2004 is another turning point in the Tour Auto history. The rally gains "Tour Auto Lissac" as a new title name with the arrival of the prestigious Lissac Opticiens, a major optician network. The change is significant as this partnership introduces two daily bulletins broadcast by French TV Channel TF1. The organisers have just announced a full entry list as well as details of the route.
The participants of the 2004 Tour Auto will come from five continents and 20 different countries. On 19th April they will converge on the Fountains of the Trocadéro in Paris to start the five-day adventure that is the Tour Auto.
The route will be exciting as usual, including the famous mix of special stages and circuits spiced with running on spectacular secondary roads. Brand new for 2004, the road ‘special stages’ will be only be unveiled on the eve of the event.
Good news for the competitors: this year the route allows everyone a daily circuit session. In actual fact there are not so many racetracks approved for competition, and their location does not always match up with a Tour Auto route that varies every year. Everything will start at Le Mans, on the permanent Bugatti circuit built along a part of the full 24 Hour-racetrack, it will then be Le Vigeant, with its famous triple straight, followed by Nogaro, and then Albi will be the fourth circuit created in December 1927 when a handful of bikers decided to create a circuit. The final circuit - Lédenon - built by Claude and Sylvie Bondurand in 1970, was approved on June 16th 1973. This splendid circuit is reputed as the hilliest, the most sinuous, and the most technical in France. Around 38 changes of gear are necessary along one lap and its anti-clockwise direction makes it unique.
The Tour Auto is of course sports, but it is also…
Lunch - typical locations for lunch off the beaten track include the colourful “Chateau de Mauriac”, built in 14C, or the typical “Manade Saint Laurent” in Camargue between the sea and lakes...
...and scenic roads lined with architectural marvels like Angles sur Anglin, a village with 12 centuries of history, the Chateau du Lude, a real little Renaissance gem, the Termes d’Armagnac, a village which offers a splendid view over the Adour Valley, Sauveterre de Rouergue and its splendid walled town, the 700 years old Saint Nicolas de Campagnac ‘s bridge.
Five towns with five stop-offs
Every night, the Tour Auto makes a stop-off in a city, offering a nice rest and a dinner in an outstanding location for the competitors, and making a unique show for the local residents. This year, the five cities will be Tours, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Montpellier and Saint Tropez.
The full list of cars and drivers can be seen below but of course Sir Stirling Moss will be one of the leading stars of this 2004 Tour, and Jean Ragnotti, France’s most popular driver who has won everything (rally, circuit, rally cross or ice) as well as the Tour Auto in 2003 (G/H/I), will be putting his title at stake. He will have to face the Entremont crew (in 2003 second in the same category), former F1-driver, Eric Comas, American Danny Sullivan (two victories at Indianapolis and one third place at the 1994 Le Mans 24H), Pierre de Thoisy (6 scratch victories at the Carrera Panamericana Mexico). Due to a change in the regulations overall winner of the 2003 Tour Auto, Chris Chiles, will only have to aim at G/H/I category.
Editor's note; A few words of explanation may be of use to those not completely au fait with the nuances of International Historic Racing. The 'Competition' section is for those cars entitled to actually win the event as pre-1966 FIA sports cars. The 'G/H/I' class is still a competitive class (very much so!), but is for later cars of a type that competed in the Tour in its later incarnations, for example a Ferrari 512M or 'Daytona', or Matra 670 Prototype. It is from this class that the fastest stage and racing times will come. The 'Regularity' section is for those participants who do not wish to actively compete, merely follow the route in a suitable car. No competition licence is therefore required. With grateful thanks to regular competitor Jon Gross for this explanation.
Liste provisoire / Provisional entry List N°7
Please note:
The vehicle names/details below are as given by the organisers, Peter Auto.
