaser BMW M1 Procar + 5.643

Two-seater race cars and GTS up to 1960/1961

The atmospheric highlight of the weekend was the race of two-seaters and GTs up until 1960/61, held on Saturday night.

Following the traditional demonstration of the Le Mans start, the round of the stunningly beautiful endurance racing cars continued into dusk. In the perfectly-filled field of 50 cars, some true beauties were noted such as the Maserati T63, Maserati 450S, Alfa Romeo TZ, different Porsches and Jaguars and many more.

German Ulrich Schumacher drove his Maserati T63 to the pole position for the first race on Saturday evening. Belgian Michael Willms came just three tenths short in his Maserati 150S/200S. Schumacher drove a dominating race taking victory in the 65-minute race that finished practically in darkness.

Results race 1:

  1. Ulrich Schumacher Maserati T63
  2. Michael Gans Lotus 15 + 30.551
  3. Steven Hart-Guillermo Fierro Maserati T61  + 1:59.965

The top three battled it out once again on Sunday as they raced over 30 minutes. Once again nobody could answer the speed of Schumacher, who managed to claim his second consecutive victory of the weekend in front of the German-Spanish combo of Hart and Fierro and Michael Gans.

Results race 2:

  1. Ulrich Schumacher Maserati T63
  2. Steven Hart-Guillermo Fierro Maserati T61 + 38.851
  3. Michael Gans Lotus 15 + 41.281

Historic Grand Prix Cars up to 1960

The British HGPCA-organization brought some nice historic Grand Prix cars to the Eifel, including Ferraris, Maseratis, Lotus and many more. Another interesting entry was an Alfa Romeo P3 as well as a MG K3. Andy Willis from the UK drove his splendid Ferrari 246 Dino BHRO to the pole, in front of the Lotus 16 of Spaniard Joaquin Folch.

During the first race on Saturday an exciting battle for victory went down between Willis in his Ferrari and Spaniard Guillermo Fierro in his Maserati 250F 2523. After 11 laps it was Willis who crossed the finish line first, just 0.7 of a second earlier than Guillermo Fierro.

The second race on Sunday was an exact copy of the first race. Andy Willis claimed his second victory of the weekend in front of the Maserati of Guillermo Fierro.

Results race 1:

  1. Andy Willis  Ferrari 246 Dino BHRO
  2. Guillermo Fierro Maserati 250F 2525 + 0.792
  3. Joaquin Folch-Rusinol Lotus 16 365 + 45.212

Results race 2:

  1. Andy Willis  Ferrari 246 Dino BHRO
  2. Guillermo Fierro Maserati 250F 2525 + 26.949
  3. Joaquin Folch-Rusinol Lotus 16 365 + 41.065

AvD Touringcar & GT Trophy

49 classic touring cars filled the grid for their single 65-minute race on Saturday. This race featured lots of Alfa Romeos, Ford Lotus Cortinas and BMWs.

Two Ford Escorts dominated qualifying, led by German Sebastian Glaser in an Escort RS1600. During the 65-minute race there was an ongoing battle between the Escort of Sebastian Glaser and his fellow countryman Patrick Simon and the same car of Germans Heinz Schmersal and Mike Stursberg. After an exciting race Glaser and Simon scored victory just 0.6 of a second in front of Schmersal and Stursberg.

Results race:

  1. Sebastian Glaser-Patrick Simon Ford Escort RS1600
  2. Heinz Schmersal-Mike Stursberg Ford Escort RS1600 + 0.656
  3. Markus Niestrath Alfa Romeo 1750 GTA + 1 lap

Formula 3 cars 1964-1984

Formula 3 fans could enjoy a vast field of cars including different Ralts, March, Chevrons and Martinis. Briton Christian Olsen drove his Martini Mk.39/Alfa Romeo to the pole position just 0.2 of a second quicker than German Thomas Warken in a Ralt RT3/84-Alfa Romeo.

On Saturday drivers had to battle in a classic Eifel downpour. Olsen drove without problems from the pole to victory. The Briton crossed the finish line first some 2 seconds earlier than Warken. Third place went to Italian Valerio Leone who drove an impressive race from 15th place on the grid to the final spot on the podium.

In dry conditions on Sunday it was Olsen who once again proved to be racing in another league. The Briton scored his second victory of the weekend in front of his fellow countrymen Andrew Haddon and Simon Jackson.

Results race 1:

  1. Christian Olsen  Martini Mk.39
  2. Thomas Warken Ralt RT3/84 + 2.334
  3. Valerio Leone March 783 + 22.124

Results race 2:

  1. Christian Olsen Martini Mk.39
  2. Andrew Haddon Chevron B34 + 5.202
  3. Simon Jackson Chevron B34 + 5.868

Gentlemen Drivers – GT up to 1965

Nearly 30 classic GTs from the roaring 60s entered the track on Saturday morning for their qualifying session. It was practically the only session that was held in dry conditions, giving Michael Gans from Switzerland and Andrew Wolfe from the UK a very narrow pole position. Britons Julian Thomas and Calum Lockie were just 0.05 of a second slower as Briton’s Rob Hall and Andy Willis followed in third with just 0,2 of a second. In the end the sixty-five minute race on Sunday became a prey for Gans and Wolfe.

Results race:

  1. Michael Gans-Andrew Wolfe  AC Cobra
  2. Julian Thomas-Calum Lockie Jaguar E-Type + 7.808
  3. Nicolai Kjaergaard Lotus Elan + 1:09.239

Touringcar Classics

Touringcar Classics is quite a young historic series, participating this year for the very first time. It brought back the cars and atmosphere of the DTM-championship from the 80s with some very interesting cars.

The aurally magnificent Alfa Romeo 155 V6 Ti, an Audi 80 B4 Prototype, Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class, BMW M3 E30s, Ford Sierra RS Cosworths, Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5 16V and BMW 635 CSis filled a 31 strong field.

The closest battle for the pole over the entire weekend was fought between the Audi of Anton Werner (GER) and the Alfa Romeo of Stefan Rupp (GER). Werner had an advantage of just 0.04 of a second that gave him the pole for the single race.

The series attracted well-known racers such as Roland Asch (DTM), Volker Strycek (DTM), Gianfranco Brancatelli (F1, ETCC and WTCC), Marc Hessel (DTM) and Harald Grohs (endurance racing). Stefan Rupp claimed a dominating victory in his Alfa Romeo, in front of the former DTM AMG C-Class cars of Jörg Hatscher and Thorsten Stadtler.

Results:

  1. Stefan Rupp Alfa Romeo 155 V6 Ti
  2. Jörg Hatscher Mercedes-Benz AMG C Class + 35.553
  3. Thorsten Stadler Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class + 58.165

Vintage Sports Car Trophy & ASC Trophy

The Vintage Sports Car Trophy & ASC Trophy ensured an excellent field of pre-war vehicles. The range of unique and perfectly-preserved cars extended from the oldest racing cars of the weekend from 1908 and 1909 to the compressor Mercedes-Benz in which Rudolf Caracciola won the Nürburgring’s inaugural race 90 years ago through to the cars from the early post-war era. Cars from this era drove 2 regularity tests over the weekend

Touringcar Revival (DTM/STW)

Finally the second regularity test was driven by former DTM and STW-touring cars. This event featured a stunning Audi 200 TransAm, several BMW M1 Procars, Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM, Porsches, a Volvo 850 TR and many others.

Despite the typical Eifel weather conditions, the 45th edition of the AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix proved to be a historic motorsport event not to be missed. We’re already counting sleeps to the 46th edition of this great event on the legendary Nürburgring. Just twelve months to go!

Enjoy the rest of the mega gallery below.

