Good old-fashioned Le Mans hospitality

| 13 Nov 2010

The Chelsea AutoLegends featured a line of more than 50 Le Mans racers and a gaggle of La Sarthe aces at the lawns of the Royal Chelsea Hospital, London on 5 September.
More than 5000 visitors were treated to the sight of the ex-Steve McQueen Porsche 917 and the '88 Jaguar XJR-9, as well as Sir Stirling Moss, David Piper, Derek Bell and Richard Attwood live on stage.
Other attractions included the '34 Riley Ulster Imp in which Mike Hawthorn learnt to race and the ex-Jackie Stewart Ecurie Ecosse '62 Tojeiro EE. A rally display featured the ex-Michele Mouton Audi quattro that won Pikes Peak in '85 alongside the Opel Manta 400 that Russell Brookes drove to victory in the Manx International of that same year.
More than 300 enthusiasts' cars were also displayed, including Ian Proudfoot's Ferrari 250 Europa, eight 250GT Lussos, a '68 Maserati Mexico - restored by owner Mark Donovan himself - and Jonathan Root's Mela Verde '70 De Tomaso Mangusta.
Bonhams hosted an auction of automobilia, which raised more than £12,000 for the Royal Chelsea Hospital's refurbishment.