Restoring a vintage race car is much like bringing an ancient dragon back to life—minus the fire-breathing, but with plenty of roaring engines. These classic beasts had their time in the spotlight, only to be sidelined by the ravages of time, rust, and mechanical wear. But thanks to the dedication of a few brave (and slightly obsessed) restorers, these 9 race cars have been lovingly resurrected, ready to burn rubber once more.
The Ferrari 250 GTO
When you hear “Ferrari 250 GTO,” you might picture a pristine, shiny red car on a racetrack. Initially built in 1962, this car was raced by the French driver Jo Schlesser. After a crash during the 1963 Tour de France Automobile, it was sold to Fabrizio Violati, an Italian industrialist, in 1965. The car languished in storage for decades until Violati began a meticulous restoration in 1993 in Maranello, Italy. Using original parts and expertise from Ferrari’s Classiche department, the restoration took several years and was completed in 1998. This GTO is now considered one of the most authentic examples in existence.
Porsche 917
The Porsche 917, a legendary race car, underwent a remarkable restoration in 2018 at the hands of Britec Motorsports in Costa Mesa, California. Rod Emory, a renowned figure in Porsche restoration circles, led the restoration. The specific 917 restored was chassis 917-001, the first 917 ever built, which had been retired from racing in the 1970s. The car was returned to its original 1969 Geneva Motor Show condition, complete with its iconic white and green livery. The restoration team rebuilt the car’s 4.5-liter flat-12 engine and restored the bodywork, ensuring historical accuracy. The project took nearly a year, with the restored 917 unveiled at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK.
Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 is the car that put America on the map in European racing, famously beating Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966. The restoration of the iconic Ford GT40, chassis P/1046, is a tale of dedication and precision. This legendary car, which won the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, was painstakingly restored in 2004 by a team led by Mark Allin of Rare Drive, Inc., based in East Kingston, New Hampshire. Initially driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon, the GT40 had deteriorated over the years. The restoration involved sourcing original parts and faithfully recreating its 1966 race condition, including its signature Gulf Oil livery. The project took several years, with Allin and his team reassembling the car to its former glory. In 2016, the restored GT40 returned to Le Mans for the 50th anniversary of its historic victory, celebrated as a symbol of American engineering prowess.
Jaguar D-Type
In 2017, the Jaguar D-Type, a legend of Le Mans, was restored to its former prestige by renowned classic car restorer John Collins in his workshop in Ascot, England. The car, chassis XKD 504, had originally raced at Le Mans in 1955, driven by Duncan Hamilton and Ivor Bueb. After decades of neglect, the D-Type was found in a dilapidated barn in France in 2015. Collins, known for his precise attention to detail, spent two years restoring the car to its 1955 specifications. Every aspect, from the aerodynamic bodywork to the 3.4-liter XK engine, was restored using original parts sourced from across Europe. The car made its public debut at the 2019 Goodwood Revival, where it was celebrated as a masterpiece of both automotive engineering and restoration craftsmanship, blending history with the modern passion for preserving iconic vehicles.
Aston Martin DBR1
Before James Bond drove Aston Martins, the DBR1 made waves on the racetrack. This iconic car, famous for its 1959 Le Mans victory, initially fell into disrepair. The restoration saga commenced in 2008 when British enthusiast and collector Dr. Peter H. Leung acquired it. Leung enlisted the expertise of the renowned British restoration specialist David Brown (no relation to Aston Martin’s founder), based in Kensington, London. The process took several years and involved sourcing original components and accurate craftsmanship. By 2011, the restoration was completed, with the DBR1 returning to its former honor. This restoration preserved the DBR1’s legacy and showcased the dedication of those who ensure that classic cars continue to inspire awe. The DBR1 now commands top dollar at auctions, with one example selling for over $22 million. Even 007 would be impressed.
Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe
The Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe was built with one purpose: To beat Ferrari on its home turf. Originally built to compete in the FIA World Sportscar Championship, the Daytona Coupe secured its place in automotive history by winning the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship. The restoration journey of one particular model began in the early 2000s. Notably, in 2007, the original chassis, #CSX2287, was restored by the expert team at the Shelby American Collection in Boulder, Colorado, led by Craig Jackson and Steve Earle. Their diligent work and historic documents and photos revived the Daytona Coupe. By 2009, it was ready for the track again, preserving the iconic car’s legacy and demonstrating how skilled craftsmanship can bring automotive history back to life.
Maserati 300S
The Maserati 300S was a car that represented the best of Italian racing engineering in the 1950s. However, one of these thoroughbreds found itself in a sorry state, its glory days far behind it. Once a star on the track, this car was now nothing more than a rusting relic. But you can’t keep an excellent Italian stallion down. The restoration project began in 2003 at Modena’s renowned Maserati Classiche workshop. Headed by restorers like Giovanni Galli and Alessandro Cattaneo, the team rebuilt the 300S, focusing on preserving its original charm while updating its mechanics. By 2006, the car was restored to its former charm, showcasing its sleek lines and powerful 3.0-liter inline-six engine. This restoration revived a piece of racing history and solidified Maserati’s legacy in classic cars. The Maserati 300S is now a prized possession, often seen roaring back to life at classic car events.
Lotus 49
The Lotus 49 was a game-changer in Formula 1. Initially designed by Colin Chapman and his team at Lotus Cars in Hethel, Norfolk, England, in 1967, the 49 was famous for its innovative use of the Ford Cosworth DFV engine, a groundbreaking design at the time. In 2003, renowned restorer and Lotus expert Chris Williams led the restoration project in Hethel, where the original chassis was painstakingly restored to its former fame. The restoration was completed in 2004, and the car debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Chichester, West Sussex. This meticulous work was crucial in preserving the car’s historical significance and allowing enthusiasts to experience a piece of Formula 1 history.
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B
The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B is often considered one of the most beautiful race cars ever built, a masterpiece of Italian design and engineering. One notable restoration story involves the 2900B, initially raced by the famous driver Luigi Chinetti. After years of neglect, this iconic car was restored by the Milan-based restoration specialist Carrozzeria Touring in 1986. The project was overseen by the legendary Italian restorer Franco Scaglione. The restoration process, completed in Milan, involved sourcing original authentic materials. The 8C 2900B was later showcased at the 1987 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, winning the Best of Show award. Today, the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B is not just a restored car but a rolling piece of art, a testament to what can be achieved with passion and dedication.
11 Cars that are Known for Breaking Down Regularly
No car company wants to deliver a dud. However, even though companies try their best to deliver excellent cars, some cars turn out to be lemons, breaking down frequently. This creates problems for both the consumer and the manufacturer.
11 Cars that are Known for Breaking Down Regularly
