If there is one overriding issue that seems to dog pre-war cars, it is the question, “What do I do with it?” Driving such machines in modern traffic can be less than enjoyable. Even in the cozier confines of tours created for such cars, they present many more challenges than, say, 1950s or 1960s sports cars. In the minds of many would-be collectors, anything this old is often regarded as a museum piece or, at best, concours lawn art.
Thankfully, this mindset seems to be less prevalent among younger collectors, who conceivably do not know any better, and also in Europe, where it is far more likely to see very old (and very valuable) cars being flogged by their owners like rented mules. So perhaps it should not be surprising to find out that when Vincent Chamon started the Vintage Revival Montlhéry (www.vintage-revival.fr) over a decade ago, he was just 23 years old.
Anciennes history
This event is a continuation of the tradition of banked tracks such as Brooklands in England and Monza in Italy, celebrating the pre-war cars, motorcycles and bicycles that would have raced in-period at the famed Montlhéry racetrack south of Paris. The Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry was constructed in 1924, and events such as the French Grand Prix and Bol d’Or motorcycle race were run here.
The French government later took control of the facility, and it fell into disrepair. Happily, it has now been brought back with a focus on events for the “anciennes,” as the French call these early cars. Because of its high banking, vehicles are able to obtain higher speeds, despite the oval track being rather small at just over 1.5 miles.
The primary attraction here is that owners can actually run their vehicles around the track. Of course, all the machines must be inspected, and drivers, riders and passengers are then checked (helmets snapped, gloves on) before being allowed onto the track. They are led by a pace car driven by a professional at a “brisk” pace, though pretty much left to get up to full chat at their own pace and comfort.
There are several lanes around the circuit, although a vehicle must be traveling in excess of 90 mph in order to have enough centrifugal force to stay in the top lane. Gravity can bite you up there! The track angle is progressive and peaks at 52 degrees (unlike at Daytona Speedway, which just has one angle). Different levels (or “plateaus”) of cars are allowed out together, and drivers do have to go through a series of chicanes to cool their ardor.
Bigger and better
Entrants at Montlhéry come from all over Europe, the U.K., Scandinavia and some even from as far away as South Africa. Spectators from all over the world were present this year, as the track celebrated its 100th anniversary. Awards are given, including one for the most-spirited drive. There is also a swapmeet where you can find parts for vintage cars and motorcycles, which includes some dealers.
As the Vintage Revival has grown, organizers have been featuring different marques, and clubs have begun setting up specific stands and paddocks. This year saw a large contingent of Amilcars, Benjamins and BNCs. The Morgan Club was in full force, and there was a strong presence in the Bugatti Club tent and on the track. Clubs with a large- enough turnout were given laps dedicated to just their vehicles.
Museums also set up large displays. One of the most interesting was the Audi Museum’s, with some of its Grand Prix cars and vintage Horschs from the Auto Union days. It was great to see these early Grand Prix cars going full tilt, as they sound unbelievable.
More than 10,000 people attended this year, with 350 vehicles taking to the track and 200 more on display. Like a fine French wine, this event is now maturing into a favorite vintage event for classic-car and motorcycle lovers. The atmosphere is enchanting, access is almost unlimited, and the admission price is only 20 euros. This biannual event will next be held in 2026, which should give anyone looking for something to do with an old car plenty of time to prepare. ♦