Images and story by Marcel Hundscheid/Speed-O-Graphica.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post Mega Gallery & Report – The 45th edition of the AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix! appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

Original and Unused: Works 1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Heads to Auction

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1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Works

Images by Rowan Horncastle, courtesy RM Sotheby’s

This magnificent 1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B works car will head to auction in September, at RM Sotheby’s’ London sale.

It’s an interesting one, and for a very different reason than you may expect – it’s never been raced.

1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Works

In Belgium during 1984, Mazda Rally Team Europe embarked on a project to enter the bonkers Group B competition, led by Achim Warmbold. To go racing, they needed to build 20 cars for Group B homologation. Only 7 of their RX-7 Evos are believed to have been fully assembled, racing in 1984 and ’85. This car, chassis MRTE 019, is one of those seven.

When Group B was disestablished by the FIA at the end of 1986, MRTE 019 was kept at Mazda Rally Team Europe in Belgium. It then went to Switzerland, where it was put on display, before moving into a private collection, making a brief stop in Scandinavia and eventually making its way to David Sutton.

1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Works

Sutton spent some time pulling the car apart and putting it back together again to figure out exactly what it was and what was needed to bring it back to perfection. At this point, it was basically a time capsule, having never been used and subjected to the rigours of high level motorsport, so Sutton entrusted it to a very gentle restoration to bring it to absolutely correct Works specification.

That leaves us with somewhat of an anomaly. We’d love to hear the RX-7 Evo’s 13B twin-rotor Wankel screaming around race tracks. On the other hand, the car’s an incredibly correct and original historical artefact, which is unique in the world of motorsport.

RM Sotheby’s are expecting it to go for between £170,000 and £190,000 when it’s put up for sale at their London auction in September. For the full details, see their website here.

Images by Rowan Horncastle, courtesy RM Sotheby’s

1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Works

1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Works

1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Works

1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Works

1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Works

1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Works

 

The post Original and Unused: Works 1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Heads to Auction appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

Charging Through a Field of IMSA GTP Cars in a Mazda 767B

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Mazda 767B On-Board

Enjoy a first person perspective romp through a field of historic IMSA GTP cars as Jonathan Bomarito charges in a Mazda 767B at the 2017 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

Set on the iconic Laguna Seca circuit, the race was held on the Saturday of the 2017 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. It featured an awe inspiring field of 1981-1991 IMSA GTP cars.

The RACER video sees Mazda Motorsports driver Jonathan Bomarito at the wheel of the 1989 Mazda 767B.  He starts the race in sixth, which is brilliant as it gives us a magnificent view as he passes a set of Porsche 962Cs and an AAR Eagle Mk II GTP on the way to second place. In the end he finished just behind the 1989 AAR Eagle MKIII GTP of Charles Nearburg, which was all but untouchable in the race.

Crank the volume, enjoy the pure sounds of that 600 horsepower 4-rotor 13J and enjoy the ride!

MORE: Mazda 767B at the World Time Attack Challenge – Video

The post Charging Through a Field of IMSA GTP Cars in a Mazda 767B appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

Photo Gallery & Report: The Clem Smith Auction in Mallala

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Clem Smith Collection Auction 2017

Images thanks to Warren Edwards

The Clem Smith Auction was held in Mallala on Sunday the 20th of August. It saw the sale of the Clem Smith car collection, after his passing earlier this year.

A well-known motorsport personality in Australia who got his start in speedway racing in the ’50s, Smith had a large collection of race and road cars. The auction of his collection saw 51 lots up for sale, including 36 cars and memorabilia. Read on for our report and a photo gallery from the event.

Images & report thanks to Warren Edwards. Catch him on Facebook for more of his work.

Clem Smith Collection Auction 2017

The Clem Smith Auction. Mallala, 20/08/2017

Sunday August 20 saw the auction of the late Clem Smith car collection. Clem, a well-known and respected motorsport personality passed away in February this year just after his 90th birthday.

Clem started racing speedway at Rowley Park in the 1950’s. He also drove an Austin Healey in the 1955 Australian Grand Prix held at the Port Wakefield circuit. The race was won by Jack Brabham.

Clem was a Chrysler dealer for many years and raced a Charger based Sports Sedan in the 1970’s. This car was one of the star cars at the sale. The auction, held by auction house Mossgreen, was held at the Mallala circuit, 45 minutes north of Adelaide. Clem bought the track in 1977 essentially saving it.

Clem was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 and this was followed up with the Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honors List in 2013.

There were 51 lots consisting of 36 cars and as well as memorabilia. Though there were only 2 dedicated race cars for sale, the Charger Sports Sedan and a Formula Ford, Clem used almost all of his cars in various events including running them up the at Colingrove hill climb and in events such as the Climb to the Eagle.

Other standout vehicles included a 1972 E38 Charger which sold for $141k including buyer’s premium, a 1967 Fiat 500 sold for just under $29k and a Mini Cooper S which Clem bought from another well-known Adelaide motorsport personality, the late Alan Marks, sold for $47k. Add in cars made by Hudson, Terraplane, Austin Healey 100/4, Jaguar XK120, Formula Ford and even a Model T Ford and there was something there for everyone on the day and the sale raised over $1.2m.

Only one lot failed to sell on the day, a 1927 Stearns-Knight G8 series sedan failed to make reserve. One of only 2 of this type of vehicle known to exist, it’s nice to think this might stay in Adelaide.

And the quote of the day (from a bidder standing next to me): “What’s a kidney worth?”

Enjoy the photos.

The post Photo Gallery & Report: The Clem Smith Auction in Mallala appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

Weekend Docco: Joey – The Man Who Conquered the TT

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Joey Dunlop The Man Who Conquered the TT

Put the kettle on, put your feet up and enjoy Joey – The Man Who Conquered the TT, a Bigger Picture documentary about motorcycle great Joey Dunlop.

The 2013 documentary is narrated by Cally Elise Statham and features interviews with John McGuinness, Phil McCallen, Brian Reid, Mick Grant, Ron Haslam, Roger Marshall, Jim Dunlop, Neil Tuxworth and others. It looks at the history of the Isle of Man TT and road racing in Northern Island, interweaving that with the story of the sport’s greatest racer – Joey Dunlop.

Dunlop won the TT an unparalleled 26 times, including three hat tricks. He also won the TT Formula One world championship for five consecutive seasons, and the Ulster Grand Prix 24 times, before his untimely death racing a 125cc bike on Pirita-Kose-Kloostrimetsa Circuit in Estonia.

The Man Who Conquered the TT is packed with insight and brilliant period footage from motorcycle racing’s most fearsome race. Enjoy.

For more and to buy the documentary on DVD, see the Bigger Picture website here.

MORE: Video: The life of a TT legend – Joey Dunlop

The post Weekend Docco: Joey – The Man Who Conquered the TT appeared first on Motorsport Retro.


Mega Gallery and Report: 6th Edition of the Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort

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Images and text by Marcel Hundscheid / Speed-O-Graphica.com

Sit back and enjoy our comprehensive coverage of the 6th edition of the Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort. We report about this ever growing event in the Netherlands, featuring classic racing cars from the 1920s until the eighties, for the very first time.

During the first weekend of September, Circuit Zandvoort celebrated the rich history of motorsport gathered into the 6th edition of the Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort. Beautiful weather conditions, especially on Saturday and Sunday and a wide array of cars from the 20s and 30s into Formula 1 cars from the 70s and 80s and almost everything between made for a brilliant weekend.

Spectators found their way to one of the few old school race tracks in Europe, situated in the dunes near the North Sea coastline. The track was inaugurated on August 7th 1948 and from that date until now Zandvoort hosted Formula 1, Formula 2, DTM, A1 GP and the Masters of Formula 3 to name just a few events from its rich history.

