Name: Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry, France - Historic Racetrack Artwork
Brand: Race Track Prints
Price: 129.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry, France - Historic Racetrack Artwork

Modern bedroom with a map of Linas Montlhéry on the wall, bed, desk, and chair.

Tucked just outside of Paris lies one of motorsport’s most fascinating and overlooked landmarks: the Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry. Once a proving ground for land speed records and Grand Prix competition, this historic circuit is a rare blend of high-speed banked oval and twisting road course. Opened in 1924, Montlhéry was France’s bold answer to Monza and Brooklands—an engineering marvel designed to push the limits of both machines and drivers. Its steep concrete banking, weathered by time, still echoes with the roar of Bugattis, Delahayes, and Alfa Romeos that thundered through the interwar era. Though it faded from major international competition, the track became a sacred ground for endurance testing and manufacturer milestones, hosting everything from record-breaking Citroëns to secretive prototype shakedowns. Our artwork captures the curvature and character of this relic of speed with minimalist elegance and geometric precision. For racing purists, Montlhéry is more than asphalt—it’s a monument to innovation, daring, and the relentless pursuit of progress. Bring home a piece of France’s motorsport soul, preserved in bold lines and storied history.

Opened in 1924 just south of Paris, the Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry was a bold French answer to the likes of Brooklands and Monza. A hybrid track combining steeply banked oval sections with a twisting road course, it quickly earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most daring and advanced motorsport facilities. While today it's lesser known among casual fans, its role in shaping early motorsport and testing automotive endurance is undeniable.

The banking’s aggressive angle and surface irregularities were notorious for shredding tires and challenging suspension systems. Visibility through the high-speed curves was minimal, and uneven pavement made even straight sections unpredictable. Drivers needed nerves of steel and mechanical sympathy to survive long stints.

- 1925: Hosted the first official Grand Prix de France on the full course.

- 1930s–1950s: Site of numerous land speed and endurance records, including runs by Bugatti, Citroën, and Alfa Romeo.

- 1970s: Used by manufacturers like Renault and Peugeot for prototype testing and record attempts.

- Post-1980s: Fell into partial disrepair but remains active for occasional historic and testing events.

Though no longer a major race venue, Montlhéry remains a beloved and hauntingly iconic piece of motorsport heritage. It was once a badge of honor for carmakers and privateers alike to prove their machines here, enduring punishing laps on its rough, high-banked concrete. It holds deep nostalgic value for French motorsport culture and for those who respect the raw origins of racing.

- Was briefly considered for use in Formula 1, but safety concerns due to aging infrastructure prevented it.
- Citroën famously ran its “60-day endurance” test here in the 1930s, showcasing vehicle reliability under extreme conditions.
- The circuit’s deterioration adds to its charm—sections remain closed to the public and overgrown, almost like a motorsport time capsule.

Fans of motorsport history are drawn to Linas-Montlhéry for its raw, unfiltered glimpse into racing’s golden age. The circuit’s steep banking and vintage layout feel like a time capsule, transporting enthusiasts back to an era of mechanical grit and daring feats. Unlike polished modern circuits, Montlhéry retains the character of a proving ground — where records were shattered and machines pushed to their limits. It’s a favorite among vintage motorsport fans, engineering purists, and anyone who believes that racing is as much about legacy as it is about speed.

- Original Length: 12.5 km (combined road + oval)
- Banking Angle: Up to 51°
- Opened: 1924
- Layout Variants: High-speed oval, full road course, and short test circuits

Montlhéry was famous for its steep, uncompromising banking and technical turns. The oval allowed for high-speed testing, while the road course offered tight corners and elevation changes—perfect for real-world stress tests.

Montlhéry is legendary because of what it represented—pure, unfiltered speed, innovation, and mechanical bravery. It wasn’t just a place to race; it was where records were shattered, where reliability was proven, and where engineering dreams became reality. For fans of motorsport history, it stands as one of the last untouched monuments to early racing’s golden age.

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Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry, France - Historic Racetrack Artwork

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