Le Mans 24 Hours Race
Franco Zecchin
The 24 Hours of Le Mans (24 Heures du Mans) is a sports car endurance race held annually since 1923 near the town of Le Mans, Sarthe, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance, it is organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) and runs on a circuit containing closed public roads that are meant not only to test a car and driver's ability to be quick, but also to last over a 24-hour period. At a time when Grand Prix racing was occurring throughout Europe, Le Mans was envisioned as a different test from motorsports at the time. Instead of focusing on the ability of a car company to build the fastest machines of the time, the 24 Hours of Le Mans would instead concentrate on the ability of manufacturers to build sporty yet reliable cars. This would drive innovation in not only reliable but also fuel-efficient vehicles, since the nature of endurance racing requires as little time to be spent in the pits as possible. At the same time, due to the design of Le Mans, a drive would be created for better aerodynamics and stability of cars at high speeds. While this was shared with Grand Prix racing, few tracks in Europe featured straights the length of the Mulsanne. The fact that the road is public and therefore not maintained to the same quality as some permanent racing circuits also puts more of a strain on parts, causing more emphasis on reliability. Beginning in the late 1970s, the demand for fuel economy from around the world led the race to adopt a fuel economy formula known as Group C in which competitors were given a set amount of fuel, from which they had to design an engine. Although Group C was abandoned when teams were able to master the fuel formulas, fuel economy would still be important to some teams as alternative fuel sources would appear in the early 21st century, attempting to overcome time spent during pit stops. These technological innovations have had a trickle-down effect, with technology used at Le Mans finding its way into production cars several years later. This has also led to faster and more exotic supercars due to manufacturers wishing to develop faster road cars for the purposes of developing them into even faster GT cars. Starting in 2002, the Le Mans Classic has taken place on the full 13 km circuit in July, as a biannual event. The races take places over a full 24 hour day/night cycle, with starts on set times allowing cars from the same era to compete at the same time. The Musée Automobile de la Sarthe (car museum) In 1961, the first museum was created in the grounds of the “Le Mans 24 hours”. Now it covers 5000m² and has 150 vehicles on display. Ferrari, Porsche, Ford, Matra—they are all there, gleaming under the spotlights. These famous cars all have the mythical “Le Mans 24 hours” race on their list of achievements. The museum takes you through an extraordinary journey through the world of cars where all the makes that have made automobile history are represented.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187471 Le Mans 24h Race. Traditionally, the 24 hours of Le Mans began by the drivers parade at the foot of the cathedral of the medieval town. In 2002, Can Can girls from The Moulin Rouge participated in the parade. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187472 Le Mans 24h Race. Administrative checks at the foot of the cathedral are the opportunity to see the cars close up. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187473 Le Mans 24h Race. Administrative checks at the foot of the cathedral are the opportunity to see the cars close up.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187474 Le Mans 24h Race. The drivers parade in the city center is the annual meeting between the inhabitants of Le Mans and the future heroes of the race. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187475 Le Mans 24h Race. Le Mans 24h Race. Traditionally, the 24 hours of Le Mans began by the drivers parade at the foot of the cathedral of the medieval town.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187480 Le Mans 24h Race. The drivers parade in the city center is the annual meeting between the inhabitants of Le Mans and the future heroes of the race.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187481 Majorettes at the drivers parade prior to the Le Mans 24 Hour race.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187482 Le Mans 24h Race. The drivers parade in the city center is the annual meeting between the inhabitants of Le Mans and the future heroes of the race. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187485 Le Mans 24h Race. The drivers parade in the city center is the annual meeting between the inhabitants of Le Mans and the future heroes of the race. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187505 Le Mans 24h Race. Traditionally, the 24 hours of Le Mans began by the drivers parade at the foot of the cathedral of the medieval town.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187508 Le Mans 24h Race. Administrative checks at the foot of the cathedral are the opportunity to see the cars close up.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187512 Since the beginning, the English are the most loyal supporters of the 24 hours of Le Mans. Every year, over 50 000 Englishmen come to witness the race.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187516 Le Mans 24h Race. 2002 was the 20 years Courage team anniversary.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187520 Le Mans 24h Race. Jean Graton, the father of Michel Vaillant. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187530 Le Mans 24h Race. You never know when spare parts will be needed.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187531 Le Mans 24h Race. You never know when spare parts will be needed.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187532 Le Mans 24h Race.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187533 Le Mans 24h Race. The line which must be crossed in first place in order to become a legend.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187534 Le Mans 24h Race. In the early morning, even the most resistant need a short pause.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187536 Le Mans 24h Race. The Audi stand.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187537 Le Mans 24h Race. How many of them are there underneath?
