My Own Le Mans
by Peter Radcliffe
Visit his new website: Amazing43.com
Above all others Le Mans is the greatest race. Indianapolis and the Grand Prix of Monaco may have pretensions to the title, but neither have the attraction and compulsion of the 24 Hours. Every manufacturer knows that a Le Mans win sells cars and for many of the greatest drivers the dream of a win will keep them coming back long after regular racing is over. When at last the driving is over you will find them with teams of their own (Pescarolo) or as advisors (Derek Bell with Bentley).
Clement and Duff's 1924 Le Mans winning Bentley
Le Mans has a history of "Triumph and Tragedy". Triumph of not only the winners, but also the race itself, which has survived despite periods of isolation by the FIA and Formula One brigade. Tragedy of the 1955 race and also those who have died or been injured. There are also stories that make the comic books of our youth seem less far fetched. From the "almost hero" Pierre Levegh who in a French Talbot was less than an hour from beating the factory Mercedes team in 1952 when memories of war were still fresh, to Jochen Rindt and Masten Gregory's win in 1965 when the factory Fords and Ferraris destroyed each other.
1939 Lagonda - Last of the WO entries
It is also a race that respects no one, but a race that requires the respect of the protagonists. In 1999 Mercedes built the ultimate GT car, but instead of triumphant headlines they got headlines about flying, almost as damaging as the A Class incidents about rollovers while attempting to avoid elks! Pride leads to a fall. Talking to one of the 1999 Mercedes drivers at this year's test, he confirmed that Webber's test weekend crash was a warning of impending problems and that there had also been indications during the tests in the USA. All were disregarded by an arrogant or skeptical design team. Perhaps just the commercial repercussions of failure could not be contemplated. Why even after two incidents in race practice did the cars start, is a question which will always haunt Mercedes.
I hope my collection reflects some of the flavour of the race and its fascination. From the winners to Levegh's Talbot to the 1999 CLR Mercedes to the also rans and the oddities. My own Le Mans doesn't end with there but includes the books, pictures, videos and the desire to be part of the race which keeps us going back year after year. It is the one race every enthusiast should see at least once.
1937/38 Darl Mat Peugeot designed by Georges Paulin who also designed
the body for the Embiricos Bentley
Simca Huit
Embiricos Bentley
Maserati 152 Test Car
Pierre Levegh's 1952 Talbot Lago
1954 Ferrari 375 MM, Le Mans Winner
Kit by Feeling 43
Ford Torino
1973 Ferrari 312PB by Scale Racing Cars
Renault
Panoz
Toyotas
Maseratis
"Jackie's Boys," the Talkline Lola team from 2000 Le Mans
Bentley Returns to Le Mans for 2001
Bentley Team Advisor Derek Bell Hopes for the Best in 2001
Peter and Jackie Radcliffe invite you to explore
the amazing world of 1/43 scale modeling at these websites:
Merrymeet Model Cars
Amazing43.com
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