Le Mans 1960

[Bert L.]

Hi all,
Shame on me, I haven't visited here on a regular basis lately, don't know if this video link featuring the Corvette contingent in it's first outing at LeMans has been posted recently, I myself don't remember ever seeing it in the past.....In this historic automotive documentary DickThompson also interestingly focuses and comments on other makes and their drivers. Delightful way to spend 34 minutes,....apologies if this is "old hat"!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGCGz6rAEts

[Loren L.]

Re: Le Mans 1960

Bert, it has been "known" to a number of us. As a comment on Chevy PR of the time, it should be noted that the narrator, Dr. Dick Thompson, and none of the drivers involved ever received a copy at the time. Given that, it's perhaps understandable that no one at Chevrolet seems to know if there were any "outtakes" or footage that was unused.

[Patrick B.]

Re: Le Mans 1960

In the pre-NCRS days, I was a member of the Corvette Club of America in the Wash, DC area. Dick Thompson lived in the area and he came to a few of our meetings as a guest speaker. He brought an old movie projector and showed a film of the 1960 LeMans Corvette team. I think it is the same movie as this youtube show. If he didn't get a copy in 1960, he managed to get one by about 1972.

[Loren L.]

Re: Le Mans 1960

May have been a copy from Rosenthal Chevrolet (or ?) because I think dealers were the main target. When I got a mediocre copy tape in 1996, I mentioned it to him at a Carlisle show and he asked for a copy. He got it.

[Patrick B.]

Re: Le Mans 1960

I can see why he would want a tape even if his old movie was the same. It was a hassle to set up a big projector and screen, and after all these years the film probably breaks when being put through the projector.

[Mark E.]

Re: Le Mans 1960

Here's a video about the early 2000s search and restoration of the winning Corvette. They returned it to Le Mans for the 50th anniversary of its race.

Does anyone know about this car today?

[Rick G.]

Re: Le Mans 1960

Mark,

I believe the car is still owned by the Miller family. I had the opportunity to view it both during and after it's restoration at Corvette's of Carlisle. A beautiful car restored by one of the best, Kevin McKay. Chip Miller was one of the nicest gentleman you could ever meet. A video, "The Quest" was made of the complete story of finding, restoring and returning the car to LeMans. A great story and well worth your time to view.

Rick

[Jim H.]

Re: Le Mans 1960

Bert,

Really enjoyed the video link. Thanks for posting. Thompson's fighter pilot deadpan commentary (and those high-waisted trousers) were a blast from the past before corporate sponsorships and media exposure took over. In 1960 I was 6, just beginning a life-long love affair with cars in general and the Corvette in particular. Reading my motormags in wintry NYC as a young teenager, I followed the exploits of Thompson, Hill, Shelby, Andretti, and lots of others in all manner of sports car at tracks across the globe, particularly in sunny California where I now reside w/ a couple of '66 427 roadsters in the garage. For 34 minutes last weekend, I was that little kid again. Thanks. JCH

[Jack M.]

Re: Le Mans 1960

Video was from an older post... it includes their ride through the countryside and inside the garage: CLICK HERE

[Bert L.]

Re: Le Mans 1960

Jack,
Film footage received from a mysterious source,...very intriguing, I hadn't seen it before and enjoyed every second of it's timeless record! Any recent revelation of it's sender?
Thank you

[Jack M.]

Re: Le Mans 1960

Bert- Those articles date back to 2010 & 2011... I have not heard of any updates or additional info since it was published.
It sure would be nice to find the source of that footage... perhaps there is more film yet undiscovered.