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187538 Le Mans 24h Race. Bentley stand. Five time winners in the 1920's, the Bentley team came third in 2001, but came fourth in 2002 behind the three Audis.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187539 Le Mans 24h Race. The tire makers go into fierce battle backstage. Until now Dunlop has obtained 34 victories in Le Mans, then come Goodyear with 14 victories and Michelin with 11 victories. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187540 Le Mans 24h Race. You never know when spare parts will be needed.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187541 Le Mans 24h Race. The only woman driver in the race, Milka Duno dreamed to finish the race. Her Panoz passed out after 21 hours and 13 minutes of racing. However, it is sure that she'll be back. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187542 Le Mans 24h Race. The only woman driver in the race, Milka Duno dreamed to finish the race. Her Panoz passed out after 21 hours and 13 minutes of racing. However, it is sure that she'll be back.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187543 Le Mans 24h Race. The only woman driver in the race, Milka Duno dreamed to finish the race. Her Panoz passed out after 21 hours and 13 minutes of racing. However, it is sure that she'll be back. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187544 Le Mans 24h Race. The only woman driver in the race, Milka Duno dreamed to finish the race. Her Panoz passed out after 21 hours and 13 minutes of racing. However, it is sure that she'll be back.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187545 Le Mans 24h Race. The only woman driver in the race, Milka Duno dreamed to finish the race. Her Panoz passed out after 21 hours and 13 minutes of racing. However, it is sure that she'll be back. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187546 Le Mans 24h Race. The only woman driver in the race, Milka Duno dreamed to finish the race. Her Panoz passed out after 21 hours and 13 minutes of racing. However, it is sure that she'll be back. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187547 Le Mans 24h Race. A calmer atmosphere in the Luc Alphand Adventure VIP salon.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187548 Le Mans 24h Race. A calmer atmosphere in the Luc Alphand Adventure VIP salon.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187549 Le Mans 24h Race. In one of the bars of the temporary village, the party goes on.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187550 Le Mans 24h Race. The radio center. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187551 Le Mans 24h Race. The press gallery.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187552 Le Mans 24h Race. Silence is required in the control room from which the race director, firemen and doctors must make some very quick decisions.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187553 Le Mans 24h Race. The radio center.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187554 Le Mans 24h Race. It's also a very long night for the fans. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187555 Le Mans 24h Race. An improvised campsite.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187556 Le Mans 24h Race. The huge fair has always been a key element in this race's popularity. 24 hours can be a long time .
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187557 Le Mans 24h Race. Pit stop at night for Bentley.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187558 Le Mans 24h Race. Waiting for the next pit stop in the Peugeot stand.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187559 Le Mans 24h Race. In this race getting through the night is a victory in itself. It's hardest of all for the mechanics. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187560 Le Mans 24h Race. A few minutes to rest. Corvette stand. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187561 Le Mans 24h Race. In the early morning, even the most resistant need a short pause.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187562 Le Mans 24h Race. Waiting for the next pit stop in the Corvette stand.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187563 Le Mans 24h Race. An improvised campsite.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187564 Le Mans 24h Race. In the early morning, even the most resistant need a short pause.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187565 Le Mans 24h Race. Have you seen my beautiful car? The fans also come to see and be seen.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187566 Le Mans 24h Race. In the turn called 'la Chapelle' a mass is celebrated on the Sunday morning.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187567 Le Mans 24h Race.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187568 Le Mans 24h Race. In the early morning, even the most resistant need a short pause. A sight that leaves this little girl speechless. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187569 Le Mans 24h Race. In the early morning, even the most resistant need a short pause.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187570 Le Mans 24h Race.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187571 Le Mans 24h Race. The Dunlop bridge symbolizes in itself the Sarthe circuit. The English tire maker is represented on the circuit since 1923.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187572 Le Mans 24h Race. Since the beginning, the English are the most loyal supporters of the 24 hours of Le Mans. Every year, over 50 000 Englishmen come to witness the race.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187573 Le Mans 24h Race. The Dunlop bridge symbolizes in itself the Sarthe circuit. The English tire maker is represented on the circuit since 1923.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187574 Le Mans 24h Race. Nearly a half of spectators are foreigners: here are the Dutch fans. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187575 Le Mans 24h Race. Dutch fans toast with beer.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187576 Le Mans 24h Race. 220 000 spectators in 2002 of which nearly a half were foreigners: the most popular race in the world.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187577 Le Mans 24h Race. 220 000 spectators in 2002 of which nearly a half were foreigners : the most popular race in the world. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187578 Le Mans 24h Race. The American Corvette team is happy with his race. