Estoril Classics is the meeting everyone is looking forward to, for a season-closing event with thirteen corners, including two hairpins, significant variations in elevation and a long 985-metre straight that will attract even the most discerning racing fans. Not to mention the festive atmosphere that this region of Portugal knows so well how to deliver! All that remains is to celebrate this event together, in the most beautiful way, with incredible cars with bewitching shapes and sounds on the track!
Formula 1, star of the 70s and 80s: CLASSIC GP set – Pre 1986 F1
The Classic GP is the most iconic race of the event. The Formula 1s of the 70s and 80s emit an impressive and special sound. Painted in the colours of their original sponsors, their 500 horsepower cars offer a thrilling and exciting spectacle. Mclaren, Williams, Lotus and Tyrrel are just some of the fantastic Formula 1 cars that will be taking part in this competition, where some of the most talented drivers of all time, such as James Hunt, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, have raced. Regardless of the car model, they are always rare and extremely valuable pieces that do not hesitate to compete at the highest level. At Estoril Classics, they will have a qualifying session and two 20-minute races. These iconic machines returning to the Estoril circuit are sure to bring back memories of the glory days of F1.
Focus on a few cars from the Classic Endurance Racing 1 and The Greatest’s Trophy series
CLASSIC ENDURANCE RACING 1
66 – Ford GT40 (1965)
of Jean-François Decaux (chassis P1017)
Sold new to Fred English in 1966, the light blue car raced four times with its owner, including three World Constructors’ Championship races (Spa, Le Mans and Zeltweg). Drivers who raced in it included Richard Attwood and Chris Amon. For the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours, English hired Jochen Rindt and Innes Ireland. Innes Ireland did not even take part in the race because his engine broke down after only eight laps. Before the end of 1966 the GT40 was sold to Ron Fry, who continued to drive it with some success in local events until the 1968 season. The GT40 passed into the hands of Bob Vincent between 1968 and 1970, and then into the hands of British owner Dudley Mason-Styrron for two decades, before becoming French owned and returning to the track in the summer of 2021 thanks to Jean-François Decaux.
114 – Porsche 908/03 (1971)
of Henrique Gemperle (chassis 002)
The 908/03 is one of the most successful models in Porsche’s long history in motor racing. This chassis (#002) was one of the model’s prototypes, often entered as a reserve car in various World Sports Car Championship events between 1970 and 1971. It was also driven by the famous journalist and racing driver Paul Frère, while he was working on his book on Porsche prototypes. Dressed in Martini colours, this Porsche was also used by Helmut Marko and Gijs van Lennep in the 1971 Nürburgring 1000 km, finishing third behind two sister cars. Chassis 002 was finally purchased from the factory in 1998 and prepared for historic racing.
THE GREATEST’S TROPHY
#28 Frazer Nash Targa Florio “KYN 9” (1952)
of Jean Laurent-Bellue (chassis 421/200/173)
After several competition successes in the inter-war period, Frazer Nash continued its successful performance at Sebring in 1952. In the same year, Frazer Nash introduced the Targa Florio, which incorporated many new design features, including the lightweight 200 series chassis. The “KYN 9” was one of the most famous of the 14 Targa Florios built, unique in that it had a 2.6 litre Austin engine instead of the traditional 2 litre Bristol. It is the ideal sports, racing and touring car of the early 1950s.
