unai ona
Last September 22 to 24, it was held a new edition of the San Sebastian Spirit Circuit, an event created to commemorate the competitions that were held during the interwar period in the Lasarte Circuit. A celebration in style that combines different activities throughout the three days, the first of which is basically dedicated to the reception of participants.
On Saturday, the Rally Classic and GT Bira, which runs partly along the old Lasarte Circuit route, as a perfect tribute to the races of the time. The excellent number of participating cars, with a large presence of French competitors, gave luster to an unparalleled route. The start took place from the Plaza Gipuzkoa in San Sebastián, from where the classics left for Igeldo and Orio, before embarking on the way to such representative towns as Zarautz, Getaria and Zumaia.
After leaving the coast, we passed through Zestoa, Azpeitia or Tolosa, where the first part of the route concluded. The caravan then headed towards Lasarte, nerve center of the old circuit, where the exit was located. This year marked exactly 100 years since the first edition. Saturday's day ended with an official dinner and the corresponding presentation of trophies.
A SUNDAY OF ELEGANCE
The San Sebastian Spirit Circuit offered an unparalleled spectacle on Sunday the 24th, as it was closed the La Concha walk for three hours to hold a test of skill. It was reserved for pre-war cars, and six cars plus a few more took part in exhibition mode. Seeing the classics evolve on the road next to the sea was a unique spectacle that surprised everyone and everyone. Besides, The cars were exhibited to participate in the Concours of Elegance, in which the public was also invited to participate as a jury. Details like these are what are making an event grow that is beginning to gain great national and international impact.
The level of the more than 45 participating classics It only confirmed these good feelings. There were cars from all eras, although most were quite old, with models such as Fiat Balilla, Bugatti Type 35 and Type 49, Ford A, Jaguar SS or a very rare handmade Simca boat from 1948. There was no shortage of different Mercedes-Benz, with “Pagoda”, R107 or R129, or English post-war classics, with the presence of MG TC and A or Triumph TR6 and even a Jaguar C-Type.
The style note was given by Alfa Romeo Spider or a Chevrolet Corvette C1, while a Ferrari 328 GTB and a BMW Z1 provided a touch of modernity. It drew powerful attention among the public Peugeot 402 Eclipse convertible, undoubtedly a car ahead of its time.
BEST OF SHOW AT THE SAN SEBASTIAN SPIRIT CIRCUIT
In order to choose the winner of the Contest of Elegance, Six finalists were selected first., with the presence of the Jaguar SS, the 402 Eclipse, the impressive C-Type, the Simca barqueta and the Salmson Rally, models that were on the verge of glory.
The overall winner was an impressive Hispano-Suiza H6C from 1928 bodied by Hibbard & Darrin, a unit worthy of Pebble Beach o Villa d'Este. A top-level winner that does justice to an edition of the San Sebastian Spirit Circuit that places the event at the level of many with greater tradition.
Photographs by Unai Ona.