Over the three days a packed programme was presented, including 16 races and 12 demonstrations. The programme featured Formula 1 cars from the FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship, former Le Mans prototypes, sports cars and GTs from the FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship, touring cars and GTs from the Dutch NK GTTC, Masters Pre-66 Touring Cars and Pre-War Sports Cars. Other series included Classic F3, Triumph Competition & British HTGT, the Historic F3 1000cc European Trophy, the Masters Gentleman Drivers, as well as Pre 1961 and Pre 1966 Grand Prix Cars.

The organizers managed to create very interesting demonstration runs including the Brabham-BMW BT52, Porsche 917K, Porsche 936/77, Porsche 908/3, Benetton B193 and much more.

Exactly 50 years ago the three-liter Cosworth DFV engine debuted at Zandvoort during the Dutch Formula 1 Grand Prix in a Lotus 49, driven by the legendary Jim Clark. To celebrate the occasion the organizers managed to display the original Lotus 49, driven on track by its present owner Chris McAlister. Jim Clark scored victory back in 1967 at Zandvoort in this particular Cosworth-powered Lotus 49. Over the weekend, Clive Chapman, son of Lotus-founder Colin Chapman and his Classic Team Lotus looked after the car.

Over 350 cars participated in the different races and demonstrations with drivers from 20 countries including the Netherlands, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Denmark, England, Ireland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxemburg, Monaco, Romania, Spain, Sweden and the United States.

Classic F3

On Friday the qualifying-sessions were scheduled including different demonstrations. First race of the weekend was Classic F3, including 33 cars.

Tom Bradshaw drove his Argo JM6 to pole position, but due to very bad luck he couldn’t participate in the race. The battle for the lead was fought between Thomas Warken from Germany and Monaco resident Valerio Leone, who fought his way back towards the top two after a bad start. Leone managed to close the gap and was in striking distance as he lost control in the Arie Luyendijk-curve. From that point in the race Warken drove straight to victory in his Ralt RT3. Valerio Leone’s son Davide finished second in his Ralt RT3, as Michael Ringström scored the final spot on the podium in a March 753.

Thomas Warken scored double victory on Sunday winning the second race of the weekend in front of Tom Bradshaw and Michael Ringström.

FIA Masters Historic F1 Championship

Second race of the weekend was the FIA Masters Historic F1 Championship, featuring 19 classic single seaters from the golden years of Formula 1. Briton Martin Stretton drove his Tyrrell 012 to the pole in 1:46.473. During the race Stretton took the lead in front of Michael Lyons as a severe accident occurred in the Arie Luyendijk-curve. French driver David Ferrer lost control of his March 701 due to a mechanical failure and crashed heavily. The race was red-flagged after just a single lap. Marshalls, security and medical staff were almost immediately on site. The driver was resuscitated and transferred to a hospital for further treatment.

The second race on Sunday became a prey for Stretton as Lyons suffered from a blistered tyre. Stretton drove a dominant race and crossed the finish line 11 seconds earlier in his Tyrrell 012 than Michael Lyons in his Williams FW07B. Max Smith-Hilliard finished third in a Fittipaldi F5A.

Triumph Competition & British HTGT

Next on track were 37 cars from the Triumph Competition and British HTGT including lots of different Triumphs, MGs, TVRs and a Marcos. Yannick Szcygiel claimed pole position in his Triumph TR4.

Belgian Marcel van Mulders (Triumph TR4a) fought a very close battle with German Christian Marx in a Triumph TR4a. In the end it was van Mulders who crossed the finish line first, just 0.001 of a second in front of Marx. Briton Robert Hamilton finished third in a Marcos 1800.

Porsche demo

Demonstrations turned out to be very popular. Porsche was present with iconic cars from the past. Amongst them was a Porsche 917K in Gulf livery, chassis number 015/035, the car that won the Spa 1000 kms back in 1971 with Pedro Rodriguez and Jackie Oliver. Another beauty from the Porsche museum was 936/77, the sister-car from the Le Mans 24 Hours winner back in 1977. Porsche Motorsport also presented a 908/3 and a RS Spyder from 2006.

NK GTTC

No less than 54 cars filled the grid for the first race of the Dutch NK GTTC championship, featuring lots of different Porsches, Ford Escorts and Capris, Minis, VW Golf GTI, BMWs and many more.

Dutchman Leonard Stolk scored victory in a Porsche Carrera RS as Eric Holthauser finished second in a splendid looking BMW 3.0 CSL. The final spot on the podium went to Dutchman Lex Proper in a Porsche Carrera RS.

HGPCA Pre-61 and Pre-66 Grand Prix Cars

With 33 entries spectators were treated with a beautiful field of classic Grand Prix cars featuring different Lotus, Cooper, Lola, Brabham and a beautiful Talbot Lago to name just a few.

During qualifying it was Peter Horsman who drove his Lotus 18/21 P1 from 1961 to the pole. Just 0.3 of a second slower was Andy Middlehurst in his gorgeous Lotus 25 R4 from 1962. Middlehurst got the better start and drove to victory, as Horsman finished second. William Nuthall drove his Cooper T53 to a third place in the final standings.

The second race on Sunday was won by Horsman after an exciting battle for the lead. Horsman crossed the finish line first just 0.3 of a second ahead from Middlehurst. William Nuthall scored his second podium finish of the weekend by finishing third.

Force One Demo

Next on track were the Formula 1 cars from the Force F1 Legends, including the former Michael Schumacher Benetton B192, a former Eddie Cheever Arrows A10 from 1987 and an Arrows A10B from 1988 driven during that period by Derrick Warwick.

Also present was a former Takuma Sato Jordan EJ12 and a Dallara F191 from 1991, nowadays driven and owned by Terry Sayles. Another former Grand Prix car was the ex-Andrea de Cesaris Minardi F186. The car was very unreliable and de Cesaris finished just a single race.

Christian Vanderpleyn designed the Coloni C3 for the 1989 Formula 1 season, driven during that particular year by Roberto Moreno and Pierre-Henri Raphanel. During the demo the car was driven by Dutchman Job van Uitert who participates in the Italian F4-championship.

Besides the powerful single seaters there was another remarkable monoposto on track driven by Brazilian Pedro Piquet. In fact he was the son of former F1-driver Nelson Piquet driving the Ralt RT1 Formula 3 that his father drove back in 1979.

Historic F3 1000cc European Trophy

Thirty 1.0-liter F3 cars entered their qualifying session in Zandvoort. Amongst them were March, Brabham, Chevron and Tecno cars to mention a few.

Geffroy Rivet drove his March 703 to a commanding pole. During the race, however, it was Francois Derossi who claimed victory in his Chevron B17, followed by Steve Smith in a Chevron B15 and Thierry Gallo in a Tecno F3.

The second race on Sunday was won by Steve Smith, as Gallo finished second. Mark Pangborn crossed the finish line in third driving a Brabham BT28.

BMW Demo

BMW Classic was present with an impressive range of cars including Nelson Piquet’s championship-winning Brabham BT52 Formula 1 car. Gordon Murray designed the BT52 for the 1983 F1 championship, powered by the BMW M12/13 turbocharged 1.499 cc engine that generated around 800 hp in qualifying trim.

Piquet became the first driver to win the F1 World Championship with a turbo engine. Former F1 driver and Le Mans-winner Jan Lammers drove the car over the weekend during the several demos. Other classic BMWs included a 2002 ti, and the legendary CSL.

Masters Pre-66 Touring cars

Fifty cars filled the massive grid for the qualifying session of the Masters Pre-66 Touring cars including Marcos GTs, Ford Falcons, Lotus Cortinas, Mini Coopers, Ford Mustangs and lots of other classic beauties.

Dutchman Mark Dols drove his Marcos 1800 GT to the pole followed by the Marcos 1800 GT of Robert Hamilton. The single 19 lap race was won by Mark Dols. Briton Steve Soper drove his Ford Cortina to a second place, 10 seconds after the winning Marcos. Finally Robert Hamilton finished third in his Marcos 1800 GT.

