1965 24 Hours of Le Mans Starter Flag

Offered Without Reserve

At the Circuit de la Sarthe on 19 June 1965, dozens of flags from around the world lined the impressive grandstand that overlooks the famous racetrack. But millions of pairs of eyes were drawn to one flag alone—in the first edition of Le Mans to be streamed live on televisions across the USA—as race officials held aloft the pole-mounted tricolore. Poised, dozens of drivers in customary white racing suits leant nervously over the edge of the painted line on the track, ready to sprint to their cars in a famous “Le Mans start”.

The item offered here is the tricolore dropped to initiate the 1965 race, one of the great editions with drivers such as Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, John Surtees, and Bruce McLaren battling for victory, which ended with Masten Gregory and Jochen Rindt’s Ferrari 250 LM presiding over a Ferrari 1-2-3 finish. This also represented the last time a Prancing Horse-badged car would win overall at Le Mans. The flag was given to the mayor of Le Mans, Jacques Maury, after the race and remained in his family ownership until it passed into private hands just over a decade ago. Beautifully embroidered in gold lettering, this special piece of Le Mans history is presented in a display case with its original mounting pole and top tricolore ribbon. A Rare opportunity to buy a significant piece of Le Mans history which is perfect to hang on the wall of a garage (perhaps next to one of the 1965 entries), automotive museum, or office.