Widely recognized as one of the most important motorsport events in the world, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a true test of both machine and driver, probing the limits of what’s possible in the world of four-wheeled engineering, while also challenging the best drivers in the world to compete at the highest level of skill and physical endurance. This is the place where legends are created, the place where heroes are forged. Since 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans has mystified racing fans with its epic scope and treacherous difficulty, making history every step of the way. As such, Budget Direct is recognizing each of the cars that managed to meet the challenge and persevere with this stunning poster and video compilation.

Continue reading for the full story.

The Full Story

Running through 86 years of racing history is a bit overwhelming, but in a good way. We find it fascinating to see just how the bleeding edge of motorsport has evolved over time, and this poster certainly makes it simple and easy - especially when viewed in the video form above. Don’t forget to check out the complete graphic at the bottom of the page as well.

Of course, we’ve gotta talk about some of the standouts included in this compilation. So, without further ado…

Alfa Romeo 8C 2300

The 8C 2300 enjoys a long list of high-profile successes on the track, including wins at the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio, and the 24 Hours of Spa. What’s more, the 8C 2300 collected four consecutive wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, posting top results between 1931 and 1934. Powered by a supercharged 2.3-liter straight eight-cylinder engine (hence the name), peak output from this classic Italian stallion came to 165 horsepower, all of which helped it achieve a top speed of 140 mph.

Read our full review on the 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300.

Jaguar D-Type

Easily recognized by the large aero fin sticking straight up at the rear, the D-Type is one of most visually stunning race cars of its era. Designed by Malcom Sayer, an aviation expert, the D-Type was created to use the rushing atmosphere to its advantage, employing a monocoque tub and fitted with stressed aluminum body panels. The large fin out back helped to keep the car stable while flying down the Mulsanne straight, and looking over the curvaceous body, it’s not difficult to see the genesis of modern race car aerodynamics.

Providing the motivation was a 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder (and later, a 3.8-liter), which created upwards of 300 towards the end of its life cycle, netting three consecutive wins at Le Mans between 1955 and 1957.

Read our full review of the 1954 - 1957 Jaguar D-Type.

Ford GT40

The Ford GT40 is one of the most legendary race cars to ever come out of the U.S. Designed specifically to beat Ferrari at Le Mans, this V-8-powered red-white-and-blue hero managed to best the Prancing Horse four years running between 1966 and 1969, prompting Ford to return to France half a century later with the new GT, where it once again managed to take the class win.

Read our full review of the 1964 - 1969 Ford GT40.

Porsche 917K

Back in 1951, Porsche made its debut at Le Mans with the 356, taking the win in the 1.1-liter class. However, it wasn’t until 1970 that Porsche managed to collect its first overall win, and it’s all thanks to the groundbreaking 917K. Recognized by its swoopy, wedge-like exterior and “short tail” rear end, the 917 was an evolution of the 908, offering greater aerodynamic stability thanks to its redesigned body panels. Power was derived from a 4.5-liter flat-12 producing 572 horsepower, although later versions were bored out to produce as much as 630 horsepower from five liters of displacement.

All told, the 917K heralded big things to come for Porsche at Le Mans, and today, the marque boasts a record 19 wins - the most of any manufacturer ever to compete in the race.

Read our full review of the 1969 - 1971 Porsche 917K.

Mazda 787B

Designed by Nigel Stroud and powered by mid-mounted, naturally aspirated, 2.6-liter quad-rotor Wankel powerplant, the 787B is a truly remarkable machine. Not only is it the first (and only) rotary-powered racer to ever win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it’s also the car that made Mazda the first-ever Asian manufacturer to take top honors at the traditionally European-dominated event. Mazda entered three 787B’s back in ‘91, but qualified mid-pack, and was widely considered an underdog. However, the number 55 car proved the naysayers wrong by running a near faultless race, and when the checkered finally flew, the 787B took home all the glory.

Read our full review of the 1991 Mazda 787B.

Audi R8 LMP

Dominant is one word that quickly comes to mind when thinking about the Audi R8 prototype racer. First introduced in 2000, the R8 secured an overall victory on its competition debut, with follow-up victories in 2001 and 2002. Bentley managed to snag the win in 2003, but Audi bounced back in 2004 and 2005 with another pair of wins. In 2006, Audi replaced the gas-powered R8 with the diesel-powered R10, which immediately became the first oil-burner to snatch top honors. The trend continued until 2015, with Audi collecting 13 wins throughout its career at Le Mans - the second most of any manufacturer ever to compete.

Toyota TS050 Hybrid

After a series of heartbreaking last-minute losses, Toyota finally managed to shake the curse in 2018, becoming the second-ever Asian manufacturer to take top honors at the event. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.4-liter V-6, the TS050 gets its extra juice from a high-performance hybrid system adding an extra 8 megajoules of assistance, mating efficiency with incredible speed - the perfect combo for victory at Le Mans.

Read our full review of the 2016 Toyota TS050 Hybrid LMP1.

Winners of 24 Hours Of Le Mans