Masters Gentlemen Drivers

Local hero Nicky Pastorelli drove the splendid Roelofs Engineering Ferrari 250 GTO to the pole, in front of the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe driven by Leo Voyazides and Simon Hadfield.

Pastorelli led the race from start and was initially chased by the Cobras from Andy Willis/Rob Hall and Michael Gans/Andy Wolfe. As Pastorelli had some problems with his brakes, Hadfield could close the gap with the Ferrari-driver as he already passed both the Cobras. With just ten minutes left Hadfield finally passed Pastorelli around the outside of the Hans Ernst’s Bocht and drove to victory. Pastorelli finished second and third place went to Michael Gans and Andy Wolfe.

Pre-War Sport scars

Twelve unique pre-war sports cars entered their qualifying session on Saturday afternoon, including different Bentley, Frazer Nash, Invicta, Alvis, Delahaye and Hotchkiss cars. Charles Gillet drove his 1929 Frazer Nash Supersports to the pole, followed by the Alvis Firefly 4.3 from 1933 driven by Rüdiger Friedrichs. In this order their single race was finished after 17 laps around the Zandvoort race track.

FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship

Qualifying for the FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship turned out to be a battle between several Lola T210, T212 and T290 sports cars and the thundering Chevy-powered Lola T70s. In the end it was the Lola T210 of Martin Stretton and Mark Piercy who took pole position for the single 60 minute race.

The race on Sunday turned was an eventful one, with several drivers dropping out due to mechanical failure or driver errors. In the end it was the Lola T70 Mk.IIIB of Leo Voyazides and Simon Hadfield coming from the very last spot on the grid to claim victory. Jason Wright finished second in his Lola T70 Mk.IIIB as Paul Gibson drove his T70 Mk.IIIB to the final spot on the podium.

Besides all this three race classic Lotus beauties were on track in the legendary Gold Leaf-livery, including the four-wheel drive Lotus 63, the Lotus 72 and the former Jim Clark Lotus 49.

The Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort has proven to be one of the must see and visit classic motorsports events in Europe. The combination of this old school track, the dunes and the North Sea coast, the iconic cars on and off track creates a unique atmosphere. We’re eagerly counting down the days for the 7th edition of this great event in 2018!

Images and text by Marcel Hundscheid / Speed-O-Graphica.com

The post Mega Gallery and Report: 6th Edition of the Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

Stream the 2017 Goodwood Revival LIVE Right Here!

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2017 Goodwood Revival

Image thanks to the Goodwood Revival

The 2017 Goodwood Revival is set to fire up its engines, and you’ll be able to watch the whole thing streamed live right here at Motorsport Retro all weekend long!

“The romance and glamour of motor racing as it used to be.”

The Revival kicks off in just a few hours, on Friday the 8th of September, and will offer three packed days of motorsport, running all the way through to Sunday the 10th of September.

Motorsport action at the Goodwood Revival is traditionally spectacular, and we expect no less this year as drivers unleash priceless historic race and sports machines around the Goodwood circuit. The event adds a little style to the action by requiring period dress and styling, giving it a wonderful classic motorsport atmosphere.

The stream will kick off at 8:55AM British Summer Time, which is 5:55PM Aussie, 12:55AM on the US West Coast and 3:55AM on the US East Coast. Races will run into the early evening each day. The stream should show an accurate time for your time zone, so just check in there to confirm timings.

Hit play, and enjoy one of historic motorsport’s greatest celebrations.

For more information, head to the Goodwood Revival’s official website here.

The post Stream the 2017 Goodwood Revival LIVE Right Here! appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

Preview: Spa Prepares for the 25th edition of the Spa Six Hours

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Images and story by Marcel Hundscheid/Speed-O-Graphica.com

The Roadbook organization, led by Alain Defalle and Vincent Collard, is counting down the days until the anniversary edition of the Spa Six Hours, to be held from the 15th to the 17th of September.

As usual, the programme is packed with racing action from 9AM on Friday until 20:30, on Saturday from 9:00 until 22:00 and on Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00. The major race of the weekend is the six hour endurance race held on Saturday late afternoon through to early evening. For the 25th edition no less than 120 cars are listed including 17 Ford GT40s, 11 Jaguar E-Types, 7 Shelby Cobras, Lotus Elans, Ford Mustangs, Ford Falcons, Porsche 911s etc.

Friday morning will see racing kick off with several qualifying sessions including the FIA Masters Historic F1 Championship, the FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship, Spa One Hour, Masters Pre-66 Touringcars, Woodcote Trophy & Stirling Moss Trophy, Historic Motor Racing News U2TC, Jaguar Classic Challenge, Historic Grand Prix Car Association, Historic Sports Car Club and the Gentlemen Drivers Pre-66 GT Cars.

For the very first time Roadbook presents a new series under the Masters Historic Racing flag – the Masters Endurance Legends. This is the latest addition to the Masters Historic Racing portfolio, open for all cars that were eligible to enter major endurance racing events from 1995 to 2011. The brand new series will be split into three main eras including 1995-1999, 2000-2005 and 2006-2011 and will feature Prototype 1, Prototype 2, GT1 and GT2 cars.

Tickets for this great event can be found here.

Recap last year’s action with: Mega gallery: the stunning Spa Six Hours

 

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Widescreen Gallery – The Spring Festival of Historic Motorsport with the HSRCA

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2017 HSRCA Spring Festival

Images thanks to Seth Reinhardt

The historic sports and racing cars of the HSRCA returned to countryside Goulburn over the 1st to the 3rd of September, to enjoy a spring weekend of historic racing at Wakefield Park. Read on and enjoy a magic collection of photos from the event.

The Spring Festival was the club’s second outing for the 2017 historic motorsport season, which is building up to their headline event – the Summer Festival – this November.

The Wakefield Park meeting drew a varied and exciting collection of historic machines. Grids included two awesome fields of Group N touring cars, a series of door-to-door Group S races and a collection of Group O, Q & R sports and racing cars, as well as Formula Ford, Groups L & M and Formulas Junior & Vee and time-based events in the form of Regularity and Super Sprint.

2017 HSRCA Spring Festival

Held on the first weekend of Spring, conditions were perfect for motorsport. The sun was out and the air was cool – perfect for fire breathing old motors (and kind on both cars and drivers). We enjoyed some great motorsport, with times falling quickly once the track warmed up.

Kicking off with wings and slicks and it was awesome to see such a strong field of the big cars tackling Wakefield Park’s tight and twisty layout. Lotus, Nola, March, Brabham and more were well represented and sounded magnificent opened up down the straight. The evocative single seaters of the ’50s and ’60s were represented admirably by Groups LM and Formulas Junior and Vee, which included some lovely specials, Elfins, Brabhams and Coopers.

The tin top races of Group N and Group S were typically close-fought and feisty, with both groups holding championship rounds over the weekend. Group N was dominated by Fords, Holdens and Minis, but also drew the likes of an Alfa Romeo Guilia, Volvo 164E, Lotus Cortina, a mighty Chevrolet Camaro, some fast Mazdas and more.

2017 HSRCA Spring Festival

Group S, on the other hand, is the domain of Porsche, with a series of 911s often leading the field. In amongst it this time were some very quick MGs, Midgets and Bs, some big Austin Healeys, a stunning Chev Corvette in which John Bowe would romp through the field in later races, and a great variety of Triumph, Lotus and Datsun.

Regularity brought some brilliant variety and a great MG crew called the Rusty Nuts Racers. The Super Sprint category is designed to open the sport of historic racing to new people and provide a place to drive for those who may not be interested in, or able to run in, some of the other racing categories. The field at the Spring Festival included two stunning Lotus Elans, a lovely Jaguar Mark 2 and some seriously quick competition from a Matich SR3 and Chevron B8.

