...run once again in 1906, the event was a real 3000 to 4000 kilometres adventure, considering the cars performing at the time. The event was then interrupted several times, due in the main to wars.

The first post war event took place in 1951. After a short while, the "Tour de France Automobile" became a major event.
It was then time for prestigious makes to be on the tracks whith famous drivers at the wheel...

Stopped once again in 1965, the rally revived in 1969 thanks to five-time winner Bernard Consten. This golden era saw prototypes such has Matra 650, Ferrari 512 and GT40 Ford on the roads. The name "Tour Auto" appeared at the time.

Ten years later, both the oil crisis, and various troubles affected the event. So that, in 1986, the lack of sponsors and of competitors damaged the event. This led the 50th to be the final one. As far as it used to be at the time.

In 1992, some "new blood" to the Tour Auto.
Patrick Peter, supported by some motor racing enthusiasts, gave the event a second life as an historic event. In three years, the Tour Auto became one of the top historic rallies in the world, no amateur would miss. Over 200 cars come from all around the world to cover each year an original route.

2006 will not waver from tradition with 200 drivers all set to embark upon splendid French country roads aboard their fabulous machines. A new prestigious partner joins Lissac Opticien on the racenumbers. Watchmaker Audemars Piguet is now the event's Official Timekeeper.

Find out more in the latest press release