Tuesday 26th June 2018

911 RSR at Le Mans Classic: Time For Coffee?

The 2018 Le Mans Classic is now less than two weeks away - here's a taste of what's in store

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Stunning event though the 24 Hours of Le Mans is, there's a very strong case to say that the Classic is the more memorable weekend. That's not just for the variety and diversity of vehicles racing on the track, but also the incredible classic car show that take place on the Bugatti circuit. If there's something old on four (or three) wheels that you're particularly fond of, however rare it might be, it's highly likely to feature somewhere at Le Mans Classic weekend.

With the 2018 Classic kicking off next week - see you at the Friday Service, yes? - it seemed like just the right time to raid YouTube for a reminder of why it's such a special few days. And we've found just the thing...

Much like Goodwood Revival, Le Mans Classic features proper old racing cars absolutely going at it - a glorified procession it is not. And this video demonstrates that perfectly, Leh Keen driving the wheels off a 911 RSR in 2014. Yes, that's definitely an RSR, which is about as special as racing 911s get.

During this clip he's dicing with Capris, a Ferrari 512BB, a host of other Porsches, a BMW M1 Procar and more. All the while that flat six is shrieking, the limits of grip are frequently exceeded and the manual gearbox a joy to see. For outlining why we love Le Mans Classic so much, there really is nothing better.

Finally, do ensure you watch the whole vid - there's a rather wet and wild night time practice lap in the last few minutes...

 

Image: Tom Wood for RM Auctions

[browngt3]

Quicker than some of the prototypes through the corners. Impressive car and driver, awesome!

[browngt3]

simonzerolimits said:

Cracking vid

Just got back from the Swiss alps

My 3.2 carrera decatted sounds epic post 3.5 k revs and for a 35 yr old car, I could not believe the performance on tap
155 true mph on autobahn and was pushing m3s and Tvrs on alps roads

Rsr a delight and what a driver, however for for mere mortals without a million bucks handy, the 3.2 is a great alternative Porsche
it’s a gem

Had 996 997s and 964 sport and there not a patch on air cooled cars

Honestly I’d you have never tested their limits. You may be surprised. I was shocked and so was the owners of modern v8s Especially When I passed them????????.

964 is air-cooled, no?

Mostly agree with you though, nothing quite like the old air cooled. Not sure my 3.2 would keep up with M3s etc apart from the contemporary E30 of course...