November 2009 – For the first time in Germany an exhibition presents the topic of the 24 Hours of Le Mans independently from brands. Race cars from all epochs show the past, the present and the future of the world’s oldest sports car race in endurance racing.
Since 1923 the 24 Hours of Le Mans are held annually near the town of Le Mans in France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance, it is organised by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and runs on a circuit containing closed public roads that are meant not only to test a car and driver’s ability to be quick, but also to last over a 24 hour period.
From the 28th of November 2009 until March 28, 2010 PROTOTYP wants to celebrate this race which shows the development of the motor industry, the technical evolution and the chase for honours and records.
Several cars from different epochs will be on display: For example Bentley 4 1/2 Liter, Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Aerodynamica, Deutsch-Bonnet D.B2, Porsche 917 or Audi prototype.
To experience the 24 Hours of Le Mans a driving simulator invites you to drive the fastest lap. Also the change of tyres can be tested.
Along the lines of our slogan “Personen. Kraft. Wagen.”, derived from the German word for passenger car, PROTOTYP also wants to show the history of the drivers, the designers and the mechanics. In the first place the man-machine interaction makes racing history come alive.
The opening of the exhibition was on November 28, 2009 with the symposium “Duell unter Freunden”. PROTOTYP welcomed race drivers like Tom Kristensen, Herbert Linge and Kurt Ahrens, the race organizers Peter Falk and Manfred Jantke, engineers like Hans Mezger, designer of the Prosche 917 engine, artists and many other more. More than 350 spectators enjoyed the symposium.
Till March 28, 2010 this special exhibition will complement our permanent exhibition at PROTOTYP.