We are now less than two weeks away from this year's edition of the Estoril Classics, an event that stands out in the European motorsport calendar. Following the announcement of the new Grandstand E, the event now presents the entry lists for the Peter Auto races, which, once again, are filled with historic cars...
These are races that showcase a parade of iconic machines from motorsport history, spanning from the 1950s to the early 21st century. The 2024 'crop' promises, as has been the tradition since 2017, a collection of cars that capture the imagination of all fans, both veterans and newcomers alike.
ENDURANCE RACING LEGENDS
Starting with the more recent cars, this category brings to Estoril thirty-two cars that made their mark on the tracks at the beginning of the century, at circuits like Circuit La Sarthe, Spa-Francorchamps, Daytona, and Sebring.
There will be a variety of prototypes that will impress on the layout of the historic Portuguese circuit — Riley & Scott, Lola, Courage, Reynard, and Lucchini are among the represented constructors — with their extremely high cornering speeds. However, it’s within the GT category that some major novelties and rarities can be found.
One of these will undoubtedly be the Lotus Elise GT1, which represented the brand founded by Colin Chapman in the 1997 FIA GT, although it failed to achieve significant results against the Mercedes CLK GTR, McLaren F1 GTR, and Porsche 911 GT1, mainly due to reliability issues.
Also on track will be two Maserati MC12s, which, with their V12 engine, are always among the most spectacular cars at any event.
CLASSIC ENDURANCE RACING II
One of the great rivalries that endures in endurance racing is the one between Ferrari and Porsche – the two most iconic sports car brands – something that will be revived in this category during the Estoril Classics.
On one side, there will be two 512BB LMs, and on the other, two 935s. Interestingly, both have boxer engines, but while the Italian brand opted for the sophistication of a twelve-cylinder engine mounted in a mid/rear position, the German brand remained true to its heritage, with a six-cylinder air-cooled unit located behind the rear axle.
As for prototypes, there will be plenty of Chevrons on track, but the March, Lola, Toj, and Cheetah will also be machines not to miss, with their designs from an era where functionality blended with aesthetics.
CLASSIC ENDURANCE RACING I
This category, which will feature forty-three cars at the Estoril Classics, represents one of the most iconic periods of endurance racing, when part of the Le Mans myth was truly built, with cars battling down the long Hunadiéres straights at over 300 km/h, a record at the time.
One of the cars that best represents those years is the renowned and revered Ford GT40, the car with which the American brand managed to break Ferrari's dominance on its own turf, as well documented in the film Le Mans ‘66: The Duel. There will be five examples of this car present at the event.
Equally iconic from that era is the Lola T70, a car that even appeared in the acclaimed Le Mans film, where Steve McQueen delivers one of motorsport’s most famous lines. At the Estoril Classics, there will be ten examples of the English car, in three different versions.
THE GENTLEMAN CHALLENGE
This category is open to all the cars that marked the great endurance races of the 1950s and early 1960s, still imbued with the spirit of sportsmanship and respect.
Some of the most beautiful cars in automotive history were created during this era, such as the Ferrari 250 GT SWB, one of the most coveted cars ever, which has led to impressive valuations, with one of the most recent examples selling for over 9 million euros. All those attending this year's Estoril Classics will have the chance to see one of these works of art in action.
Equally rare and valuable are the 1962 Alfa Romeo SZ Coda Tronca and the 1965 Giulia TZ2, with one example of each model present at the Estoril event. Only 200 units of the SZ Coda Tronca were produced, and it is currently valued at around 600,000 euros, while only twelve TZ2s were ever made, with their current value exceeding 3 million euros.
THE SIXTIES’ ENDURANCE CUP
In this endurance racing category, the race will last two hours, dedicated to machines from the period between 1950 and 1965, with high expectations of seeing true rarities on track battling for positions.
One of the most iconic models of the era is the Jaguar E-Type, and there will be fourteen units of this Coventry brand model on the starting grid at the Estoril Classics. The Shelby Cobra, in both the 289 and Daytona Coupe versions, will also be well represented.
One of the machines considered among the most beautiful of the era is the 1965 Bizzarrini 5300 GT, which is another key highlight of the Estoril Classics.
CLASSIC TOURING CHALLENGE
Touring cars have always provided intense racing between major, more mainstream car brands. This category covers the period up to 1966, capturing the cars that shaped the British and European Touring Car Championships.
At the Estoril Classics, you can witness a fierce battle between the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA (seven examples), the Austin Mini Cooper S (two examples), and various Ford models – including the Mustang 289, Cortina Lotus, and Falcon Sprint.
The 'outsiders' will be an imposing Chevrolet Corvette C1 Phase 1 and a sophisticated BMW 1800 TISA, adding even more flair to the starting grid of cars that helped define Touring Car racing.
HERITAGE TOURING CUP
This is a classic car series that features some of the most impressive Touring Cars in motorsport history, covering the period from 1966 to 1984.
Cars like the Ford Capri, in the RS 3100 and RS 3100 Cologne versions, with their distinctive silhouettes, are instantly recognisable, as are the BMW 3.0 CSL and 3.5 CSL. A fierce showdown between these two brands is expected at the Estoril Classics, with these models as the main contenders.
IBERIAN HISTORIC ENDURANCE
The most important classic car series in Southern Europe, organised by Race Ready, has once again gathered a strong and varied starting grid for one of its most iconic events of the season. From the Ford GT40 to the Datsun 1200, this eclectic group also competes for victory in the Performance Index classification, which rewards the oldest or smallest displacement vehicles through an index, encouraging their participation in these races.
The interest in this competition is so high that the number of entries has reached the maximum limit allowed, promising a fifty-minute race full of exciting highlights.
2.0L CUP
This is a category dedicated to the early two-litre Porsche 911 SWBs according to the FIA pre-1966 regulations.
Essentially a 'one-make trophy', the on-track battles are guaranteed, with twenty-five machines on the starting grids, reminiscent of what could be seen as the Supercup of the 1960s.
In the meantime, tickets are already on sale for both Grandstand E and the paddock, in limited numbers, and they also provide access to Grandstand E. Paddock tickets for the three days have already sold out.
As is tradition since the first edition of the Estoril Classics, access to Grandstand A at the Autódromo Estoril is free, allowing all fans to enjoy the grand celebration taking place at the historic Portuguese circuit. Children up to 16 years old can access the paddock for free, provided they are accompanied by an adult.
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