The Tour Auto is one of the longest-running motorsport events in the world, with its first round—then called the Tour de France Automobile—cracking off in 1899. Since 1992, it’s been run as a rally for owners and drivers of classic cars, who get to enjoy awesome roads, food, scenery…and a healthy dash of competition.
Photographer Paul Criton was out this year covering the entire six-day event—titled the Tour Auto Optic 2000—and sent over a selection of his favorite photos. Besides many of the usual suspects (mainly classic Ferraris and Porsches), the event attracts many historic machines that did quite well in the past, including the rare-and-very-fast Ligier JS2.
Classics new(er) and old(er) mix during frequently during the event, both on public roads and on timed circuit sessions, creating an awesome spectacle for spectators and an awesome challenge for competitors. This year was the 25th anniversary of the event’s rebirth—and the clock is already ticking on having yourself and your classic ready for 2017.