Competition -
AGACE / AGACE | GB/GB | ALFA ROMEO 1600 GTA 1965 |
ALBUQUERQUE/SOUSA | P /P | FERRARI 275 GTB/C 1965 |
ATKINSON/FOSTER | GB /GB | JAGUAR Mk VII 1952 |
BEAUMARTIN/DELEZINIER | F/F | AUSTIN HEALEY 100 M 1955 |
BELL/FREEMAN | GB/GB | LOTUS Elan 1964 |
BENTZ/POULAIN | F /F | JAGUAR Type E 1962 |
BERSTEIN/ TBA | D/- | JAGUAR Type E 1964 |
BOUZANQUET/DETROYES | F/F | ALPINE A 106 1956 |
CANART/ CANART | F/F | ALFA 1600 Spider 1964 |
CHAMBON/ROUGET | F/F | PORSCHE 911 S 1965 |
COWDRAY/LINDSAY | GB/GB | JAGUAR Type E Lightweight 1963 |
DESOUZA/MORALES | F/F | PORSCHE 911 S 1965 |
DUDLEY/DUDLEY | USA/USA | FERRARI 250 GT TdF 1958 |
END / END | D/D | ALFA ROMEO Giulia 1600 TI Super 1964 |
FABRI/STOOP | B/GB | ALFA ROMEO TZ 1965 |
FADEL/QUIRIN | B/B | ALFA ROMEO TZ 1964 |
FAURE/FAURE | GB/GB | LOTUS Elan 1965 |
FISKEN/EYEARS | SCO/GB | PORSCHE Carrera Abarth 1960 |
FITZSIMONS/ TOLICH | NZ/NZ | FERRARI 250 Tdf 1957 |
FOUAN/CARLE | F/F | JAGUAR Type E 1962 |
GHOSE/TBA | USA/- | FERRARI 750 Monza 1955 |
GRANDIDIER/SCHNECK | F/F | JAGUAR XK 150 S 1957 |
GRAVE/ARTERO | F/F | FERRARI 250 GT Berlinetta 1961 |
GUERRIER/GUERRIER | GB/GB | MG B 1965 |
GUTZWILLER/TBA | CH/- | ALFA ROMEO 1600 GTA 1965 |
HADFIELD/JACKSON | GB/GB | ALFA ROMEO 1600 GTA 1965 |
HALL / BRADFIELD | GB/GB | AC Bristol 1959 |
HART/TBA | B/- | LOTUS Elan 26R GT 1964 |
HINDERER/HINDERER | D/D | AC Cobra 1964 |
HUBER/KUNZE | CH/D | LOTUS Elan 26R GT 1964 |
HUGENHOLTZ/HUGENHOLTZ ABRIOU | NL/F | LOTUS Elan 1965 |
JOBERT/TBA | F/- | LOTUS Elan 1963 |
JONVILLE CHAROY/LEDOUX | F/F | LANCIA Aurelia B 20 1957 |
JUNNE/BAKER | F/USA | PORSCHE 911 S 1965 |
KOHLER/TBA | F/- | PORSCHE 911 S 1965 |
LA HAYE JOUSSELIN/TBA | F/- | ASTON MARTIN DB 4 GT 1961 |
LANCKSWEERT / WILLEMS | B/F | FERRARI 275 GTB 1965 |
LE JEAN/RIVET FUSIL | F/F | PORSCHE 911 S 1965 |
LEWIS/BLACKBURN | GB/GB | FERRARI 250 GT Lusso 1964 |
LYNN/ HADDON | GB/GB | FORD Galaxie 1963 |
MERLIN/TBA | F/- | LOTUS Elan 1964 |
MEYERS/CHRISTIAENS | B/B | FERRARI 275 GTB 1965 |
MILLMAN/TBA | USA/- | FERRARI 275 GTB 1965 |
MINSHAW/STRETTON | GB/GB | AC Cobra 1963 |
MOSS / MOSS | GB/GB | MG B 1962 |
NOBLET/TBA | F/- | FERRARI 275 GTB 1965 |
PENILLARD/SUGBBY | F/F | PORSCHE 356 A Coupé 1600 1958 |
POISSON/ROSELLO | F/F | ALFA ROMEO Giulia SS 1964 |
PUREN/PUREN | F/F | JAGUAR Type E 1961 |
