2020 is an even year, so the two major biennial historic racing meetings on the European continent are on the schedule; the Monaco Historic Grand Prix in May and the Le Mans Classic in July. Naturally, we can not wait, so we have taken a closer look at three very rare cars that starred at these events back in 2018.
Taking on the dominant and ubiquitous Cosworth DFV engined Formula 1 cars two years ago was this BRM P153. It was raced in period by Pedro Rodriguez and was bought directly from the British racing team by the late Tom Wheatcroft for his fantastic Donington Grand Prix Collection museum. Chassis P153/05 is now in Spanish hands and was raced with great verve at Monaco by ex-Bentley works driver Andy Soucek. The Spaniard was very competitive until a fuel pressure issue prompted him to retire from the race early. The good news is, that the car will be back in the Principality in May.
The biennial Le Mans Classic always draws out some of the best known sports racers but also cars that require a second look. One of these is the BMW M1 Group 5, which was raced at Le Mans in the early 1980s. While the more familiar M1 Procar was homologated as a Group 4 car, this class was not eligible for Le Mans from 1981 onwards. This prompted several independent companies to upgrade the existing racers to the more lenient Group 5 specifications. The featured example was originally conceived as a Procar and was upgraded ahead of the 1981 season by French specialist Oreca. It was back at Le Mans 37 after its first appearance.
Also in action two years ago was this Spice SE89P, which was resplendent in a new livery ahead of the race. These were the colours used when it raced in period by actor Paul Newman late in 1990. Chassis 002 served as a works car before that and was also raced in a striking Applebee's colourscheme.

Enjoy the links:

1981 BMW M1 Group 5

1970 BRM P153 (P153/05)

1989 Spice SE89P (SE89P-002)