2017 HSRCA Spring Festival

As always, the event was relaxed and friendly, and we thoroughly enjoyed catching up with everyone and exploring the pits and paddock to check out the wonderful historic machines residing within. We’re very much looking forward to the Summer Festival!

Take a few minutes to enjoy the gallery below. For more photos from the weekend hit this link to the HSRCA’s official website, and join them on Facebook.

If you’re a historic racer and looking for a brilliant weekend’s motorsport, entry to the Summer Festival is open now and you can find more details right here.

Images thanks to Seth Reinhardt

MORE: Widescreen Gallery – Kicking off the 2017 Historic Racing Season with the HSRCA

2017 HSRCA Spring Festival

2017 HSRCA Spring Festival 2017 HSRCA Spring Festival 2017 HSRCA Spring Festival 2017 HSRCA Spring Festival 2017 HSRCA Spring Festival 2017 HSRCA Spring Festival

The post Widescreen Gallery – The Spring Festival of Historic Motorsport with the HSRCA appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

1976 Jaguar XJ12C Broadspeed For Sale

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1976 Jaguar XJ12C Broadspeed

Images via Duncan Hamilton

This muscular 1976 Jaguar XJ12C Broadspeed is one of just four, was driven in period by Derek Bell and David Hobbs, and is up for sale at Duncan Hamilton.

In 1976 Leyland Cars decided to contest the European Touring Car Championship, contracting Broadspeed to build a car based on the 5.3-litre V12 XJ12C Coupe. Only four XJ12C Broadspeed race cars were built, with this car, chassis number 1, completed well into the 1976 season.

1976 Jaguar XJ12C Broadspeed

The car debuted in the Tourist Trophy at Silverstone late in the 1976 season. There, it demonstrated both its greatest strength and most crippling weakness. Chassis #1 took pole position with driving team Derek Bell and David Hobbs, but lost a wheel and dropped out of the race. This was to be the story of the XJ12C Broadspeeds – blistering single-lap pace plagued by poor reliability and lack of the investment required to realise their full potential.

In 1977 chassis #1 was used for publicity and development, while two new cars were built for competition with driving teams Derek Bell and Andy Rouse, and John Fitzpatrick and Tim Schenken. They were driven to pole position at Monza, Salzburgring, Brno, the Nürburgring and the Silverstone TT, but continued to struggle with reliability and failed to make a significant mark on the championship. Following the 1977 season, the programme was cut.

1976 Jaguar XJ12C Broadspeed

When the racing programme concluded, chassis #1 went on display in the Coventry Transport Museum. It has since been treated to a restoration and rebuild to bring it back into period condition, with significant investment put into improving its reliability.

Following that work it finally realised some of its potential, claiming an outright win in the Motor Racing Legends Historic Touring Car Challenge.

Up for sale at Duncan Hamilton, it’s in racing condition with current FIA papers. Head to the Duncan Hamilton website here for the full details.

Images via Duncan Hamilton

1976 Jaguar XJ12C Broadspeed

1976 Jaguar XJ12C Broadspeed

1976 Jaguar XJ12C Broadspeed

1976 Jaguar XJ12C Broadspeed

1976 Jaguar XJ12C Broadspeed

1976 Jaguar XJ12C Broadspeed

1976 Jaguar XJ12C Broadspeed

The post 1976 Jaguar XJ12C Broadspeed For Sale appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

Mega Gallery and Report: The Stunning Anniversary Edition of the Spa Six Hours!

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Images and story by Marcel Hundscheid / Speed-O-Graphica.com

Buckle up for our extensive report on the anniversary edition of the Spa Six Hours held at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit, situated in the Belgian Ardennes region.

Roadbook, managed by Alain Defaille and Vincent Collard, created a stunning 25th anniversary edition of the Spa Six Hours, which is one of Europe’s biggest historic motorsports events. With more than 650 cars present competing in 16 races and qualifying sessions divided over three days, the event is more than just a highlight.

For the anniversary edition the Spa Six Hours attracted drivers from 25 countries, including Austria, Australia, Brasil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lebanon, Luxemburg, Monaco, Netherlands, New-Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Cars from the late ’40s until the early ’80s filled massive grids of Grand Prix cars from the ’50s and ’60s, Formula 1 cars from the FIA Masters Historic F1 Championship and Le Mans cars from the FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship. Furthermore, Touring cars featured in both the Masters Pre-66 Touring Cars and U2TC Historic Motor Racing News were present as well as stunning sports cars from the Woodcote Trophy & Stirling Moss Trophy and a mixed field of cars hosted by the Historic Sports Car Club.

As a tribute to Barry Sidery Smith, the Spa One Hour Race was open to a great variety of cars built between the ’40s and ’70s.

The event also acted as a test event for the brand new Masters Endurance Legends championship, which will launch in 2018. This brand new series organised by the Masters Historic Organisation aims to attract sportsr acing cars from the International Sports Racing Legends, the FIA Sports Car Championship, European Le Mans Series, American Le Mans Series, Intercontinental Le Mans Cup and Le Mans Endurance Series.

Spa Six Hours

Highlight of the weekend was, of course, the six-hour endurance race held on Saturday afternoon and into the evening. The six-hour attracted a massive entry list presenting 120 cars, including 16 Ford GT40s!

Qualifying turned out a true GT40 battle, seeing 8 GT40s claiming the first 8 spots on the grid. Georg Nolte, Frank Stippler and Michael Funke drove their #9 GT40 to the pole. Just 0.9 of a second slower was the #55 GT40 of Chris Ward and Andrew Smith.

Instead of the wet conditions during the 2016 edition, this year the six hours were raced in dry conditions. Due to serious fog during the early morning, the programme suffered some delays and the six hour endurance race was reduced to 5 hours and 11 minutes.

From the very start on Saturday afternoon, GT40s dictated the race pace and a fierce battle emerged between the #9 and #55 GT40s. The German GT40 dominated during the first four hours of the race and the drivers even managed to win a lap on Chris Ward and Andrew Smith. However, in the end all went wrong during the fuel stop, during which they lost 2 laps. As a result Ward and Smith secured their first victory in the Spa Six Hours.

  1. Chris Ward/Andrew Smith Ford GT40
  2. Georg Nolte/Frank Stippler/Michael Funke Ford GT40 +2:34.924
  3. Jason Wright/Michael Gans/Andy Wolfe Ford GT40 + 2 laps

FIA Masters Historic F1 Championship

The F1 cars of the FIA Masters Historic F1 Championship took us back to the ’70s and ’80s when the Cosworth DFV engine dominated the pinnacle of motorsports. For their qualifying session 25 iconic F1 cars entered the Ardennes rollercoaster, including a welcome Lotus 81 and two remarkable ATS cars.

Briton Michael Lyons drove his Williams FW07B to a demanding pole position, followed by the Belgian count Christophe D’Ansembourg in his Williams FW07C and Briton Mike Cantillon in a Williams FW07.

During the first race on Saturday it all went wrong for Lyons in the formation lap. The pole sitter and championship leader saw his Cosworth DFV-engine expire, forcing him to retire. Belgian Loïc Demand drove in front of his home crowd from fifth position to victory.

Initially he had to fight D’Ansembourg for the lead in the race, but the Belgian got it wrong, spinning into Fagnes. This opened the way for Cantillon to finish second as D’Ansembourg finished third.

  1. Loïc Deman Tyrrell 010
  2. Mike Cantillon WilliamsFW07 +6.449
  3. Christophe D’Ansembourg Williams FW07C  +9.177

Sunday’s second race told a very different story as a heavy shower at the back of the track forced the drivers to start from behind the safety car.

Deman chose the wrong tyres, forcing him to retire after just 5 laps. Michael Lyons profited and drove a lonely race in front of the field, claiming overall victory and the pre-78 title.

The battle for second place was fought again between D’Ansembourg and Cantillon. This time the Belgian didn’t make any mistakes, giving him the second podium finish of the weekend in front of Cantillon.

