24 Hours at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Turn the clock back a half-century and spend 24 Hours at Le Mans in this brilliant short film from the 1963 running of the race.

This beautifully-remastered colour footage begins with spectators streaming in to the city of Le Mans. It paints a colourful picture of life at the event as cultures from around the world gather to celebrate together and partake in this history-making event.

The film follows the progress of Richie Ginther and Graham Hill, who are driving a Rover BRM 2.0L Turbine in the race.

Ferrari would capture the top six positions and the overall win, with Italy’s Lorenzo Bandini and Ludovico Scarfiotti taking honours in a Ferrari 250P. Hill, Ginther and their turbine from the future were right up there, however, completing 310 laps in an effort which would put them right up with the Ferraris alongside Peter Bolton and Ninian Sanderson in their AC Cobra.

Alongside the colour and celebration, the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans did have a dark side. Christian Heins was killed when he lost control trying to avoid oil, cars and debris left behind by a multi-car accident caused by Bruce McLaren’s Aston Martin DB4’s engine blowing up early in the race.

Beautiful cars, legendary drivers and some amazing handheld periscopes make this video a joyous trip back to a simpler, and somehow more colourful time. Enjoy the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans.