Barely recovered from the Goodwood Festival of Speed, we now set our sights on the upcoming Le Mans Classic. The biennial event uses the same 13.6 km long Circuit de la Sarthe for the legendary twice-round-the-clock race. Before we start our coverage, we today would like to warm you up with a closer look at two machines that starred at Le Mans in the past and will be out on track again this weekend.
The most recent is the unique Rondeau M378 Cosworth. Powered by the venerable DFV V8 engine, it was first raced at Le Mans in 1978 and would return a further nine times, making it the car with the most Le Mans starts of all. It was also very successful, winning the GTP class at its debut and also placing third and second overall in 1980 and 1981 respectively. Restored to full running order ahead of this season, we captured the striking Rondeau at the Mugello Classic in April and the Spa Classic in May.
British specialist manufacturer Frazer Nash impressed at the first post-War running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the new High Speed model, which finished first in class. From then on the BMW-engined car was known as the Le Mans Replica. It was raced with great success around the world thanks to its well honed straight-six engine and lightweight cycle-fender body. Many of the cars have been raced throughout their lives and are still machines to be reckoned with in historic events. Our 34-shot gallery pictures three of the original Le Mans Replicas built, two of which will line up for the Le Mans Classic come Saturday afternoon.
A full report with a comprehensive, class-by-class gallery will follow early next week.

Enjoy the links:

1949 - 1951 Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica - Images, Specifications and Information

1978 Rondeau M378 Cosworth - Images, Specifications and Information