  1. Michael Lyons Williams FW07B
  2. Christophe D’Ansembourg Williams FW07C  +16.158
  3. Mike Cantillon Williams FW07  +16.435

FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship

This throwback to the Le Mans 24 Hours during the 60s and 70s was created by a huge field of 50 sports cars entered for the FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship. Among the favourites were the mighty Lola T70s, but the smaller Lola prototypes turned out to be a force to be reckoned with.

Although the T70s were the most powerful cars, not every driver pairing succeeded in using it. Several drivers were struck by bad luck or made mistakes. Not so for the T70 Mk.IIIB of Leo Voyazides and Smon Hadfield. The Greek-British driver pairing drove a faultless race claiming the overall victory in their single 61-minute race. Second place went to the beautiful McLaren M6B of Andrew and Max Banks. Belgian Loïc Deman scored his second podium of the weekend by finishing third.

  1. Leo Voyazides/Simon Hadfield Lola T70 Mk.IIIB
  2. Andrew Banks/Max Banks McLaren M6B +14.030
  3. Loïc Deman Chevron B19 +17.967

Stena Line Masters Pre-66 Gentlemen Drivers

Nearly 50 beautiful GTs from the sixties found their way to Spa including AC Cobras, Bizzarrinis, Jaguar E-Types, Lotus Elans, Ginettas, Porsche 911s, Austin Healeys, Triumphs and others.

Usually the qualifying pace is dominated by the Cobra, however this time it was the Bizzarrini 5300GT of Georg Nolte and Michael Funke that set the pace. The Chevy-powered Italian was followed by the Jaguar E-Type of Britons Julian Thomas and Calum Lockie and the Shelby Daytona Cobra from Leo Voyazides from Greece and Simon Hadfield from the UK.

The Cobras returned to the fore for the race. Graham and Oliver Bryant early on, but as Oliver Bryant overtook under yellow flags he was handed a post-race penalty and dropped from first to third place in the final results. American Michael Gans and Briton Andy Wolfe got the victory after starting from the very last spot.

  1. Michael Gans/Andy Wolfe AC Cobra
  2. Leo Voyazides/Simon Hadfield Shelby Cobra Daytona +10.262
  3. Graham Bryant/Oliver Bryant AC Cobra +35.337

Masters Pre-66 Touring Cars

Big Americans dominated the Masters Pre-66 Touring Cars, although the Ford Lotus Cortinas and Mini Coopers were in the majority. Mike Gardiner and Phil Keen, both UK residents won qualifying and drove their Ford Falcon Sprint to the pole, followed by Roger Wills from New Zealand in a Mercury Comet Cyclone.

The single 61-minute race on Saturday morning was won by Mike Gardiner and Phil Keen, who drove their Falcon Sprint to a dominant victory. Roger Wills had no answer and could only follow. In the end he finished second, nearly 22 seconds behind the winning Falcon Sprint. The impressive Studebaker Lark Daytona of Harry Whale from the UK finished third.

  1. Mike Gardiner/Phil Keen Ford Falcon Sprint
  2. Roger Wills  Mercury Comet Cyclone  21.836
  3. Harry Whale Studebaker Lark Daytona  +38.746

Masters Endurance Legends

The 25th edition of the Spa Six Hours acted as a trial run for the new Masters Endurance Legends championship. From 2018 on, this new championship will be a regular competitor on the Masters calendar featuring some very interesting Le Mans-prototypes and GTs.

Amongst the several beauties on track were a Peugeot 908X, a Lola-Aston Martin DBR1-2, an Audi R8 LMP1, a Judd V10-powered Dallara SP1 and two very loud Ferrari 550/575 GTC Maranellos.

Shortly before the race, the heavens above Spa opened and flooded the track. Kriton Lendoudis from Greece started from the pole in the Peugeot 908X on slicks. The same went down for Belgian Christophe D’Ansembourg in the Lola-Aston Martin. As both drivers had to settle for rain tyres both dropped back.

The 40-minute race was finally won by Sean Doyle in a 2011 Oreca 03. Jonathan Kennard finished second and Mathieu Lahaye drove his splendid Pescarolo LMP1 to the final spot on the podium. The GT-division was won by Steve Zacchia in his immaculate Ferrari 550 GT1.

  1. Sean Doyle Oreca 03
  2. Jonathan Kennard Oreca LMP2 +2.395
  3. Mathieu Lahaye Pescarolo LMP1 +28.804

Historic Motor Racing News U2TC

The glory days of the European Touring Car Championship from the 60s relived in the Historic Motor Racing News U2TC featuring BMWs, Ford Lotus Cortinas, Alfa Romeos and Mini Coopers. The series is open to pre-66 touring cars under two litre.

Max and Ian Goff (UK) proved to be quickest in a BMW 1800 Ti, followed by the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint of fellow countrymen Andrew and Max Banks.

It was an impressive sight to see the rear-wheel-drive cars sliding across the demanding Spa-Francorchamps race track. In the end the Alfa Romeo of Max and Ian Goff turned out to be too quick and after 61-minutes they crossed the finish line first. Second place went to former British touring car ace Steve Soper, as Michael Gans from the US and Ivo Salvadori finished third.

  1. Andrew Banks/Max Banks Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA
  2. Steve Soper Ford Lotus Cortina +3.257
  3. Michael Gans/Ivo Salvadori  Alfa Romeo GTA +52.588

Woodcote Trophy – Stirling Moss Trophy

A great variety of cars from the 50s was provided by the combined race of the Woodcote Trophy and Stirling Moss Trophy. It created the atmosphere as seen during the ’50s in endurance racing featuring true iconic cars from those days such as the Lotus 15, Lister Chevrolet, Lister Knobbly, Jaguar D-Type, Cooper Monaco, Lister Costin and more.

The battle for the pole was fought on Saturday morning between three Listers. Jon Minshaw (UK) and fellow countryman Phil Keen drove their Lister Knobbly to the pole. Chris Ward and Andrew Smith scored the second time in a Lister Costin, followed by the Lister Knobbly of Tony Wood and William Nuthall.

Chris Ward and Andrew Smith raced in a league of their own as they finished nearly a minute in front of the Lotus 15 driven by Michael Gans. Dutchman David Hart drove his Lister Costin to the final spot on the podium.

  1. Chris Ward/Andrew Smith  Lister Costin
  2. Michael Gans  Lotus 15 +58.496
  3. David Hart Lister Costin +1:09.514

Historic Grand Prix Car Association

Grand Prix cars from the ’50s and ’60s pleased the crowds with their thrilling races on Saturday and Sunday. Sam Wilson drove two lonely races as his Lotus 18 proved to be too quick for his fellow drivers on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday Spaniard Joaquin Folch-Rusinol finished second, Max Blees from Switzerland crossed the finishline third. Andy Middlehurst finished second on Sunday, Joaquin Folch-Rusinol scored his second consecutive podium of the weekend by finishing third.

Race 1

  1. Sam Wilson Lotus 18
  2. Joaquin Folch-Rusinol Lotus 16 365 +40.286
  3. Max Blees Brabham BT7A +50.003

Race 2

  1. Sam Wilson Lotus 18
  2. Andy Middlehurst Lotus 25 R4 +25.821
  3. Joaquin Folch-Rusinol Lotus 16 365  +42.239

Spa One Hour

As a tribute to Barry Sidery-Smith, a well known MG trader and racer, the Spa One Hour race was held on Sunday morning open to a wide variety of cars. These included, of course, Morgans and a mixture of touring cars, GTs and even a Porsche 917 replica.

Father and son Graham and Oliver Bryant took the honours in their Morgan +8.

