What Is 2016 Historic Grand Prix of Monaco

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Historic Grand Prix of Monaco was a vintage motorsport event held from May 13–15, 2016, featuring pre-1972 Formula 1 and sports cars. It occurred biennially on the Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo.

Key Facts

Event dates: May 13–15, 2016
Held every two years since 1997
Featured 6 race categories spanning eras from 1930–1972
Over 200 historic racing cars participated
Races included pre-war Grand Prix cars and 1970s Formula 2 vehicles

Overview

The 2016 Historic Grand Prix of Monaco was a celebration of vintage motorsport, held on the famed Circuit de Monaco from May 13 to 15. As a biennial event since 1997, it honors classic racing eras with meticulously restored pre-1972 Formula 1, sports prototypes, and Grand Touring cars.

Unlike modern Formula 1, this event emphasizes historical accuracy, authenticity, and preservation. Entries are strictly limited to vehicles that competed or were eligible between 1930 and 1972, ensuring period-correct technology and design.

Period authenticity: All competing cars were manufactured before 1972, with many dating back to the 1930s and 1940s, preserving original engineering and design.
Event duration: The 2016 edition spanned three days, with practice, qualifying, and six distinct race categories based on vehicle era and type.
Entry count: More than 200 historic racing machines were registered, representing over a dozen nations and numerous legendary marques like Ferrari, Maserati, and BRM.
Track layout: The full 3.337-kilometer Circuit de Monaco was used, replicating the challenging street course used in the modern Monaco Grand Prix.
Public access: Free grandstands and viewing areas allowed fans to witness vintage racing legends up close, enhancing the event’s community appeal.

Race Categories and Eras

The 2016 event featured six distinct race classes, each dedicated to a specific era and type of vehicle. This structure allowed organizers to group cars by performance and historical significance, ensuring competitive fairness and safety.

Pre-War Grand Prix (1930–1939): Featured supercharged 8-cylinder Alfa Romeos and ERA models with up to 3.0L engines, reaching speeds over 270 km/h on the straight.
Formula 1 (1950–1957): Included 2.5L naturally aspirated cars like the Ferrari 500 and Vanwall, marking the dawn of the FIA World Championship.
Formula 1 (1958–1960): Showcased rear-engine transition models such as the Cooper T51, which revolutionized F1 design in the late 1950s.
Formula 1 (1961–1965): Highlighted 1.5L engine regulations, with iconic entries like the Lotus 25 and BRM P57 on display.
Sports Cars (1957–1965): Included Ferrari 250 GTOs and Jaguar E-Types, competing in Group 4 grand touring configurations.
Formula 2 / Formula Atlantic (1967–1971): Featured 1.6L machines like the March 702, which served as junior formula predecessors to F1.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the six race categories at the 2016 event by era, engine specs, notable vehicles, and participation levels.

Race Category	Era	Engine Specs	Notable Vehicles	Entries (2016)
Pre-War Grand Prix	1930–1939	Up to 3.0L supercharged	Alfa Romeo 8C, ERA R14B	28
Formula 1 (I)	1950–1957	2.5L naturally aspirated	Ferrari 500, Maserati 250F	35
Formula 1 (II)	1958–1960	2.5L, rear-engine	Cooper T51, Lotus 18	31
Formula 1 (III)	1961–1965	1.5L V8	Lotus 25, BRM P57	29
Sports Cars	1957–1965	Up to 4.0L GT	Ferrari 250 GTO, Jaguar E-Type	42
Formula 2 / Atlantic	1967–1971	1.6L production-based	March 702, Brabham BT29	38

The data reflects a balanced distribution across categories, with sports cars drawing the largest field. This diversity underscores the event’s commitment to showcasing the full spectrum of pre-1972 motorsport history, from open-wheel innovation to grand touring elegance.

Why It Matters

The 2016 Historic Grand Prix of Monaco is more than a nostalgic exhibition—it plays a vital role in preserving automotive heritage and educating new generations about motorsport evolution. By maintaining strict eligibility rules and encouraging restoration, the event fosters a living museum of racing history.

Preservation incentive: Owners invest heavily in authentic restoration, ensuring historically significant cars remain operational and not relegated to static display.
Educational value: Schools and museums use footage and artifacts from the event to teach engineering and design history.
Tourism boost: The event attracted over 50,000 spectators in 2016, significantly benefiting Monaco’s hospitality and service sectors.
Authenticity standards: Strict FIA guidelines ensure vehicles remain true to period specs, discouraging modern modifications.
Legacy recognition: Living legends like Sir Stirling Moss have participated in past editions, linking modern audiences to racing’s golden age.
Media impact: Broadcast globally, the event reaches millions, promoting classic car culture and heritage motorsport series.

Ultimately, the 2016 Historic Grand Prix of Monaco exemplifies how motorsport can honor its past while remaining a vibrant, dynamic spectacle. Its success ensures continued support for future biennial events.