Mazda 787B: First Japanese Car To Win Le Mans

If I'm asked to think of a Japanese race car, the iconic orange and green 787B from the 59th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991 definitely comes to mind.

The team at the Mazda factory were determined to surprise the motor racing world and outperform established manufacturers like Porsche, Ferrari, and Ford, who were well-versed in winning. Unlike the piston engines these successful manufacturers were using, Mazda chose to stick with their rotary engines. They believed in the R26B, a 2.6 L four-rotor engine boasting about 900hp at 10,000 rpm, and were eager to see what it could achieve at Circuit de la Sarthe.

Lady Luck may have played a part in their historic win at Le Mans, as the leading Mercedes broke down in the last few laps of the race, and the mighty Porsches and Jaguars lacked the pace needed. Starting from 19th on the grid, the determined efforts of the race team, drivers, and engineers guaranteed that Mazda would etch its name in the history books.

Whenever I think of the Mazda 787B, I'm reminded of the incredible sounds produced by the R26B engine as the car raced along the Mulsanne Straight, lap after lap. Words can hardly do justice to the unique and thunderous noise that announced its dominant presence on the track. If you haven't heard it, I'd recommend looking it up on YouTube, and you'll surely agree that it's a one-of-a-kind experience.

The 787B holds a special place in my heart, perhaps due to the mesmerising sound of that rotary engine or the fact that it made history. One thing is certain, it's one of the most extraordinary race cars to ever grace the world of motor racing.