HMRN PRE ‘63 GT

Operated by Motor Racing Legends in conjunction with Historic Motor Racing News, Pre ’63 GT is open to closed two-seater Grand Touring cars homologated before 1963.

The early 1960s undeniably marked a golden age of GT racing. With official recognition from the ACO in 1959, the GT category stepped into the spotlight, replacing the World Sportscar Championship with the newly formed International Championship for GT Manufacturers. The 24 Hours of Le Mans was the championship’s blue riband event, while legendary races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring, Targa Florio, and Tourist Trophy provided thrilling backdrops for both factory teams and privateers.

The era attracted some of the sport’s greatest talents, including Jim Clark, Phil Hill, Bruce McLaren, Stirling Moss, Pedro Rodriguez, and John Surtees.

Inter-marque rivalry reached fever pitch. Ferrari, fielding 250 GT Berlinettas and later GTOs, faced fierce competition from Aston Martin, Jaguar, Shelby, Chevrolet, and Sunbeam.

Alfa Romeo, Porsche, MG, Morgan and Triumph were key players in the 2-litre class, while a host of models from companies such as Abarth-Simca, Alpine and Lotus populated the 1300cc class.