The 2010 Le Mans Classic was a truly fabulous event. Held in temperatures as hot as Hades, it was well worth the sticky discomfort to witness so many original Le Mans racers on one of the world's greatest tracks.

And I include the men, as well as the machines, for several veterans of 24 Hours past were driving, including overall winners Richard Attwood and Vern Schuppan sharing a Gulf Porsche 917. My abiding memories of the weekend (humidity apart) would include the unique sound of the Matra V12, the Howmet gas turbine's kettle–like whistle and the factory assistenza provided by Ferrari Classiche for several cars, including the outright winner of 1962.

Top marks, however, must go to the sight of an original Competition Ferrari Daytona powering out of the chicane at the Dunlop Curve. The big car exited the corner with its tail out, then, as the driver poured on the power, its nose rose majestically with an unmistakable blare from the side exhausts as it rocketed down to the Esses.

With modern technology, the oversteer and squat could be eliminated easily enough. It would, though, be against the letter of the rules and the spirit of the event.

The heat, the dust, the noise and relentless on–track activity make the regular, June, Le Mans such a terrific spectacle. The Classic is no less evocative.

Steve Wakefield Managing Editor sw@classicdriver.com

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