Day One - Meet & Greet
Tour Auto 2023’s first day is dedicated to catching up before the official start, allowing both drivers and spectators to fully immerse themselves in the thrilling atmosphere this unique event delivers year on year. Thankfully, as locations go, Paris' Grand Palais Éphémère is the perfect hosting ground for some automotive royalty, including a glorious Zagato-bodied Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ, and a spectator favourite, the Jaguar XK120, one of which driven by the loveable Max Girardo.
Famous names such as Henri Pescarolo and Michel Perin proudly stood next to their chosen steed, a glorious Cobra Shelby, marking just how important an event like this is not only for European automotive history, but marking the continuation of a French motorsport institution! While the event holds plenty of significance, choosing the right car for the job is the key to success. Just like the inaugural event all those years ago, 2023 sees a fantastic mix of Italian coach-built machines up against some ‘Good Old English’ cars that left their mark on the Tour de France.
Day Two - It's go go go!
The iconic racers and classic sports cars were raring to go as they headed to the castle of Vaux le Vicomte, the official start line of Tour Auto 2023. In total, 236 cars met in the most beautiful settings, topped off by a magical sunrise that would set the tone for the day ahead perfectly.
First up was a tricky special stage, designed to immediately test the drivers and their machines, slowly eating away at the lengthy 2,000km overall distance. Another racing icon, none other than Thierry Boutsen claimed victory at the first day, where all eyes now turn to what tomorrow has in store…
Day Three - No machine left behind
While leaving their opening location of Beaune, some competitors were already running into some mechanical issues with their classic cars. Thankfully, the spirit of Tour Auto ensures that despite being competitors, the sportsmanship is stronger than ever, and no team is left stranded!
One team we kept a close eye on were friends of Classic Driver, Gaby von Oppenheim and Quirina Louwman, who have chosen a stunning 2-litre Porsche 911 as their steed for this notoriously tricky adventure. Elsewhere, drivers such as Sam Hancock opted for a little extra power under the hood, sporting a fabulous Ferrari Daytona Competition car, that will undoubtably be a menace to rivals when out on the circuit!
After an early morning blast, the competitors found themselves at the Circuit de Bresse, greeted by thousands of fans who came to encourage them all along this unique circuit. As the flag drops and after a few challenging laps, the teams then headed to Auvergne, passing through two special stages along some incredibly testing scenic layouts, bringing the racetrack feeling to the open road.
Stay tuned as we bring you further updates from this momentous event as it unfolds, and be sure to check out Peter Auto’s great coverage of the event here.
Photos: Mathieu Bonnevie