READ/RATAZZI | USA/USA | FERRARI 250 GT 1957 |
RICHARD/GIURA | F/F | PORSCHE 911 S 1965 |
SADELEER/BILLARD | CH/F | FERRARI 275 GTB 1965 |
SAGE/ TBA | F/- | FERRARI 250 GT Berlinetta 1960 |
SCHELCHER/COULOMBS | F/F | AUSTIN Cooper S 1965 |
SCHENK/ RIMBÖCK | D/D | MASERATI A6 GCS 1955 |
SCHWARTZ/VELIN | F /F | FERRARI 250 GT Lusso 1963 |
SHELDON/STEVENS | GB/GB | PORSCHE 911S 1965 |
SIRGUE/BELLETESTE | F/F | FORD Mustang 1965 |
SPADINI/RADOVANODITCH | CH/CH | JAGUAR Mk I (3,4l) 1959 |
SPIEKER/ SINGLETON | USA/USA | FERRARI 250 GT Berlinetta 1961 |
TERRELL/HUMILY | GB /F | JAGUAR XK 120 Roadster 1952 |
VERCAMER/VERCAMER | F/F | ALFA ROMEO 1600 GTA 1965 |
VERQUIN/ RICOURT | F/F | ALFA ROMEO 1600 GTA 1965 |
WAAIJENBERG/SCHOONEWOLF | NL/NL | FORD Mustang 1965 |
WANTY/PUYTS | B/B | LOTUS 11 1958 |
WILDENBURG/HAHNE | D/D | ALFA ROMEO 1600 GTA 1965 |
Class G/H/I -
ARDILLIER/CARDON | F/F | FIAT 124 Abarth 1973 |
AUDI/LEONARD | F /USA | BMW CSL Luigi Gr.2 1975 |
BAIGNERES / WASILEWSKI | F / PL | ALFA ROMEO 2000 GTV 1971 |
BARRAL/CHAMPY | F/F | ALPINE A 110 1600S 1971 |
BERGA/ROUTELOUS | F/F | CG 1200S 1972 |
BERNOLLIN/MIQUEE | F/F | CHEVROLET CORVETTE 1971 |
BESSADE/LAURENT | F/F | FORD GT 40 1964 |
BESSON / BESSON | F/F | ALPINE A 110 1600 s GrIV 1968 |
BOS / DONCIEUX | F/F | FORD GT40 1966 |
BOURBON PARME/BOURBON PARME | F/F | FIAT 124 Abarth 1973 |
BURNETT/GALLAGHER | GB/- | ALFA ROMEO 1600 GTAM 1969 |
CHAMBORD / BASCHIERA | F/F | ALPINE A 110 1800 Gr. IV 1973 |
CAZALIERES/CROCHET | F/F | FERRARI 365 GTB/4 Gr.IV 1972 |
CHILES/ MOUNTFORD | GB/GB | FORD GT 40 1965 |
CHOQUE/TBA | F/- | FORD Mustang 1967 |
COLL/COLL | F/F | PORSCHE 911 2.5l GR.IV 1972 |
COMAS HISTORIC RACING | TBA | ALPINE A 110 1800 Gr. IV 1972 |
COMAS HISTORIC RACING | TBA | ALPINE A 110 1800 Gr. IV 1972 |
COMAS HISTORIC RACING | TBA | ALPINE A 110 1800 Gr. IV 1972 |
COMAS HISTORIC RACING | TBA | ALPINE A 110 1800 Gr. IV 1972 |
CONNOR/SULLIVAN | USA/USA | FERRARI 365 GTB/4 Gr.IV 1973 |
CRUZ/OLIVEIRA | P/P | ALFA ROMEO 2000 GTAM 1970 |
ENTREMONT / ENTREMONT | F/F | FERRARI 308 GTB Gr.IV 1980 |
FAILLE/ CHATILLON | F/CH | PORSCHE 911 RSR 2,8l 1973 |
GODEBERGE/BORNHAUSER | F/F | FERRARI 308 GTB Gr.IV 1982 |
GUITTARD/LIBES | F/F | PORSCHE 906 Carrera 6 1966 |
HANSER / HUEBER | F/ F | FORD Mustang 390 GT 1967 |
