Historic Endurance Breaks Record for Entries at the Algarve Classic Festival

The Iberian Historic Endurance has set a new record for entries, attracting 76 cars to this weekend’s Algarve Classic Festival, held at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. This remarkable milestone means that, for only the second time in the history of Southern Europe’s most prestigious classic racing series on conventional circuits, the grid will be split into two separate groups, resulting in not two, but four races over the weekend.

The excitement surrounding this event marks a historic moment: for the first time in 13 years of competition on Portuguese soil, the races organised by Race Ready will be divided into Historic Endurance 1 and Historic Endurance 2, reflecting both the variety and prestige of the entered machinery—all hailing from the golden era of Touring and GT cars up to 1976.

The Historic Endurance 1 field will feature cars from the Gentleman Driver Spirit (GDS), H-1965 and GTP & Sportscar pre-1965 categories, while Historic Endurance 2 will comprise cars from the H-1971 and H-1976 classes, ensuring competitive balance and respect for the technical characteristics of each historic period.

The figures for this edition are truly impressive: 106 drivers representing 10 different nationalities will take part in four 50-minute races, divided between two groups and featuring 44 distinct models from 17 world-renowned marques. From iconic European classics to legendary American muscle and even some notable Japanese entries, the event promises a world-class display of diversity and quality in historic motorsport on the Iberian Peninsula.

It’s not every day you see such a remarkable line-up on track: three Ford GT40s roaring side by side, five AC/Shelby Cobras taking on every corner, and five elegant Jaguar E-Types showcasing timeless beauty. Among these legends, rare gems will capture the attention of even the most seasoned enthusiasts — including the striking Iso Grifo A3/C and Chevrolet Corvette L88 — alongside less familiar but equally captivating machines for newcomers to classic motorsport, such as the agile Merlyn MK4, Ginetta G10, and Marcos 1800 GT.

Joining them are numerous Porsche 911s and Lotus Elans in various specifications, powerful Ford Mustangs, elegant Alfa Romeo Giulias, charismatic Austin Healeys and distinctive Datsuns — forming a true parade of history, engineering and passion on wheels. Every corner, every burst of acceleration, every engine note echoes decades of competition, transforming the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve into a stage where the memories of motorsport’s past merge into a symphony of speed and style.

Both races will count towards the 1000km Trophy, currently led by the pairing of Piero dal Maso and Guilherme dal Maso, as well as the Index of Performance — a unique classification rewarding the driver who extracts the best possible performance from their car, considering factors such as age, engine capacity and body type. Here, the smaller-engined cars, such as the Lotus Elan, Datsun 1200, Lotus Cortina and Porsche 356, are tipped as favourites for victory.

The prestige of the competition is further enhanced by its partnership with the Swiss-born, Latin-spirited watchmaker Cuervo y Sobrinos, which will present an exclusive timepiece to the Index of Performance winner — a symbol of the perfect harmony between mechanical precision and aesthetic passion shared by both classic cars on track and fine watchmaking.

This weekend promises spectators a spectacular journey back in time, full of nostalgia and unforgettable sounds. Tickets are already available via MEO Blueticket and at the circuit’s ticket office, with several options on offer: the “Main Grandstand” ticket grants access to the specified grandstand; the “Paddock” ticket provides access to both the paddock and main grandstand; and the “VIP Tower” option allows access to the VIP Tower, paddock and main grandstand.

Entry is free for children and young people aged between three and sixteen. For more information on club parades or to purchase tickets, visit algarveclassicfestival.org.