We tested for you the first historic climb of the Côte des 24 Tournants, in Belbeuf

For the second edition of Course & Collection, Florian Poirier, founder of the Paul Marius brand, opened the doors of the Château de Belbeuf (Seine-Maritime) with beautiful mechanics. Next to 170 cars collectibles from the 30s to the 80s of all brands have set up in the park to be admired, but also, for some, to allow walks at the price of 20 euros.

As at every gathering, the crowd rushed on Saturday June 8 and Sunday June 9, 2024, in particular to discover the new thing: the first historic climb of Belbeuf reserved for vehicles over 30 years old, organized by Dieppe Rallye historique. An untimed, safe reconstruction ofa legendary hill climb which took place from 1694 to 1975.

Gasoline vapor and tight pins

Philippe Cavé, founder of the GRAC Paris Normandie stable, agreed to take us on board the famous MT20. First of all, we had to find our place there, because the tub is rustic and the legs get lost in the chassis tubes. Then, with the gloves and the obligatory helmet, the harness straps take your breath away.

“Installed like the English, flying on the right, the pilot asked me not to move too much, and especially not to pull on the red lever which would discharge the fire extinguisher. An essential instruction for the Lagaffe that I am [rires]. Finally, from the castle, the convoy of 25 cars set off. He progressed slowly on the descent, just to warm up engines and tires. Already, gasoline and exhaust fumes invaded the ambient air… Then, just before the road to Paris, all the cars made a U-turn to position themselves towards the climb,” relates our correspondent.

A good adrenaline rush

Each car then slender every minute. For Philippe Cavé, it was an opportunity for a big boost. But he warned before: “I don’t want to break the car. So, we’re going to take it slowly! “.

“For an uninitiated person, even slowly, I thought I found myself in a washing machine. The ribbon flew by without being able to really observe it and the pins were caught on the rope, with this strange sensation of being able to roll on both sides of the road. Hearing nothing but the deafening sound of the engine, my head whipped around in all directions. Two minutes and fifteen minutes later, the MT20 crossed the red flag from the commissioner to the applause of the public. Back at the stand, the experience allowed me, on a smaller scale, to put myself in the shoes of the driving champions who climbed this hill in less than a minute and a half, fifty years ago,” continues our correspondent. .

A start for the GRAC team

This historic climb was also a start for theGRAC stable and its sponsors Nollet and Apomac, to prepare their participation in the Le Mans Classic, from July 3 to 6, 2025. For this, the MT20 must change its engine and gearbox and the team must raise a budget of 56 300 euros.

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