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187581 Le Mans 24h Race. Two drivers after the end of the race.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187589 Le Mans 24h Race. Winner for three years in a row, Audi takes the first three places and get to keep the trophy indefinitely.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187598 Le Mans Classic Race. Le Mans Classic is the unique rendezvous for the nostalgic of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. There 's only one rule in order to participate in the race: that is to have participated in the race between 1923 and 1975. Here is a view of one of the paddocks. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187644 Le Mans Classic Race. Return to the paddocks for the Aston Martin DBR1 of 1957. Winner at Le Mans in 1959.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187648 Le Mans Classic Race. Alfa Romeo sponsors the paddock number 1. The mark took out Le Mans in 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1934. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187652 Le Mans Classic Race. The stomach of a Jaguar XK 140 of 1955. Jaguar won Le Mans 7 times of which 5 victories in the 1950's.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187656 Le Mans Classic Race. The Jaguar club.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187659 Le Mans Classic Race. Refueling of the old lady. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187661 Le Mans Classic Race. A few minutes to rest.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187664 Le Mans Classic Race. An Aston Martin Ulster of 1935 (N° 25) and a BNC 527 C of 1928 (N° 41) pass in front of the pits. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187670 Le Mans Classic Race. Teatime.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187674 Le Mans Classic Race. A beauty contest for vintage cars: the jury doesn't miss anything. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187678 Le Mans Classic Race. The Mercedes 300 S of King Hussein of Jordan, a Ferrari Daytona of 1971, a Bentley of 1929... going, going and gone. An auction attracts many visitors.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187681 Le Mans Classic Race. The Mercedes 300 S of King Hussein of Jordan, a Ferrari Daytona of 1971, a Bentley of 1929... going, going and gone. An auction attracts many visitors.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187682 Le Mans Classic Race. It's a dream for both young and old. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187683 Le Mans Classic Race. The drivers don't always have the same gracious lines as the cars.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187684 Le Mans Classic Race. Jaguar Lister Knobbly 1959.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187685 Le Mans Classic Race. Before going on the track, the cars are lined up according to their age. Watched by spectators, the Club Ferrari is waiting his turn. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187686 Le Mans Classic Race. The interior is a bit spartan.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187688 Le Mans Classic Race. A Darmont Morgan.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187689 Le Mans Classic Race. Vintage car for sale
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187690 Le Mans Classic Race. It's a dream for both young and old.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187691 Le Mans Classic Race.Alfa Romeo sponsors the paddock number 1. The mark took out Le Mans in 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1934. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187695 Le Mans Classic Race.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187700 Le Mans Classic Race. Three is not too much to take care of these elderly ladies. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187705 Le Mans Classic Race. An expert eye in the stomach of this DB HBR 5 of 1959.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187708 Le Mans Classic Race. The last retouch to the Maserati 200 SI (1957).
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187717 Le Mans Classic Race. A reconstitution to scale of the straight line of the pits.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187728 Le Mans Classic Race. The Jaguar club. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187733 Le Mans, Sarthe Car Museum. A reconstitution to scale of the straight line of the pits at the beginning of the 50's. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187737 Le Mans, Sarthe Car Museum. A reconstitution to scale of the straight line of the pits at the beginning of the 50's. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187742 Slot Racing Club. A little outdated since the arrival of video games, the circuit 24 or Slot Racing still has it's adepts and even its own 24 Hours. This track is 40m long on which the cars can speed up to 80 km/h on the strait line. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187749 Slot Racing Club. A little outdated since the arrival of video games, the circuit 24 or Slot Racing still has it's adepts and even its own 24 Hours. This track is 40m long on which the cars can speed up to 80 km/h on the strait line. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. WITHOUT MODEL/PROPERTY RELEASE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187759 Le Mans, Sarthe Car Museum. The Peugeot 905 won the Le Mans 24h Race on 1992 and 1993.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187768 Le Mans, Sarthe Car Museum. In the repair workshop of the museum, the Ford GT 40 od 1969 of Jacky Ickx and an identical Salmson which finished 2nd in 1927.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187774 Le Mans, Sarthe Car Museum. In the repair workshop of the museum is found a automobile myth, the Ford GT 40 with which Jacky Ickx won the first of his 6 victoris with only 140 meter to spare in 1969. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187783 Le Mans, Sarthe Car Museum. A Simca 5 of 1937. WIDE EDITORIAL USAGE. Infos : +33(0)143 15 63 53. |
Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0187789 Le Mans, Sarthe Car Museum. One of the Le Mans 24h Race winner cars: Jan Rondeau
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0054993 Lunch in the Luc Alphand Adventure VIP salon.
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Franco Zecchin / Picturetank ZEF0054992 English supporters.
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