  1. Graham Bryant/Oliver Bryant Morgan +8
  2. Neil Fowler MG B GT V8 +6.284
  3. Eric Sechaud/Francois Sechaud Ford Escort +38.929

Historic Sports Car Club (closed wheel race)

The same variety in cars could be seen in the HSCC closed wheel race, dominated by sports prototypes from the 70s.

The first race on Saturday was won by Leo Voyazides and Simon Hadfield in their glorious Lola T282. Belgian Eric Mestdagh claimed victory during the second race on Sunday.

Race 1

  1. Leo Voyazides/Simon Hadfield Lola T282
  2. Guy Peeters Chevron B23  +15.209
  3. Eric Mestdagh GRD  + 15.977

Race 2

  1. Eric Mestdagh  GRD
  2. Bob Brooks/Vicky Brooks Lola T212 +18.045
  3. George Douglas Martin BM9 +18.891

Jaguar Classic Challenge

New on the massive Spa Six Hours programme was the Jaguar Classic Challenge intended only for Jaguar cars. Thirty cars filled the grid including 22 E-Types, two XK120s, three XK150s, two Mk.1s and a single Mk.2.

The 61-minute race was won by Graeme and James Dodd in an E-Type.

  1. Graeme Dodd/James Dodd Jaguar E-Type
  2. Andrew Newall/Rhea Sautter Jaguar E-Type +1:13.322
  3. Lukas Halusa/Niklas Halusa Jaguar E-Type  +2:30.678

Despite the changeable weather conditions and cold and foggy weather on Saturday morning, the 25th anniversary edition of the Spa Six Hours was the best that Roadbook has put on so far. We are already counting down the days until the 26th edition in September 2018!

The post Mega Gallery and Report: The Stunning Anniversary Edition of the Spa Six Hours! appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

Pure Sounds: Nick Padmore Storms Goodwood in a 1977 BMW 530i

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1977 BMW 530i at the 75th Goodwood Members Meeting

Turn this one up, and enjoy the magic sounds of a 1977 BMW 530i on full song as Nick Padmore storms through the field of the Gerry Marshall Trophy at the 75th Members Meeting.

The Gerry Marshall Trophy is an hour-long two driver race that includes mandatory pitstops for driver changes. It features Group 1 saloons that raced in Europe in the ’70s and early ’80s.

The video sees Padmore starting from the back of the field, storming his way up the order over the course of a few action-packed laps. He’s very tidy at the wheel and has the race craft to match, nailing people time and time again under brakes and through the corners.

Crank your speakers, and enjoy.

Bonus lap: in 2015 Padmore set a new outright lap record at the track, putting in an absolutely nailed 1:18.2 in a Lola-Chevrolet T70 Spyder. He outpaced the previous 1:18.9 set by Andrew Smith, also in a Lola-Chev T70 Spyder, back in 2010.

The official record at the circuit is still honoured as the time set jointly by Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart in the 1965 Sunday Mirror International Trophy, before the circuit closed in 1966. They ran a 1:20.4 in the race, which Clark won ahead of Graham Hill and Jack Brabham.

Bonus bonus lap: if you have some spare time this weekend, why not enjoy the full Gerry Marshall Trophy race at the 75th Members Meeting?

MORE: 74th Goodwood Members’ Meeting – Widescreen Gallery

The post Pure Sounds: Nick Padmore Storms Goodwood in a 1977 BMW 530i appeared first on Motorsport Retro.


Race Ready & Magnificent – 1968 Ford GT40 For Sale

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1968 Ford GT40

Images via Duncan Hamilton

This magnificent 1968 Ford GT40 enjoyed a career in sportscar racing in the late ’60s and is continuing its competitive pace today in historics. It’s up for sale at Duncan Hamilton.

The GT40, chassis P/1079, was delivered new by Ford Advanced Vehicles to Jean Blaton in April of 1968, fitted out in factory lightweight racing spec. Blaton finished the car in Belgian racing yellow and debuted it in the Monza 1000 Kilometres.

1968 Ford GT40

It was entered by Ecurie Francorchamps and driven by Willy Mairesse and “Jean Beurlys” (Jean Blaton’s racing pseudonym). It qualified in 6th and in the race was classified 7th overall and 2nd in class despite dropping out 89 laps in with a wheel problem.

The car would then head to the Spa 1000 Kilometres, where it was again entered under Ecurie Francorchamps and driven by Mairesse and ‘Beurlys’. The team qualified well again, putting the car onto the second row in third. In a repeat of the Monza 1000 Kilometers, this race would end early as well, although this time thanks to a spin.

1968 Ford GT40

The team would then head to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. They qualified in 10th, but would leave the race ahead of schedule when Mairesse lost the car down the Mulsanne and collected the barrier.

P/1079 was then sold to Franco Sbarro, who left it as it was, selling it on to Yvan Caillet shortly after. Caillet completed its repair using its original tub before selling it in 1985 to Claude Desmas, who restored it over the next few years to race-ready condition. When completed it was bought by investment fund Société Galaxie, moving between owners until 1999 when Jean Pierre Lecou bought the fund and took ownership of the car.

1968 Ford GT40

Lecou put the car back on the track in 2003, performing further race preparation and restoration work on it over the next year. It was issued FIA papers in 2004 and would compete in the Tour Auto. Its current owner bought it not long after, racing it in the Modena Cento Ore as well as Tour Auto, Spa Six Hours, Goodwood Revival and the Le Mans Classic.

Its received yet more restoration work this year to bring into and race-ready and immaculate condition. Nick Padmore jumped behind the wheel at the Goodwood Revival, putting it on pole position and driving it to second in the Whitsun Trophy behind the GT40 of Chris Ward.

1968 Ford GT40

The chassis has had its authenticity confirmed by Ronnie Spain and will be sold with extensive documentation, including a 380 page report by Spain. An extensive spares package is available, including options to run the car in either 1968 or the earlier 1965 specification.

Race-ready, stunning, and spectacularly quick, this rare example of Ford’s legendary GT40 is in race-ready condition and would make for a legendary entry into historics. It’s up for sale at Duncan Hamilton. Hit this link for the full details at their website.

Images via Duncan Hamilton

1968 Ford GT40

1968 Ford GT40

1968 Ford GT40

1968 Ford GT40

1968 Ford GT40

1968 Ford GT40

1968 Ford GT40

1968 Ford GT40

The post Race Ready & Magnificent – 1968 Ford GT40 For Sale appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

This Ex-Mecom 1965 Lola T70 Spyder Mk1 is Up For Sale

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1965 Lola T70 Spyder Mk1

Images via William i’Anson

This mighty 1965 Lola T70 Spyder Mk1 won its debut race, the 1965 Monterey Grand Prix at Laguna Seca, has found great success in historics and is up for sale.

SL70/13 was supplied new to John Mecom Racing in Texas early in 1965 for use as a spare chassis. It was completed in October for the US Professional Fall Series, in which it would be driven by Walt Hansgen.

The team used it as a development car and it featured a shorter wheelbase, anti-dive rear suspension and long nose frame designed by Mecom to fit a longer and flatter nose instead of the standard split scuttle under the windscreen. Under the hood was a 4.7-litre Ford V8.

1965 Lola T70 Spyder Mk1

The car debuted in the Monterey Grand Prix in October, 1965. Walt Hansgen drove it to victory in both heats and on aggregate in the Laguna Seca 200 Miles.

Its next outing, the Riverside 200 Miles at the LA Times Grand Prix, would be less successful. A strong qualifying performance and early lead turned into a premature exit when water found in the engine oil led to technical troubles. The Stardust Grand Prix in Las Vegas was even more trouble, with Hansgen having an off and crashing the car.

Following that stack, the engine from SL70/13 was put in one of the team’s spare cars, SL70/1A, in which Jackie Stewart had blown a motor back at Riverside. Hansgen would drive that combination to a win in qualifying and 2nd in the Grand Prix.

