There’s something electric about Le Mans week. The hype kicks in early - playlists get fine-tuned, snacks get stockpiled, and the car gets a little bit extra TLC.

This year was different. It was my first Le Mans trip with the speedcase - fresh off the shelf from drive luggage in Ripley. Designer Chris handed it over with one mission: use it, show it, and grab thoughts from fellow Porsche fans.

And honestly? From the moment it slid perfectly onto the rear parcel shelf of my 997, it felt like it belonged. Spoiler alert: it was designed for that space.

Oundle to Portsmouth – Let the Adventure Begin

We rolled out of Oundle early - sun just coming up, roads basically empty. The speedcase sat tight, no rattles, no chaos. It fitted everything I needed for the weekend (plus my wife’s matching case), and it made loading feel .... easy.  No soft bags flopping around, just clean, slick storage.

Pulling into Portsmouth for the ferry felt like the unofficial start line. Porsche after Porsche lined up, stories already being swapped like trading cards.

Within minutes, we had a mini convoy - 996s, 997s, a couple of 991s. No names needed. A quick nod or grin said it all: “You're one of us.”

Ferry Vibes & Decked-Out Car Decks

Boarding the overnight ferry? Like entering a members-only club for car lovers. The decks were full of absolute stunners - from vintage beauties to track-ready weapons. My 997 looked right at home, Speedcase tucked in proudly.

Up top, the chat flowed fast:
“Where are you staying?”
“First time at Le Mans?”
“How much can you really fit in a 911?”

I got to show off the Speedcase more than a few times. I was happy to discuss my latest acquisition; Doh, I should have talked to Chris about commission!

Touchdown in France – Time to Drive

French roads. Porsches. Sunshine. Unreal. The convoy snaked through small towns and countryside like we were filming our own car ad. Flat-six soundtracks echoed off stone walls. Heaven.

Every pit stop? Basically a mini Porsche meet. New faces, new stories, more cars joining the ride. And every time I needed something? The speedcase came through - easily accessible, zero stress. No digging, no drama.

Le Mans – So Much More Than Racing

Once we dropped our gear off at the hotel and headed to the circuit, I looked in the rear view mirror ... and noticed something was missing. The speedcase had become such a visual part of the car, it felt empty without it.

It doesn’t just work in the 997 - it elevates it. The rear shelf finally looks finished. Designed. Complete.

Heading Home – With Memories & Photos

Before hitting the road back, we swung by the circuit for one last photo shoot. Would’ve been criminal not to.

On the drive home, I realised that when I pointed out the speedcase to people - their reaction? Total surprise. They thought it came with the car. That’s the mark of great design: it blends in like it’s always belonged.

By the time we pulled back into Oundle, the speedcase had proven itself. No scuffs, no shifting, no compromise. Just slick, seamless travel.

Final Thought?

Le Mans isn’t just a race. It’s the people, the cars, the drive, and the vibes. And now - for us - the speedcase is officially part of that story.

Oliver W
Speedcase 500 Club Member 001