1972/1979 – Ford confirms, Matra stands out, then Porsche takes off …
But in 1972, a change of regulations put the 917s out to pasture. The Matra V12s were built and took over with three victories for Henri Pescarolo and then they too were gone…
1975 was the year of the Gulf Mirage (1st & 3rd), which allowed John Wyer to join the very exclusive Endurance Masters Club. This was also the first of Jacky Ickx’s consecutive triple wins (the second with Porsche), which put the Belgian champion equal with compatriot Olivier Gendebien for the record of victories.
In 1978, it was France’s turn to stand out on home ground. Renault was ever present, winning hands down. Firstly, the Alpine driven by Frenchmen Didier Pironi and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud held off Porsche from start to finish. Meanwhile, another French driver, Jean-Pierre Jabouille, broke the track record.
The following year the circuit was modified just before the Ferrari BB LMs and BMW M1s turned up and Porsche strung together a collection of triumphs, which is yet to be equalled.
