A spectacular collection of more than £20 million worth of legendary Le Mans 24 Hours machinery will go on public display at a leading motor racing show early next year, with more still to be confirmed.
The breathtaking feature – set to take centre stage at the
Autosport International show at Birmingham's NEC on January 13-14 – will be evocative of the La Sarthe classic, with the iconic machines set to be reunited with their celebrated drivers in the most significant Le Mans tribute ever assembled.
The latest addition is the Ferrari 512 BB LM, of which only 25 were produced from 1979 to 1982. Piloted by Nick Faure, Steve O'Rourke and Bernard de Dryver in 1979, its Pininfarina-designed body featured a longitudinally, mid-mounted 12-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels, built specifically for Le Mans. Although its inaugural appearance yielded only a disappointing 12th place finish, subsequent modifications and improvements enabled the car to score a class triumph in the great race just two years later.
The Matra MS670, driven to victory in 1972 by Graham Hill and Henri Pescarolo, will also be exhibited. Hill had not been to Le Mans since 1966 and was one of eight current or future grand prix drivers to make up the four-car Matra team. This was a justifiably popular success, and the first for a French machine since the Rosiers' Talbot won in 1950.
In 1990 Mark Blundell became the youngest driver ever to gain pole position at Le Mans, an incredible six seconds clear of the nearest opposition behind the wheel of his Nissan R90 CK. The former grand prix ace will be reunited with the car when he attends the show on the Saturday.
Also on the list of legendary drivers will be Derek Bell with his 1988 Porsche; Allan McNish and his 2005 Audi R8; Andy Wallace and Johnny Dumfries with their 1988 Silk Cut Jaguar; Guy Smith and his 2003 winning Bentley; and Paddy Hopkirk with his MGB, which finished second in class in 1965.
Joining these stars will be 1969 winner Jackie Oliver, David Piper, David Brabham, Ray Mallock, Mike Wild, Win Percy and Tony Southgate.
In addition to the dazzling array of stunning Le Mans machines at the show, there will be more cars on display at the charity gala dinner as well as a chance to meet all the drivers and enjoy a wonderful four-course meal with compere John Hindhaugh, the voice of Radio Le Mans. On offer is an amazing package which includes a room at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole with full breakfast, the four-course dinner and an entry ticket to Autosport International on either Saturday or Sunday, including a seat in the Live Action Arena, for just £149 per person.
A contribution from every ticket sold will be given to BEN – The Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund – the only occupational charity for those who work or have worked in the automotive and related industries, including motorsport.
To avoid disappointment and secure a seat at the dinner, e-mail uk.specialevents@hilton.com or telephone 08705 201201.
Alternatively, for tickets to the show including entry to the 45-minute adrenaline-pumping Live Action Arena, book either online at www.autosport-international.com or by phoning the ticket hotline on 0870 380 2244. Tickets cost £26 per adult including entry to the Live Action Arena. Children's tickets (five to 15 years) are £18.50.
