In the world of motorsports, especially at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, manufacturers often compete to push the boundaries of technology and endurance. Amid giants like Porsche, Ferrari, and Jaguar, one underdog brand emerged with an unconventional approach that would etch its name into racing history forever: Mazda. And they did it with a car that many mocked at first – the Mazda 787B.
A Rotary Engine Revolution
The Mazda 787B wasn’t just another race car. It was unique, powered by a 2.6-liter naturally aspirated quad-rotor engine. This rotary engine design was unlike anything its competitors were using at the time. While other manufacturers laughed at the idea of a rotary-powered race car, Mazda was determined to prove them wrong. What made the 787B truly stand out was not just its power, but its sound—a distinctive, high-pitched scream that could be heard across the track as it roared to 9,000 RPM, producing 700 horsepower. If pushed further, the engine was capable of a staggering 900 horsepower at 10,000 RPM.
Endurance and Reliability: Mazda’s Secret Weapon
But raw power wasn’t enough to win a grueling 24-hour race. Endurance and reliability were equally important, and that’s where the Mazda 787B surprised everyone. Despite its unusual engine design, which many doubted could handle the rigors of a full-day race, the 787B remained remarkably reliable throughout. While other teams faced mechanical issues, including engine failures and costly pit stops, Mazda’s rotary engine just kept going.
Fuel Efficiency: The Unlikely Advantage
The Mazda 787B’s success wasn’t just about reliability, though. The team had one other key advantage that would give them an edge over their rivals: superior fuel economy. At a time when most competitors were burning through fuel at alarming rates, the rotary engine proved to be far more fuel-efficient. This meant fewer pit stops, allowing Mazda to maintain its position on the track while others lost time refueling. Over the course of 24 hours, this advantage became more and more significant.
A Victory That Changed Le Mans Forever
In 1991, Mazda made history. The 787B crossed the finish line in first place, making Mazda the first—and still the only—Japanese manufacturer to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Even more impressively, the 787B remains the only car with a rotary engine to ever win the prestigious race. It was a triumph for Mazda’s innovative engineering and a reminder that sometimes, the most unconventional ideas can lead to the most iconic victories.
Today, the Mazda 787B is remembered as one of the most legendary Group C cars ever built. Its victory at Le Mans didn’t just silence the critics—it cemented Mazda’s place in motorsport history.