HUBER GUTIERREZ/HUBER GUTIERREZ | D/D | CHEVROLET Camaro Z 28 1970 |
KERPOISSON/KERPOISSON | F/F | ALPINE A 110 1600S 1969 |
KNAPFIELD/FAWE | GB/B | FERRARI 365 GTB/4 Gr.IV 1973 |
LAFOND/GUIKAS | F/F | FERRARI 308 GTB Gr.IV 1982 |
LAIDLAW/BLAKENEY EDWARDS | GB/GB | PORSCHE 904/6 1965 |
LECOU/ LECOU | F/F | FORD GT40 1965 |
LECOURT/LECOURT | F/F | PORSCHE 911 RSR 2,8l 1973 |
LEMBO/TBA | F/- | PORSCHE 911 RSR 2,8l 1973 |
LERO/PINOT | F/F | CG Proto 548 1972 |
LOGAN/HAMPTON | USA/GB | PORSCHE 911 RSR 2,8l 1973 |
LUCO/ANTONINI | CH/F | PORSCHE 910 1967 |
MASON STYRRON/MASON STYRRON | GB/GB | FERRARI 365 GTB/4 Gr.IV 1972 |
MASSELLI/ PAOLI | I/I | LANCIA Stratos Gr.IV 1975 |
MATHAI/JODEXNIS | D / D | PORSCHE 914/6 GT 1970 |
Mc ERLAIN/ MERIFIELD | GB/GB | FORD GT 40 1965 |
MEIER/MEIER | CH/CH | FERRARI 275 GTB/C 1966 |
MEINS/SMAIL | GB /GB | FORD GT 40 1966 |
MERIAN/TBA | B/- | LIGIER JS 1 1969 |
MILOE/MILOE | F/F | PORSCHE 904/6 1964 |
MILOE/MILOE | F/F | PORSCHE 911 RSR 3L 1974 |
MONTEVERDE/ PEARSON | BR/GB | FERRARI 365 GTB/4 Gr.IV 1974 |
MOREAU/LIPSKI | F/F | PORSCHE 911 RS 2,7l 1973 |
MORICEAU/ROSSIGNOL | F/F | FORD GT40 1965 |
MOYES/TBA | GB/ | PORSCHE 914/6 GT 1971 |
MUSCHWITZ/TBA | D/- | ALFA ROMEO 1600 GTA 1966 |
NEEDHAM/DICKENS | GB/GB | LOTUS Europa 1973 |
NOON/ ARNOTT | USA/USA | PORSCHE 914/6 GT 1970 |
PERRIER/GONTHIER | F/F | PORSCHE 911 RSR 2,8l 1973 |
PIERRAT/GOURY | F/F | BMW CSL Luigi Gr.2 1974 |
RIBADENEIRA/LUNDGREN | ECU/USA | PORSCHE 911 RS 3L 1974 |
RAGNOTTI / MERCIER | F/F | ALPINE A 110 1800 Gr. IV 1972 |
RICHARD/BELIN | F/F | ALFA ROMEO 2000 GTV 1972 |
RODA/RODA | I/I | LANCIA Stratos Gr.IV 1974 |
ROCHER/PAYRAUD | F/F | PORSCHE 906 Carrera 6 1966 |
RUIZ-PICASSO/ TBA | F/- | PORSCHE 906 Carrera 6 1966 |
SALAT/ TBA | F/- | PORSCHE 906 Carrera 6 1966 |
SCHACHTSCHNEIDER/KORFFMACHER | D/D | PORSCHE 914/6 GT 1969 |
SCHADEGG/TBA | CH/- | FERRARI 275 GTB 1966 |
STAHL/OTTENBURGER | D/D | PORSCHE 911 ST 2.5l 1971 |
THEVENET/PICASSO | F/F | PORSCHE 911 RS 3,0l 1974 |
THOISY/TBA | F/- | CHEVROLET Corvette 1969 |
TIMONIER/ TIMONIER | F/F | PORSCHE 911 RS 2,7l 1973 |
VERCHERE/GUYOT | F /F | PORSCHE 911 RSR 2,8l 1973 |
WEGNER/JACKSON | USA/USA | FERRARI 365 GTB/4 Gr.IV 1971 |
Regularity -
AUNAY/TERNISIEN | F/F | PORSCHE 911 RS 3,0l 1974 |
BAJOL/ROY | F/F | FERRARI 275 GTB 4 1967 |
