Racing cars from all eras on the starting line of the ninth historic Round of Mende

L'Amilcar C6 est une voiture de course fabriquée entre 1926 et 1930. MIDI LIBRE – M. P

Around fifty old vehicles gathered on the square for the ninth historic edition of Mende, Thursday May 9, 2024. A day dedicated to the prestige of these illustrious cars that make all generations dream.

From early this Thursday, May 9, 2024 on the Place du Foirail, the sun illuminated the gleaming bodies of the old vehicles which took part in the ninth historic Round of Mende. If a podium was well established for the official start of the race, there would be no special stages or a stopwatch. A simple circuit on an open road of 200 km over the day, to make the engines of the time roar with pleasure, as explained by Jérôme Palpacuer, member of the Mende Auto Passion club. ;: "Every Thursday of Ascension, a walk through Lozère is offered. Participants own cars from 20 to 30 years old, and some classic cars."

Models that make you dream

Many curious people were at the start to admire the jewels of the round: 205 GTI, Golf, BMW, Porsche, a Mustang GT 5.0 from 2016, from an owner from Remoulins. The highlight of the show, an Amilcar 62 from 1927, ready to tackle the steep roads of Lozere. Facing the events area, ten colorful Matra-Simca Bagheeras defied the eye, to the eye. occasion of the general assembly of a club of enthusiasts, including Éric and Caroline Carra, a couple from Isérois: "It is from 1974, we have had it for 10 years. It’s a touring vehicle with 90 horsepower, reliable and impressively comfortable. We will keep it as long as possible."

The Matra-Simca Bagheera legend. FREE NOON – M. P

At the foot of the podium, two enthusiasts from Chastel-Nouvel paraded proudly aboard their red 1989 Alpha Roméo Spider, convertible of course: & quot;It’s a car we love. We use it regularly and this round, for us, is a great first." Caps for the gentlemen, hats for the ladies, there was a hint of the belle époque on the Place du Foirail, on this Ascension Thursday.

An Alpha Romeo Spider from 1989. FREE NOON – M. P

Return to Mende this Thursday, May 9, 2024, awards ceremony on the podium between 2:17 p.m. and 4:28 p.m. I subscribe to read more