Video: Monaco Historic Grand Prix F1 1966-1972 highlights

Among a fascinating selection of historic cars are a number of F1 icons. There’s a Lotus 72 – the car in which Jochen Rindt and Emerson Fittipaldi became world champions – a handful of Ferrari 312Bs as driven by legends Clay Regazzoni, Jacky Ickx and Mario Andretti, and a couple of stunning V12 Matra MS120Cs.

It’s a truly special moment as this glorious field of classic F1 machinery blasts away from the line. The sound of the Cosworth DFV will always be iconic but listening to so many of them in a 15-strong field as they echo through the principality is spine tingling.

Aside from the sights and sounds, an opening lap overtake into Tabac tells you everything you need to know about the racing action. The cars themselves are perfectly suited to the tight confines of the Armco – while modern F1 machines look clumsy and cumbersome as they bumble their way through the Fairmont Hairpin, Nouvelle Chicane, La Rascasse, etc. this field, led by one of the Matras and a McLaren M19A, are far more fluent and enjoyable to watch.