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After his debut at Le Mans in a Ferrari in 1970, he took the wheel of the legendary Porsche 917 the following year, but was forced to retire. After winning his first 24 hours in 1975 in a Gulf Mirage, he then participated in the Renault-Alpine assault in 1977 and 78, he then drove for Porsche from 1980, first with the 924.

In 1981, with Jacky Ickx with whom he won 1975, he won again in a 936. With Porsche, he never left the top 10 of the 24 Hours of Le Mans until 1991 (with only one retirement in 1989), with four wins (two with Ickx in 1981 and 82, and with Americans Al Holbert and Hurley Haywood in 1986 and 87) and three podiums (second in 1983 and 1988, third in 1985). This superb track record made him the most successful British driver in La Sarthe, only surpassed by Tom Kristensen (nine wins) and Jacky Ickx (six). He is also the British driver with the most participations in the 24 Hours with 26 entries, behind the French Henri Pescarolo (33) and Bob Wollek (30) and Japanese Yojiro Terada (29).

When Derek Bell celebrated his 70th birthday on the 31st October 2011, he received a tribute from Matthias Müller, CEO of Porsche: "Derek Bell made motorsport history with Porsche. Whether driving the 917, the 936 or 956, it has always been one of the fastest drivers, and especially one of the most reliable. " Simple words to honour a living legend of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO
(Quote from Porsche Motorsport press information)

Photo: CIRCUIT OF 24 HOURS (Le Mans, Sarthe), 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, 19 & 20 June 1982. Derek Bell won in three Porsche prototypes in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 936 (1981), 956 (1982) and 962 C (1986 to 1987).