Since 1923, this 24 hour event, launched by the journalist Charles Faroux, industrialist Emile Coquille and General Secretary of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest Georges Durand is organised on a temporary circuit "to bring out the road qualities of the vehicles featured in the manufacturers' catalogue". The most famous drivers in the world are a part of the Le Mans 24 Hours legend and each era saw the domination of a make, which demonstrated both reliability and endurance.

The first ever winner was Chenard & Walker. Subsequently, in 1927, as soon as a manufacturer had a reliable and proven car, the competition was left with little chance to beat it. Bentley was the first with five victories, including four consecutive wins.

The first ever winner was Chenard & Walker. Subsequently, in 1927, as soon as a manufacturer had a reliable and proven car, the competition was left with little chance to beat it. Bentley was the first with five victories, including four consecutive wins.

The first post-war event in 1949 marked the disappearance of a number of makes while many new manufacturers took their place. A brand new manufacturer, Ferrari, won this first post-war race. Nevertheless, the early '50s were undeniably the "Jaguar years" with the C and D Types leading the way. During this era, Talbot (1950), Mercedes (1952) and Ferrari (1954) still wrote their names in the 24 Hours' history book.

As from 1958, Ferrari stood out at Le Mans with seven victories, though still leaving Aston Martin to take its Le Mans success in 1959.

In 1966, Ford introduced "mid-engine" power and for two years had a spectacular duel with Ferrari, even sweeping the 1966 podium. The American giant was back with more of the same in 1968 and 1969. The GT40 attained legendary status.

Then came Porsche. The German manufacturer rewrote Le Mans history establishing a record that has yet to be equalled (an average speed of 222.3 km/h over 24 hours in 1971). 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…

In 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 three successive victories (afterwards with Porsche), which put the Belgian champion equal with compatriot Olivier Gendebien for the record of victories. However, Dane Tom Kristensen now has the record to himself after winning his seventh Le Mans 24 Hours with Audi in 2005.

In 1978, it was France’s turn to stand out at home. 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 has yet to be equalled.