The first two days of Historic Festival 42 at Lime Rock Park were a thrilling display of racing, showcasing a diverse range of cars from the 1910s to the 2000s, divided into nine distinct categories. Attendees were treated to the rasp and howl of war-era machines like the 1931 Bugatti Type 37 alongside the thunderous roars of the big-bore class.
Lime Rock Park, in the Connecticut hills
Sunday in The Park, on the other hand, was a captivating event allowing you to savor a moment of peace, quiet, and beauty away from the rowdy days of intense racing. The weather perfectly complemented the day’s events, beginning with a cool, overcast morning that evolved into bright, sunny skies by midday. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Lime Rock Park in the Connecticut hills, the event featured an array of classic and vintage automobiles from the likes of motorsport legends such as the BMW E36 M3 3.0 Lightweight and timeless treasures like the 1950 Ferrari Vignale T.51 Deluxe.
The 3 Dog Garage Museum: Lime Rock Park
This year’s concours was a celebration of automotive excellence featuring a diverse array of vehicles across numerous classes. A standout contributor was Mr. Ross Myers, the man behind the 3 Dog Garage Museum. His impressive collection of Ford’s most revered race cars and hot rods was a major highlight. In honor of the Ford Mustang’s 60th anniversary, the show included 10 dedicated classes exclusively for Ford vehicles.
Among the highlights was the eye catching the “Ed Pink Coupe”, a 1936 Ford Five-Window Coupe finished in candy apple red. Then came an array of formidable race cars including the turbocharged, 600-horsepower Zakspeed-built 1983 Mustang GTP, featuring a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a legendary Bob Riley chassis. Alongside Ross’s extraordinary Ford collection, attendees could admire every iteration of the Mustang from the iconic 1966 GT350 to the latest GT350R.
Automotive Icon: The Porsche 911
Another automotive icon was introduced 60 years ago: the Porsche 911. The event featured a range of these legendary cars, from first-generation 901s to several 996 GT3s, showcasing an evolution of the model. Additionally, special classes highlighted American cars from the Nickel Era and Lancia Sports & Competition Cars, enriching the celebration of automotive history.
With over 1,000 cars spread across the expansive 300-acre grounds and 200 participants lining the 1.53-mile track, attendees could appreciate every exquisite detail of these pristine show cars. This setting provided a refreshing contrast to many other events, where crowded conditions often obscure a full view of the vehicles.
1950 Ferrari 166 MM was named Best in Show
At the Lime Rock Concours, a distinguished panel of judges meticulously examined over 200 cars to select just 17 for the coveted drive-up awards. Among the highlights, Lawrence Auriana’s 1950 Ferrari 166 MM was named Best in Show in the sport category. This Ferrari not only served as the blueprint for future models, but also triumphed at the 1949 24 Hours of Le Mans under the expert driving of the legendary Luigi Chinetti.
In the d’Elegance category, Paul Tacy’s 1937 Packard 1508 took top honors. While the Ferrari, a 1,400-pound sports car, exudes speed and agility. The Packard, a 6,000-pound luxury cruiser, stands distinguished by sculpted flowing fenders and a prominent, striking grille. The perfect contrast.
