The entry list was so big it was split into 10 different grids and the cars that made the biggest impact in each all had one thing in common – a combination of technological innovation and beauty that made them a fans’ favourite and also a winner on track.
As a partner of the event since it began in 2002, Richard Mille is no stranger to creating its own icons in the world of watches – just take a look at the limited-edition RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic flyback chronograph it produced in celebration of the race.
It is the creativity, precision, originality and passion involved in the design – whether that be a race-winning car or a highly tuned timepiece – that creates the ability to achieve such status – so let’s take a look at what makes last weekend’s winners so special.
Talbot AV105 – Grid 1
This extremely rare car was produced in very small numbers in the 1930s and only a few are still in action today. It was designed by one man – Georges Roesch – with a minimalistic concept designed to improve performance.
In much the same way as weight-saving materials and design are used to create modern machinery from cars to timepieces, this used innovative techniques of its day to eliminate excess rather than follow the trend of bigger engines and superchargers.
The car’s predecessor, the 14/45, was designed as a road car but its properties were seen as ideal for racing – so when the refined and more powerful 105 came along, it was no surprise Talbot’s seven works cars proved to be an on-track success.
Jaguar D-type – Grid 2/3
This car was literally designed to win Le Mans and it did so three times, from 1955 to 1957. It secured four more victories at this year’s Classic, two of which had Andy Wallace – winner of the 1988 Le Mans in the legendary Silk Cut Jaguar – behind the wheel.
Source: Autosport