MALAVIOLLE/PERRAMOND | F/F | LANCIA Stratos Gr.IV 1974 |
PIAGET/PIAGET | CH/CH | PORSCHE 356 SC 1964 |
GRANT JONKERS/GRANT | B/GB | RENE BONNET Djet 1964 |
BAUMBERGER/KRUCKER | CH/CH | PORSCHE 911 RS 2,7l 1973 |
BEECROFT/BEECROFT | GB/GB | FERRARI 250 GT Berlinetta 1960 |
BELILOS/DUCLOS-GRENET | F/F | ASTON MARTIN DB2/4 Mark III 1958 |
BERNARDI/STRINGHINI | I/I | LAMBORGHINI MIURA SV 1969 |
BERTONI / MONCEL | F/F | PORSCHE 914 / 6 1972 |
BIEKENS/TBA | NL/- | FERRARI 250 GT Lusso 1963 |
BIRBEAU/ROIDOT | F/F | LANCIA Fulvia 1600 HF 1972 |
BLENK/FENICHEL | CH / GB | LANCIA Flaminia Super Sport1965 |
BONHOMME/LETHUILLIER | F/F | PORSCHE 356 1956 |
BONNEFOY/DA ROCHA | F/F | PORSCHE 356 1956 |
BRAUER/BRAUER | USA/USA | JAGUAR XK150 S 1960 |
CAMPOS FERREIRA/CUNHA | P/P | PORSCHE 911 RS 2,7l 1973 |
CARL/CARL | USA/USA | FERRARI 250 GT Berlinetta 1960 |
CHATSUWAN/CHATSUWAN | T/T | ALFA ROMEO 2000 GTV 1972 |
COULON/DUHEN | F/F | PORSCHE 356 SC 1964 |
CRIPPA/CRIPPA | I/I | FERRARI 275 GTB4 1966 |
DARLING/DARLING | USA/USA | FERRARI 250 GT Lusso 1963 |
DE MIGUEL / BASAGOITI | E/E | FERRARI 275 GTB 1964 |
DELAFON/MUTSAARS | F/F | RENAULT Dauphine Gordini 1960 |
DELBREIL-BERGES/CARITE | F/F | FERRARI 250 GT Lusso 1963 |
DELIGNY/TBA | F/- | PANHARD Monopole 1956 |
DUTHOO/LEGUILLON | F/F | JAGUAR XK 150 S 1958 |
EMMISON/ WITTENBERG | GB/USA | AC Cobra 1963 |
EMPTAS/MARTIN | F/F | PEUGEOT 203 1959 |
FYSHE/DAVIS | GB/USA | SIATA Daina SL Sport 1952 |
GAY/GAY | F/F | JAGUAR Type E 1963 |
GOLD/DEL JOHNSTON | USA/USA | PORSCHE 356 C Coupé 2000 GS 1964 |
GUITTARD/TBA | F/- | PORSCHE 356 1960 |
GUTZEIT/KLUGE | D/AUT | PORSCHE 356 SC 1964 |
HANDLBAUER/ HANDLBAUER | AUT/AUT | PORSCHE 550 Spyder 1955 |
HAQUETTE/VANLANDUYT | F/F | ALFA ROMEO 1600 GTA 1965 |
HENDERSON/MERCER | AUS/AUS | PORSCHE 911 RSR 2,8l 1973 |
HUMANN/POTJAMS | D/D | JAGUAR XK 150 S 3.8L FHC 1959 |
JEAY/JEAY | F/F | MG B 1965 |
KAELLER/GRÄWE | D/D | PORSCHE 356 B Coupé 2000 GS 1962 |
KANTOR/BANNER | GB/GB | BMW 3.0 CSL 1973 |
KOEL/KOEL | NL/NL | FERRARI 275 GTB/C 1965 |
LAIDLAW/BAILEY | GB/ SCO | FERRARI 250 GT Berlinetta 1961 |
LAYHER/KERN | D/D | MERCEDES BENZ 300 SL 1955 |
LEE/TURNER | GB/GB | FERRARI 250 GT Lusso 1964 |
LEFEBVRE/TBA | F/- | LANCIA Stratos 1974 |
LESSEPS/BRAND | F/CH | ASTON MARTIN DB 4 GT 1960 |
