Ferraris Relive History at Monaco Historic Grand Prix
Report from Arnaud Blanfuney
Run every two years at the heart of the Principality, the Grand Prix Historique de Monaco is definitely a milestone in the historic scene. The 11th edition of this prestigious event which took place on May 11-13, 2018 did not fail its reputation, presenting over 180 Grand Prix cars selected for both their historical value and their degree of authenticity.
During the three days of free practices, qualifications and races, all competitors shared their passion for high level motor racing with thousands of fans, including seven exceptional series with proper races, on the mythical track of the Principality of Monaco.
The first grid designated “Serie A” welcomed the Pre-war racing cars, once again held this year as a true race.
Alex Birkenstock’s Dino 246 F1, already regularly seen in Monaco with its former driver, was entered in the “Serie B” for Pre-1961 front-engine F1 Grand Prix and F2 cars, and classified 17th.
Next on the program was the “Serie C” for front engine Sports Racing cars raced from 1952 to 1957. Roberto Crippa’s 340 MM Touring Spyder did the practices but not the race, while David Franklin’s 225 S Berlinetta Vignale and the magnificent Martin Halusa’s 212 Export Berlinetta Touring were outdistanced in the classification.
“Serie D” was for the F1 Grand Prix Cars from 1961 to 1965, and Joseph Colasacco with Lawrence Auriana’s 512 F1 managed the best Ferrari result of the meeting. Starting from the second position of the grid, he and the leader quickly escaped from the followers, and had a tremendous battle. It was a spectacular race with suspense until the end. Colasacco tried to overtake the leading Lotus, but Andy Middlehurst won, four times in a row, and the 512 F1 finished second at only 0.608 seconds.
Three Ferraris were included in the “Serie E” for F1 Grand Prix Cars from 1966 to 1972. Piloted by Paolo Barilla, the 312 B, which was the spare car at the Monaco GP in 1970-71, was sadly involved in a crash when it was locked up between a McLaren and the rail. Franco Meiners finished 10th with his 312 B3 Spazzaneve, and Jurgen Boden’s 312 B2 (dnf in 1971-72 with Regazzoni) classified 14th.
The “Serie F” for F1 Grand Prix Cars from 1973 to 1976, saw a pair of 312 B3’s, driven by Marco Werner (which started from pole position in 1974 with Niki Lauda) and Maximilian Werner. The former managed to bring his Ferrari to the last step of the podium, while the latter classified 6th.
The meeting was finally concluded by the “Serie G” for Grand Prix Cars from 1977 to 1980, with impressive and interesting cars, since it was the first time the organizers opened the event to ground-effect cars.
An eventful weekend all in all, which ended beautifully with the “Dîner de Gala de Remise des Prix” in the prestigious “Salle des Etoiles” of the Sporting Monte-Carlo.
The Grand Prix Historique de Monaco was again a wonderful time travel through motor racing history, with seven distinct starting grids covering fifty years of Grand Prix cars; a unique sight for motor racing fans, worldwide collectors and nostalgic enthusiasts.
Images from Arnaud Blanfuney and Lionel Blanfuney.
A compete report on the Grand Prix Historique de Monaco, with a chart of all Ferrari entrants, including model, drivers, results and the all-important chassis numbers, will be in the August 1 issue of Cavallino #226. Subscribe today!
