THE RACE OF THE CENTURY
On the occasion of the Centenary Celebrations, admire the magnitude of the race and these spectacular cars that have forged the myth of Le Mans!
SYMBOLIC CARS
Chenard & Walcker, 1923 (Musée)
The Sport 3-litre Chenard & Walckers were entered into competition until the 1930s. The victories followed one after the other and provided the French manufacturer with excellent visibility. In 1923, this model is the first winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This car is an authentic one from the 1920s. It was fully restored in 2018 thanks to a crowdfunding campaign.
MissionH24, 2018 (Musée)
Bentley 24, 1924 (Musée)
Seduced by this endurance event, John Duff's English crew took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Bentley in 1923. The following year, he won the race with this authentic Bentley 3 Litres. In 1941, the car was sold and the bodywork was modified. A long time later, a vintage car enthusiast authenticated the car by its number plate and chassis number and by photos of the car racing. He found a copy of the registration document, bought a body corresponding to the 1924 one, and restored the car's original appearance.
Ford GT40, 1965 (Sarrailh)
Iconic in the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Ford GT40 has contributed to the reputation of the American brand. This authentic car, which raced in 1965, illustrates the beginnings of this emblematic model and the crossroads between the famous manufacturer and John Wyer, who was entrusted with the management of the Ford Advanced Vehicles team car. True to this model, the team manager won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with his team John Wyer Automotive Engineering two years in a row, in 1968 and 1969, with privateer GT40s that he developed with his partner Gulf.
Ferrari 512, 1970/71 (Musée)
The duel with Ford left its mark on Ferrari. In 1969, in order to overcome financial problems, Enzo Ferrari sold 50% of his brand to the Fiat group. This association allowed him to develop a new prototype for endurance racing, the Ferrari 512 S for "Sport", which left the workshops in 1970. However, Porsche achieved a one-two finish, while none of the eight Ferrari 512 S starters finished on the podium. In response, Ferrari made some modifications to their engine and bodywork in 1971, and the 512 became the 512 M for 'Modificata'.
Porsche 917, 1971 (Musée)
Nicknamed the « sports car of the century », the 917 model is legendary for motor sport enthusiasts. Designed by Porsche to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the model is available in two versions: the short ‘K’ version and the long ‘LH’ version. A 917 K won the race in 1970 and 1971. The 917 LH in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is one of the last three LHs existing in the world.
Matra 670 B, 1974 (Musée)
For its third season, the Matra 670 was redesigned with a new cockpit and a mature V12 engine. With no real opposition, the Matras crushed the world championship and, as in 1972, they were announced as favourites at Le Mans after Alfa Romeo had withdrawn. Despite problems with its gearbox, which was repaired thanks to a spare part donated by the Porsche team, the No. 7 car scored the third consecutive success for the blue brand.
A UNIQUE TROPHY FOR A ICONIC RACE
On the occasion of this edition, which will be forever engraved in the history of motor sport, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, creator and organiser of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, has sealed a partnership with the Monnaie de Paris. France's oldest institution has thus created a unique trophy supported by rolex, which will be awarded to the winner of the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours.