Le Mans 24 Hours - Le Mans 24 Hours - a prestigious hallmark for exceptional cars
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Le Mans 24 Hours - Le Mans 24 Hours - a prestigious hallmark for exceptional cars

The Le Mans logo is not only reserved for a range of specialist merchandise, it can also be applied to a very select group of sports cars. This is known as co-branding.

Le Mans 24 Hours - Le Mans 24 Hours - a prestigious hallmark for exceptional cars

 

Photo : DR - Archives ACO

 

Co-branding is a joint venture between two brands. In this case, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest allows a constructor to use the Le Mans 24 Hours brand on a limited edition model. Here are three recent examples, with three major marques, all of which have shaped the history of Le Mans 24 Hours.

Bentley Continental GT Le Mans (2013) – Bentley entered the very first 24-hours in Le Mans in 1923 and the following year became the first British brand to win the race. Bentley has won atLe Mans six times: 1924-1927-1928-1929-1930-2003. The special edition applies to the Continental GT V8 and W12 Coupé and Convertible, as well as the GT Speed Coupé on sale in the US.

Bugatti Veyron Le Mans Edition (2014) – Bugatti won the 24 Hours in 1937 and 1939. This exceptional model is branded Le Mans and also pays tribute to the French driver Pierre Veyron (1903-1970). Veyron was at the wheel of the Bugatti that won in 1939, along with teammate Jean-Pierre Wimille.

Mazda MX-5 55 Le Mans (2011) – To date, Mazda is the only Japanese manufacturer to have claimed victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours. It was in 1991, with drivers Johnny Herbert, Bertrand Gachot and Volker Weidler. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the historic win, Mazda launched a special edition of the MX-5, the world’s most popular sports convertible. The limited edition was only available in Switzerland.


Jean-Philippe DORET / ACO                                      Translation by Emma Paulay
 

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