F1 Historics head for Clermont by the dozen

The biggest-ever gathering of V12-powered F1 cars is the target for the Clermont-Ferrand Festival Historique at the end of July. The venue last hosted a grand prix in 1972 when Chris Amon’s Matra MS120 led the first half of the race.

The FORCE organisation is working with the event’s promoters to attract as many V12s as possible. Already confirmed are four BRMs, ranging from the P126 of David Brown to the P160 of Nick Rini.

Several Matras are expected, including the MS120 of David Coplowe, fresh from a major rebuild, and it is hoped that Ben Liebert’s Cooper-Maserati will be there.

Negotiations have started with the Matra museum about having cars present, possibly on static display.