1965 Lola T70 Spyder Mk1

Sl70/13 was then put into storage without a motor, and that’s where it stayed until 1966, when Mecom Racing was shut down. The car was sold to Chuck Haines, whose race shop rebuilt and restored it. It would then be sold to Ian Webb in the UK, moving to Nigel Hulme in 1980.

Hulme sold it to Colin Parry Williams, who kept it for over two decades, racing in International Supersports throughout his ownership. In 1997 he had the car restored by Clive Robinson Engineering, fitting it with a Chevrolet V8.

2003 saw the car go to Rick Lloyd, who began looking into its back story, even reaching out to John Mecom Jr. to confirm its authenticity. Finally, in 2006, it made its way to its current owner who treated it to another full rebuild in order to take it racing.

1965 Lola T70 Spyder Mk1

The rebuild was completed in 2008, and the car was accepted into the Goodwood Revival’s Whitsun Trophy. Simon Hadfield was given the honour of driving, and he did the car proud, claiming pole position and going on to take the race win.

SL70/13 has been raced throughout Europe, with significant effort made to ensure that it’s maintained in tip top racing condition. Commensurate with this ethos, it was entrusted to Simon Hadfield Motorsport in 2015 for another rebuild, which included new lightweight body work, a full rebuild of the monocoque and gearbox, crack testing and engine check up.

It returned to the track at the 75th Goodwood Members’ Meeting early this year, this time with Simon Hadfield driving in the Surtees Trophy. Hadfield drove it to pole position, and went on to add another win to its resume.

This hard working race car is in competitive racing condition and will be sold with a comprehensive history file, 2015 FIA HTPs and spares package. It’s up for sale at William i’Anson and you can enjoy its full story and find all the details at their official website here.

Images via William i’Anson

1965 Lola T70 Spyder Mk1

The post This Ex-Mecom 1965 Lola T70 Spyder Mk1 is Up For Sale appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

Comparing 1992 British Touring Car Championship Cars with Tiff

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Tiff Needell Test Driving 1992 BTCC Cars

Tiff Needell is living the dream in this video, taking part in the final round of the 1992 British Touring Car Championship at Silverstone and then hopping into each of the three championship-contending cars to go for a test drive.

“The bloody thing’s jumping out of bloody gear!”

At the start of the Silverstone round John Cleland, Will Hoy and Tim Harvey were all in with a shot to take out the title. Tiff kicks off the video in a Nissan Primera, which he qualifies in 13th and gets he gets up to 10th over the course of the race.

Further up the field and a bit of classic BTCC biffo between Steve Soper and John Cleland saw them coming together and taking each other out, John Cleland’s championship hopes dashed. Tim Harvey finished in fourth ahead of fellow championship contender Will Hoy, with Andy Rouse claiming victory. Having entered the round on a hot streak of five consecutive wins, that was enough to give Harvey the title.

“Of all the racing cars I’ve ever driven, this BMW is one of the most beautifully balanced and poised cars. It’s just.. total enjoyment.”

The three championship-contending cars were the Vauxhall Cavalier of John Cleland, the Toyota Carina of Will Hoy and Tim Harvey’s BMW 318is. Tiff takes them each out for a few hot laps, nailing some beautiful lines and keeping them on, or very close to, the limit. His commentary on the cars is nuanced, detailed and surprisingly technical, giving some interesting comparison between the three. Hit play, and enjoy!

MORE: Video: Testing with Tiff Needell in the Porsche 962

The post Comparing 1992 British Touring Car Championship Cars with Tiff appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

Awesome in Aquamarine: Ex-Leyton House Racing 1988 Porsche 962 CK6 For Sale

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Leyton House Racing 1988 Porsche 962 CK6

Images via Duncan Hamilton

This magic 1988 Porsche 962 CK6 was raced successfully in the All Japan Sports Prototype Championship and World Sportscar Championship by Leyton House Racing. Looking absolutely spectacular in its iconic livery, it’s up for sale at Duncan Hamilton.

The car, CK6 01-2, debuted at the 1000 km Suzuka, driven by Bruno Giacomelli and Naoki Nagasaka. It was Leyton House Racing’s second CK6 01 and was put into action to replace the Kris Nissen/Bruno Giacomelli car that was crashed in practice for the 1988 Fuji 500 Miles a month earlier.

Leyton House Racing 1988 Porsche 962 CK6

Giacomelli and Nagasaka would take the car to fourth on its debut, and it continued to find success into the 1989 season. That year it would race in both the World Sportscar Championship and the JSPC, attaining a career-best finish when Hideki Okada and Masanori Sekiya drove it to victory in the 1989 Fuji 500 Miles.

Leyton House Racing 1988 Porsche 962 CK6

At the conclusion of the 1989 season, the car went to Kremer Racing in Germany, who retired it from its period racing career. Erwin Kremer took it into his personal collection, eventually rebuilding it and preparing it for historic competition at the Kremer factory. Following its rebuild, Ralf Kelleners and Caspar Elgaard would drive it successfully in historics throughout Europe.

The car will be sold with an ownership history file, an email from the late Erwin Kremer confirming its history, Wagenpass and comprehensive documentation of its rebuild at Kremer.

Its sale has been entrusted to Duncan Hamilton, and you can find the full details on their official website here.

Images via Duncan Hamilton

Leyton House Racing 1988 Porsche 962 CK6

Leyton House Racing 1988 Porsche 962 CK6

Leyton House Racing 1988 Porsche 962 CK6

Leyton House Racing 1988 Porsche 962 CK6

Leyton House Racing 1988 Porsche 962 CK6

Leyton House Racing 1988 Porsche 962 CK6

 

The post Awesome in Aquamarine: Ex-Leyton House Racing 1988 Porsche 962 CK6 For Sale appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

Get Into Historic Touring Car Racing With This 1982 Group A BMW 635

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Group A 1982 BMW 635

Images via Mécaniques Modernes & Classiques

This ex-Frank Sytner Group A BMW 635 has plenty of ETCC and BTCC history, raced in the inaugural Wellington 500 and is up for sale at Mécaniques Modernes & Classiques Paris.

The car, RA1-22, was built by Ted Grace for Frank Sytner to run under Grace International Racing. It debuted in the European Touring Car Championship at the Donington 500 in May of 1983, where Sytner and Brian Miur would qualify 10th and go on to a DNF.

Group A 1982 BMW 635

The pair would return to the ETCC a few months later in September, when the championship returned to the United Kingdom for the Canon RAC Tourist Trophy at Silverstone. There they qualified 11th, moving up to a 10th place finish in the race.

Sytner and RA1-22 would find more success in the British Saloon Car Championship, claiming a third at Silverstone and following up with a 2nd at Donington Park.

Group A 1982 BMW 635

Sytner continued to run the car in 1984, entering more rounds of the BTCC and ETCC and bringing the car’s podium tally up to five.

In 1985 RA1-22 was sold to John Morton, who would run it in New Zealand. With Sytner joining Morton behind the wheel, the car took second in the inaugural Wellington 500. They finished behind the Volvo 240 Turbo of Michel Delcourt and Robbie Francevic that had started at the back of the pack and made a monumental run through the field.

Group A 1982 BMW 635

Morton continued to race the car through to 1987, with New Zealand legend, Australian Touring Car Champion, Jim Richards taking stints behind the wheel. In 1990 it was restored to its 1985 Wellington 500 livery, running in historic meetings in New Zealand under Dougal McGibbon.

It returned to Europe in 2016 and was given a major service including new fuel cell, brakes, head gasket, cooling system and Motec management system. It’s in fine racing condition and ready to return to the track.

For the full details, head to Mécaniques Modernes & Classiques’ official website here.

Images via Mécaniques Modernes & Classiques

Group A 1982 BMW 635

The post Get Into Historic Touring Car Racing With This 1982 Group A BMW 635 appeared first on Motorsport Retro.

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