LINWOOD/LINWOOD | GB/GB | PORSCHE 911 RS 2,7l 1973 |
LECOMTE DU NOÜY/SENGER | F/CH | LANCIA Aurelia B20 1953 |
LO/WONG | -/- | JAGUAR XK 120 1955 |
LOPEZ SOTO/CARRENTO GUERRERO | E/E | ALFA ROMEO 2000 GTV 1971 |
MACAYA/GAMBOA | CR/CR | FERRARI 275 GTB 1966 |
MADER/CARRONS | F/F | FORD Capri 2600RS 1970 |
MASTERSON/WALTER | USA/USA | FERRARI 250 GT TdF 1956 |
MATILDI/MATILDI | I/I | FERRARI 275 GTB4 1966 |
MILOJKOVIC/ LJUBISAVLJEVIC | YU/YU | PORSCHE 911 RS 2,7l 1973 |
MOLLENKAMP/LUSINK | NL/NL | LOTUS Elan 1969 |
MOODY/MULYANI | GB/RI | ASTON MARTIN DB 4 GT 1960 |
MURALT/MEYERHOFER | CH/CH | FERRARI 250 MM 1953 |
NICHOLSON/JIMENEZ | GB/E | AC ACECA 1960 |
OKSMAN/OKSMAN | F/F | JAGUAR XK 120 1954 |
PASOLD/ROCHAT | GB/CH | ASTON MARTIN DB 4 GT 1960 |
PINELLI/PINELLI | F/F | PORSCHE 911 S 1965 |
PINTONO ANTUNES/SEGARRA MARQUES | P/P | PORSCHE 356 1962 |
PIRES/TBA | F/- | MATRA BONNET MB8 1968 |
POWERS/POWERS | USA/USA | FERRARI 250 GT Lusso 1963 |
POZNER/POZNER | GB/GB | FERRARI 275 GTB 4 1967 |
QUIGNARD/BASSI | F/I | CITROËN SM 1971 |
RINALDI/RINALDI | F/F | LOTUS ELAN 1965 |
ROEMMERS/MONSERRAT | ARG/ARG | BMW 3.0 L CSI 1972 |
ROMMENS/VANDAELE | B/B | AC Cobra 1963 |
RUSTON/BURNETT | GB/GB | PORSCHE 356 A 1958 |
SAN MIGUEL/TEJERINA | E/E | ALFA ROMEO 1750 GTV 1969 |
SAUERBREY/STEURER | D/AUT | ALFA ROMEO 1600 Spider 1963 |
SCALISE/PECOROFF | ARG/ARG | FERRARI 275 GTB 4 1966 |
SHEPHERD/COX | GB/GB | AC ACE 1959 |
SMITH/CREW | GB/GB | MG A « Twin Cam » 1959 |
SUCARI/BACCANELLI | ARG/ARG | FERRARI 250 GT Lusso 1963 |
SYED/WANG | IND/CDN | FERRARI 250 GT Interim 1959 |
TAMBOER/URBAN | USA/D | ASTON MARTIN DB2 1952 |
TARAVANT/DRIJARD | F/F | PORSCHE 356 B 1963 |
THADANI/HEINEKE | IND/T | FERRARI 275 GTB 1965 |
TRABER/TBA | CH/- | ALFA ROMEO 1900 C 1953 |
VALEIX/PERES | F/F | CITROËN DS 1974 |
VAN EEKERT/DUMONTEIL | F/F | FORD Mustang 1967 |
VELASCO/MENENDEZ | E/E | VOLVO PV 544 1964 |
VESTEY/SPITZLEY | GB/USA | FERRARI 250 GT TdF 1957 |
VINZIA/GUERRA | CH/CH | PORSCHE 356 1961 |
WALDUCK/Mc SWAN | GB/GB | AC Cobra 1964 |
WALDUCK/MACLEOD | GB/GB | AC Cobra 1964 |
WANG/MA | GB/- | FERRARI 250 GTO 1962 |
WASSILIEN/LAPOSTOZZE | F/F | LAMBORGHINI Miura S 1968 |
WETZ/WETZ | F/F | PORSCHE 356 SC 1964 |
Photos by Classic Driver; from the 2003 event that we covered in full. To read more please click HERE