# Le Mans Classic Is Now Annual: Heritage Edition Set for July 2027

Le Mans Classic has moved to an annual, alternating format. The first Legend edition ran in July 2026 and the Heritage edition follows on 1 to 4 July 2027.

Source: https://porschetrails.com/blog/2026-10-02-le-mans-classic-goes-annual/

For twenty years Le Mans Classic was held every second summer. From 2026 it is annual, and the change matters to Porsche owners more than most, because it has split the event into two eras that each contain a different set of Porsche's greatest cars.

## The new format

The organisers, Peter Auto and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, now alternate between two events on the full 24 Hours circuit:

- **Le Mans Classic Legend**, for cars from 1976 to 2015
- **Le Mans Classic Heritage**, for cars from 1923 to 1975

The first Legend edition was held from 2 to 5 July 2026. According to the ACO, it drew nearly 160,000 spectators, with almost 350 cars on track and 104 clubs displaying around 3,200 cars inside the circuit. The first Heritage edition has been announced for 1 to 4 July 2027.

## What that means for Porsche fans

The Legend years cover the period when Porsche was hardest to beat at Le Mans: the 935s and 936s of the late 1970s, the Group C 956 and 962, the 911 GT1 and the 919 Hybrid. Reports from this July describe Group C grids with 962s prominent, and a gathering of 917s for a parade even though the car belongs to the earlier era.

The Heritage years will bring the 917 back to the track itself, along with 550 Spyders, 904s, 906s, 908s and early 911s. If you want to hear a flat-twelve on the Mulsanne straight, 2027 is the one.

Our guide to [famous Porsche cars](/guides/famous-porsche-cars/) explains what each of these is.

## Going in your Porsche

Club parking is half the point. Porsche clubs bring some of the largest contingents, parked by model inside the circuit, and club packages often include parade laps. Ask your national club early; the [communities page](/communities/) lists them.

A few planning notes:

- Tickets and club packages go on sale months ahead. Check the official site for dates.
- Accommodation near the circuit sells out. Many people camp.
- Early July is hot. An air-cooled car in the queue for the car park will want watching.

## Make a road trip of it

Le Mans is a day's drive from the Channel ports. From there you can turn it into a proper tour: south-east across France to the Alps for the [Route des Grandes Alpes](/trails/route-des-grandes-alpes/), or on to the [Route Napoléon](/trails/route-napoleon/) and the Riviera. Early July is when the highest French cols have just opened.

The [events page](/events/) has the official link and the other historic meetings on the calendar.