Some love to keep their classic cars as perfectly restored as humanly possible, ensuring every nut, bolt, fastener, and stitch looks as it did the day it rolled off the assembly line, and in some cases, better. There are others though, that enjoy nothing more than pushing their collectable cars to their extreme, just as they did back when the car was new. For those enthusiasts, Peter Auto is the gateway to experiencing classic motorsport perfection.
Since the early 80s, Peter Auto has earned itself an international reputation in both the historic and modern car worlds, becoming one of the leaders in a very popular and busy industry. Their ethos has remained the same since their inception, ensuring that their events amalgamate history and future together, allowing the world’s finest machines to be used exactly how they were intended.
With rare grids aplenty, we’ve selected some upcoming events that we think are a must for both spectators and participants!
Tour Auto (17 – 22 April)
Created in 1899 as ‘the Tour de France Automobile’, competitors will line up at the Grand Palais Ephémère, before embarking from Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Competitors will then tackle a route of about 2,000 km through some of the most beautiful roads in France, passing through Beaune, Clermont-Ferrand, Valence and Circuit Paul Ricard, before finishing in Cannes.
Spa-Classic (12 - 14 May)
This is one that shouldn't need much of an introduction. Belgium’s Spa Francorchamps takes absolutely no prisoners; it cares little for your priceless classic racer, and its weather can change in a single lap, which is exactly why it is one of the true driver’s circuits. Expect to see some of the world’s most expensive race cars battle it out down the Kemmel Straight, ranging from 1950’s GT racers, right the way through to Endurance legends of the 1990s.
Grand Prix de l’Age d’Or (2 - 4 June)
At the risk of repeating ourselves on each of these events, we suggest you attend them all to fully immerse yourself in the sheer joy of classic racing. Officially the oldest historic car meeting in France, Grand Prix de l'Age d'Or is held at the Dijon-Prenois circuit and is perhaps one of the most challenging on Peter Auto’s extensive roster. Areas such as the blind La Bretelle corner, the uphill Parabolique hairpin, and the never-ending and very quick Pouas curve are ready for drivers to overcome. For spectators, this is one of those events where you can really feel the atmosphere, there are even temporary garages which are completely accessible for any visitor to the event.
Rallye des Princesses Richard Mille (3 - 8 June)
This one is purely for the ladies who love classic cars and motorsport. A chance to explore some of France’s best driving roads, this regularity rally has been held for more than 20 years, uniting exceptional women who all share the same passion for unique cars.
Le Mans Classic (29 June - 2 July)
This classic take on one of the world’s most famous and gruelling endurance races is exactly what every motorsport fan dreams of. The Circuit de la Sarthe will host over 800 race cars across the four-day event, as well as over 8,500 club cars displayed around the grounds. On track, expect to see some of the true greats from the 24-hour race’s history, ranging from the 1920s right through to the 2010s. If you’ve not yet attended, this year is the year to take the trip, as Le Mans celebrates its centenary in 2023, meaning the festivities will most certainly be in full bloom!
Dix Mille Tours (1 - 3 September)
Created back in 2010, the Dix Mille Tours du Castellet allows drivers to push their classics to their absolute limits, thanks to Circuit Paul Ricard’s vast open spaces and exceptionally long straights. Dedicated to two different series, this event takes advantage of the French Formula 1 Grand Prix layout and allows the chicane to be active for one series, and inactive for the other. In this second configuration, the Mistral straight runs for a staggering 1,800 metres, allowing the Group C racing prototypes to achieve a top speed of 300 km/h!
Rallye des Légendes Richard Mille (19 - 23 September)
One of Peter Auto’s latest events allows participants to see the most beautiful wonders French roads have to offer in an exceptional rally designed for all kinds of classic machinery. This event aims to celebrate the “art de vivre”, with the backing of its faithful partner, Richard Mille.
Estoril Classics (6 - 8 October)
As we head into the later months of 2023, Peter Auto won't be stepping off the gas in the slightest, and their Portuguese historic event is set to be another fabulous affair. The Estoril circuit, although the most modern in the series, has an impressive history, being the circuit that saw Ayrton Senna gain his first victory in 1985. This unforgiving circuit is likely to be basking in the late summer sun and will see the finale of the Peter Auto Series for 2023.
Rallye des Princesses Richard Mille American Edition (11 - 15 October)
Much like its European sibling, The Rallye des Princesses Richard Mille is four days of pure adrenaline packed with the most beautiful roads California has to offer. From the beaches in Santa Monica, to the renowned Napa Valley, four days of driving will see the ladies stop off at some esteemed wineries and traverse the best-kept secret driving roads.
Overall, these events are a must-visit for any classic and vintage car enthusiast, offering a unique opportunity to see some of the most iconic cars in history in action! To find out more, visit Peter Auto’s event page.
