The Mazda 787B '91 is among the most iconic racing cars ever crafted by the Japanese manufacturer Mazda, chiefly celebrated for its groundbreaking victory at the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 787B was engineered as the ultimate evolution of Mazda's rotary engine-powered sports prototypes. Under its striking orange and green Renown livery, the car was powered by a unique 2.6-liter 4-rotor Wankel rotary engine (code-named R26B) that produced an astonishing 700 horsepower while delivering a spine-tingling shriek that left a lasting impression in the annals of motorsport.
Mazda's path to victory at Le Mans was marked by relentless innovation and perseverance. After years of fine-tuning the rotary engine concept and competing in various endurance races with incremental success, the 787B became the culmination of their efforts. In 1991, driven by Johnny Herbert, Volker Weidler, and Bertrand Gachot, the #55 Mazda 787B secured a historic win, completing 362 laps and becoming the first—and only—car powered by a rotary engine to ever win Le Mans. This victory also positioned Mazda as the first Japanese manufacturer to claim the overall win at this illustrious event.
The success of the Mazda 787B '91 extended beyond race results. Its victory at Le Mans revolutionized the global perception of rotary engines and Japanese engineering prowess in motorsports. Despite regulatory changes that retired the rotary engine from top-class competition after 1991, the 787B remains a beloved legend among enthusiasts. Its legacy endures not only in racing history but also in popular culture, celebrated in games like Gran Turismo 7, where new generations can virtually experience its unique performance and the thrill it brought to the Circuit de la Sarthe.
