In the 24 Hours of Le Mans Hall of Heroes is a uniquely symbolic item: the helmet of Jean Rondeau, the only locally born driver-constructor to win the race.

The Le Mans native wore the helmet for his win at the 1980 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is white on top and sky blue on the bottom, sectioned by a red line that evokes the notion of trajectory, and is labeled J Rondeau, both the driver's name and that of his marque. It's the perfect symbol of the fusion between brand and personal identity to represent his exceptional career.

Rondeau's victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a modern day David and Goliath story. He surrounded himself with about a dozen of the top French auto racing craftsmen and triumphed over Porsche with its hundreds of engineers in a race marred by horrible weather and full of twists and turns.

When the dream becomes reality

As a child, Rondeau dreamed of becoming a racing car driver. Though his family was unable to aid him financially, he overcame obstacles one by one to fulfill his destiny.

He made his debut in competition in 1968, finishing second in the Alpine Trophy, and the following year was a finalist in the Volant Shell. Between 1970 and 1971, Rondeau won 12 victories in hill climbs and five others with an Alpine-Renault at circuit races. He made his rookie start in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1972 at the wheel of a Chevron B21, clocking the fastest time in the 2-liter class during qualifying. That first participation ended in a retirement after nine hours. In 1975, he decided to construct his own chassis, thereby becoming a driver-constructor. The very next year, two Inalteras were on the starting line! The duo Beltoise/Pescarolo finished eighth and won the GTP class while the second car, driven by Rondeau and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud, finished 21st.

In 1977, all three Inalteras entered made it to the checkered flag, demonstrating the Le Mans native's caliber as a constructor. Then in 1980 came the ultimate proof. Despite terrible weather conditions for nearly 20 of the 24 hours, the Rondeau M379B Ford/Cosworth shared by Jean-Pierre Jaussaud and Rondeau won the 24 Hours of Le Mans against Porsche. It was an extraordinary mechanical and human triumph underscored by the fact Rondeau's budget was naturally much lower than that of the German marque.

Jean Rondeau passed away in a road accident on 27 December 1985, and will always remain a homegrown legend of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

At the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum, the ACO tells the epic tale of motoring in La Sarthe and the success of its legendary international race through 140 select vehicles. Bentley, Ferrari, Jaguar, Ford, Porsche, Matra, Audi, Peugeot, Toyota... iconic models illustrating the greatest names of motorsport take visitors through almost a century of history at the world’s greatest endurance race. Temporary exhibitions add a topical note to the permanent displays which can be extended with a visit of the world-famous Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans.

>> Find out more about the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum <<