A new event, to be held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, aims to impart the magic of the Le Mans 24 Hours – while raising funds for the Chelsea Pensioners. On Sunday 5 September, the inaugural Chelsea AutoLegends will celebrate the stars and cars of the world-famous endurance race.

The grounds of the Royal Hospital will become temporary home to a spectacular collection of Le Mans sportscars, many appearing in London for the first time. In particular, the 2010 Chelsea AutoLegends will pay homage to the 40th anniversary of Porsche’s first Le Mans win, in 1970, as well as the filming of the epic Le Mans movie, starring Steve McQueen. The 1970 film will be shown at the event, with many of the drivers involved in its creation present to share their memories – including five-times winner Derek Bell and Richard Attwood (the man, of course, who actually won the 1970 race…).

As well as the Le Mans focus, Chelsea AutoLegends will showcase prestige, exotic and supercars for road and track, from Aston Martins, Bentleys and Bugattis, to Ferraris, Jaguars, Maseratis and Porsches.

“This is the start of something really special,” says event founder Michael Scott, a Chelsea resident who has been organising smaller ‘Rendezvous’ gatherings for car enthusiasts in the Royal Hospital grounds. “I’ve always dreamed of creating a spectacular annual automotive event in the fabulous setting of the Royal Hospital gardens to raise much-needed funds for the Chelsea Pensioners. And what better way to fire up than with a superb homage to the world’s greatest motor race and to Steve McQueen, one of Hollywood’s most revered heroes.”

See www.ChelseaAutoLegends.com for further details, and tickets.

Founded by King Charles II in 1681, the Royal Hospital Chelsea has been a retirement and nursing home for British soldiers for more than 300 years. Today, it is home to more than 300 Chelsea Pensioners and will benefit directly from funds raised by Chelsea AutoLegends.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Chelsea AutoLegends