Le Mans 24 heures entry regulations appendix J mentions luggage, or used to, but why?

During the numerous hours of research and design discussions for the speedcase we came across appendix J of the entry regulations for the 24 Heures du Mans, and wondered whether it lead to the Porsche 911 luggage shelf. 

In the 1960s & 70s especially, sports and GT cars were required to have the space to carry luggage - specifically, a suitcase measuring 60×40×20 cm - in an enclosed, coachwork-integrated compartment -not just placing them on the spare seat.

This quirky rule was meant to preserve the "road-going" identity of GT cars, even as they tore down the Mulsanne Straight at over 200 km/h.

Some manufacturers scrambled to comply. The Ford GT40 tucked luggage compartments in the rear between engine and wheels, and much later in the 90s, rumour has it that Toyota (half-jokingly) claimed the fuel tank of the GT-One was big enough hold a case - myth or true who knows?

Some cars like the Porsche 911 passed without difficulty thanks to its rear-engine layout and naturally practical front trunk, the frunk, meeting the luggage requirement straight from the factory. No hacks, no loopholes - just good design rooted in real-world usability. It's one reason the 911 became such a dominant force in endurance racing: it didn’t just go fast, it qualified without compromise.

However, with the introduction of water cooling and front radiators, we pondered whether the frunk space was eroded and to future proof the car, the rear luggage shelf was created?  Maybe not, but you never know ....

It is this parcel shelf on the Porsche 911 that the speedcase luggage set by drive is designed for - no compromises, not a resized bag, but bespoke luggage.

So if you are off on your own journey to Le Mans with your speedcase packed and located in the back of your Porsche, you'll know why its there! 

image credits 
dailysporstcar 1966 Porsche 911 - Ford GT David Wells and Larry Wells / modelcarsmag