This color film documents the twenty-fifth running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car race on June 22 and 23, 1957, in La Mans, France. We’re treated to a front row seat of the action as cars vie for first place in this grueling race, ultimately won by the Ecurie Ecosse team of Ron Flockhart and Ivor Bueb driving the #3 car, a Jaguar D-Type. You’ll not only see the race but the fair and carnival rides that entertain spectators away from the track. Directed by Henri Champetier and Carlos Vilardebó. A production of Société Nouvelle Pathé Cinéma and British Petroleum.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world’s oldest active sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since 1923. It is considered one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world and has been called the “Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency.” The event represents one leg of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, with the other events being the Indianapolis 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix. Unlike fixed-distance races whose winner is determined by minimum time, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is won by the car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours. Racing teams must balance the demands of speed with the cars’ ability to run for 24 hours without mechanical failure.

00:11 Spectators arrive at the track 00:27 Crews and drivers move their cars into place in the pit area 00:52 Drivers don helmets, gloves 00:59 Race clock reads 3:50PM 01:04 OPENING CREDITS 01:37 closeup of an Omega chronograph wristwatch reading 3:56PM 01:47 Drivers take their places on track, run to their cars 02:04 Cars start and begin race 02:19 Cars begin their first loop and pass under Dunlop Bridge 02:37 Areas of track identified; Tetre Rouge, Mulsanne Straight 02:58 Mulsanne Corner 03:17 Aerial view of track 03:22 Arnage Bends 03:42 Cars completing their first lap 03:50 Officials advance lap number boards above pits 03:52 Leaders thus far; #7 (Mike Hawthorn), #2 (Jean Behra), #1 (Stirling Moss), #3 (Ron Flockhart), #4 (Duncan Hamilton), #20 (Tony Brooks); Hawthorn, then Behra break lap records 04:34 Race continues, spectators watch 05:54 Car #61 spins out of control 06:24 Cars #1, #2 out of the race 06:30 The day before; mechanics inspect cars 06:55 Car #12 begins practice run 06:59 Antique cars perform demonstration laps 07:28 Renault Étoile Filante 07:38 Mechanics work on cars 07:55 Car #27 (Fernand Tavano); pit stop 08:41 Positions stabilize, crowd relaxes 08:56 Patrons crossing over Dunlop Bridge, enjoying fairgrounds and rides 10:05 Night descends on the race; car #3 drivers switch 10:25 Fernand Tavano sleeping, car #27 arrives at pits 10:44 Neon BP signs turns on, race continues in darkness 11:25 Bumper cars at the carnival 11:42 Carnival rides juxtaposed with race footage 12:11 Misty track conditions at dawn 13:03 Carnival rides, booths closed 13:13 Wrecked cars on the side of the track, spectators asleep on the fairgrounds 13:34 Second day’s crowd 13:45 Church service 14:07 Motorcycle stunts, carnival back in action 14:34 Boys play with toy race cars 14:45 Spectators eat, drink 15:40 Car #3 (currently in the lead by eight laps) waved into the pit, serviced, drivers change 16:54 Car #3 gets the checkered flag, driver congratulated, drinks champaign 17:23 Race over, people mill around the pit area 17:47 BP logo; END

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com