23 to 28 April

The Legend / A Century of "Tour de France Automobile"

THE "TOUR DE FRANCE AUTOMOBILE", WAS BORN IN 1889, THANKS TO THE AUTOMOBILE CLUB DE FRANCE....

... run once again in 1906, taking into consideration the performance of cars at this time, the 3000 to 4000km event was a veritable adventure. The rally was then interrupted several times, principally due to the wars.

The first post war event took place in 1951.

It did not take very long for the "Tour de France Automobile" to become a major event with prestigious makes on the tracks and famous drivers behind the steering wheels…

Stopped once again in 1965,

the rally revived in 1969 thanks to five-time winner Bernard Consten. This golden era saw prototypes such as Matras 650, Ferraris 512 and GT40 Fords on the roads. The name "Tour Auto" appeared at the same time.

Ten years later,

economic constraints linked to the oil crisis affected the event. Thus in 1986, due to the lack of sponsors and of competitors, the 50th event was the final one in its original form.

In 1992, new blood to the "Tour Auto".

Patrick Peter, supported by several motor racing enthusiasts, gave the event a second life as an historic event. In three years, the Tour Auto became one of the top historic rallies in the world that no amateur would miss. Over 200 cars come from all around the world to cover what is each year an original route.

What's new in 2007?

A breathtaking grid, a spectacular new route and … a start from one of the most glamorous places in Paris, the Grand Palais!

Find out more in the latest press release