Mas de Clos/ Private race track/Ferrari Collection

68 other threads here mention Mas du Clos and 93 its owner Bardinon

 

Now,it s totally private(collection and race track)and it s impossible to have an access. The owner is Mr Bardinon well known in Ferrari world and by the factory...In the past,it was possible to make both;not today for differents reasons.

 

I have stayed there and driven the circuit with the French owners' Club (CFF). It is fantastic. You can find pictures at:

http://rides.webshots.com/album/342846474uWSfeE

Whilst we there the museum/collection was closed and access to the track was only for the Owners' Club. I would therefore presume that merely showing up won't get you into the relevant places.

Search the web as there is an old French video with Jacque Laffitte (I think) driving the circuit in a F40LM.

 

I'm used to drive on this fabulous track every year. Next time will be with my Subaru club, as we organise a trackday there on june, 9th.

If interested, you can have a look on pics and videos I took during last years :

http://www.club-amateurs-subaru.com/galerie-20020831-mas-du-clos.html
http://www.club-amateurs-subaru.com/galerie-20030413-mas-du-clos.html
http://www.club-amateurs-subaru.com/galerie-20040411-mas-du-clos.html
http://www.club-amateurs-subaru.com/galerie-20050611-mas-du-clos.html
http://www.club-amateurs-subaru.com/galerie-20060610-mas-du-clos.html

as mentioned, no more possibility to visit the private collection of Pierre Bardinon. But most time I've been there, at the end of the day, his soon made a few laps with the Enzo...

 

I have visited the Bardinon's Collection 10 years ago probably.
A wonderful collection in a tremendous private museum... I think it's no longer possible to make a visit.
The Mas du clos track is unbelievable too, lost in the french country.

 

I had the chance to visit the collection twice. Seems it's possible if you're lucky.
The first time he had cars that aren't anymore in the collection : 410S barchetta, 410S Coupe (1 made), 400SA or SF, 330P, 330TRI/LM...

In the museum today : 312P coupe, 312PB barchetta, F-50, Enzo, 335S/315S spyder, 250 TR, 250SWB, 250LM, 250GTO/64, 275P, 375MM, 375Plus, 330P4, 512BB, 125/166F2, 312F1, 312B2...

 

What did Mr. Bardinon do as a profession to achieve such a massive collection?

 

Pierre Bardinon was the owner and CEO of the Chapal company. A luxury leathers industry. One of his sons, Jean-François is the new CEO.

http://www.mas-du-clos.com/e/presenta.htm
http://www.chapal.fr/jfb.htm

 

I think he was in wine and fur business, but he's now retired and bought most of his "expensive" cars when they were very cheaper, 30 or 40 years ago

his family now manage the track for clubs or events.

 

Johann, are the clubs trackdays still allowed on the MDC ?
I heard a new stupid law have been edicted (or could be ?) wich can make troubles for the private tracks and there is a possibility for these private tracks to be closed. I don't know yet what's the status of the MDC.
And for the private collection, the last time you'll have to be a member of the Club Ferrari-France to be allowed to see it (and to be introduced by the good people - In any case, pics aren't allowed in the museum).
I heard there have been bad stories/security issues with some club members in the past (cars keyed ?), PB was disgusted and decided to close the collection to the public.

 

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8851199070825595194&q=ferrari

 

I had the occasion to visit the museum last year! Mr Bardinon had opened his doors only for me! Regrettably, I had no right to take photos... But I have excellent memories ! His collection is magnificent and I have a blow of heart for his 250GTO / 64 and his 330P4! His models are all in a magnificent state!

Mister Bardinon, thank you still for this privilege!

 

You're right, french authorities failed to close the MDC. But it's re-opened since march, fortunately. It was due to a new law in France to control every car-dedicated event, including on private tracks, to control security. This law is still in service, and many tracks could be concerned by this law.

Bardinon family had so closed the track for a few months, because 2M€ were required to comply new security rules, and the Bardinon family didn't want to pay for that. You can imagine how sad we should have been if it were definitively closed !