24h Le Mans
From 2-5 July, the Le Mans Classic Legend is offering spectators a journey through the history of endurance racing. Among the iconic cars set to participate in this event is the Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S. With its massive bonnet, thunderous naturally aspirated V8 and unconventional design, the American racing star flawlessly represents the intrepidity forever fuelling the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Any time the Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S barrels down the pit straight or emerges at the end of Mulsanne, its presence on the scene is undeniable. More than 25 years after taking the start in the 1999 24 Hours, this car still causes a sensation, and to see it on the track at the Le Mans Classic reminds us of an era when engineers still dared to do things strictly their way.
In the late 1990s, most prototypes entered in the 24 Hours adopted a mid-rear engine architecture, but Panoz choice otherwise.
The car's carbon-fibre bodywork houses a carbon-fibre single shell chassis. But its truly distinctive feature is found at the front, namely a massive, naturally aspirated 6-litre Ford V8 prepared by Robert Yates, a renowned figure in American motorsport and NASCAR. Producing around 600 hp, this engine gives the Panoz a one-of-a-kind mechanical signature.
With its extended bonnet and pushed back cockpit, the LMP-1 Roadster S looks more like the Batmobile zipping around the circuit than it does a traditional prototype. It is no surprise the car's striking silhouette quickly made it a crowd favourite!
Unveiled mere weeks ahead of the pre-qualifying sessions in 1999, the Panoz immediately dazzled the crowd thanks to its show-stopping appearance and the inimitable roar of its V8 engine.
The American team fielded two cars in the race manned by an impressive list of celebrated drivers including David Brabham, Éric Bernard, Jan Magnussen, Johnny O’Connell, Butch Leitzinger and Max Angelelli.
If any uncertainty existed relative to the Panoz's true potential, it centered more on reliability than performance. A few weeks before the race, an endurance test was conducted at the Paul Ricard circuit, cut short after 20 hours due to a head gasket failure. The team focused its final efforts on cooling and aerodynamics.
During the 1999 24 Hours, the #12 shared by Brabham, Bernard and Leitzinger managed to overcome a gearbox change and the replacement of an oil cooler to finish in seventh place overall. The impressive result solidified the project's credibility up against the giants of that era.
Seeing a photo of a Panoz is one thing, but seeing it in action is something else entirely.
The Le Mans Classic Legend is making this rare opportunity a reality. Don't miss the chance to watch up close a car designed in an era when regulations still left plenty to the imagination, and to hear the distinctive thunder of its V8 echoing again around the 24 Hours circuit!
Along with the Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S, Grid 8 will re-shine a well-deserved spotlight on some of the most legendary cars of the second half of the 1990s.
The Le Mans Classic Legend is not an open-air museum. It is a living celebration of the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans! Every car that hits the track tells a chapter of this century-long adventure. The Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S is all about boldness, the story of an American manufacturer who chose to follow its own path.
The Le Mans Classic Legend will be held from 2-5 July. Purchase your tickets now on the official ticketing website.
