As they cross the large space on the walkway between exhibition halls 1 and 2.2, fans of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will no doubt be delighted to discover the official programmes from past races. Visitors will also be treated to a series of large-format black and white photographs depicting numerous scenes from the race, including the drivers lined up ready for the traditional “run and jump” start, to the crowds along the racetrack, the pit stops, the twists and turns of the race (including of course the infamous sand banks at Mulsanne corner), the finish line and the roar of the crowds. A great opportunity to pick up a little bit of Le Mans history to take back home.

This 110th anniversary exhibition will also feature the different versions of the ACO logo, plus the various commemorative medals that the club occasionally awards its members to mark their loyalty, some of which certainly raise a smile! Also worth a visit is the 24 Hours of Le Mans Marketplace where a genuine Le Mans vintage vinyl will be on sale!

Of course, when the ACO was founded in 1906, followed by the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1923, there was no talk of merchandising and marketing. Nonetheless, visitors to the Rétromobile exhibition are sure to enjoy this unusual take on the ACO’s heritage and a fascinating look back on changing trends in graphic design over the past century.

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO | Translated from French by Clair Pickworth