Meet the Mazda 787B, the Only Rotary Powered Vehicle to Win Le Mans

By the early 1990s, Japanese car manufacturers had become a force to be reckoned with in the world of motorsport. The McLaren team had great success in Formula 1 thanks to the incredible Honda engine. Additionally, Japanese teams were dominating the World Manufacturers’ Championship in rallying from 1993 to 2000. Brands like Toyota with their Celica and Corolla models, Subaru with the Impreza, and Mitsubishi with the Lancer Evo models were destroying the competition. At one point, it seemed like only the Japanese were actually competing. MotoGP was no exception, with Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki dominating everything and everyone.

Despite their success in motorsport, there was one event that had eluded Japanese car manufacturers: the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most prestigious and challenging races in the world. Until 1991, no Japanese manufacturer had ever won this event. However, everything changed when the Mazda 787B crossed the finish line in first place, becoming not only the first Japanese car to win but also the only rotary-powered vehicle in history to do so.

Endurance racing is known for being one of the toughest types of competitions in motorsport, as the goal is to travel the longest distance instead of completing a precise number of kilometers/miles in the shortest time. As a result, manufacturers often use it to showcase their latest technologies. One such company was Mazda, a relatively small brand based in Hiroshima. In the 1960s, Mazda was looking to set itself apart from other Japanese automakers. Instead of focusing on regular piston engines, they decided to put their efforts behind a power unit created by Felix Wankel. His engine was completely different from a conventional piston powerplant, as it had no piston or cylinders, only a big rotor that spun.

The design of the Wankel engine offered several benefits over traditional power units, including being lighter and more compact. This was a significant plus for small Japanese motor vehicles. To prove that their design was better and more reliable than the competition, Mazda decided to enter one of the toughest endurance tests in Europe: the 84-Hour Marathon de la Route, held at the legendary Nurburgring circuit. They used two mostly stock Mazda Cosmos that were detuned to improve reliability. For much of the race, the two Cosmo models ran together in fourth and fifth. However, at the 82nd hour, one car had to retire due to axial damage, while the other managed to cross the finish line in P4.

On the day of the race, Mazda’s team manager (known for his conservative strategies) instructed the drivers to go flat out because he saw how reliable and fuel-efficient the 787B was during testing. This new flat-out strategy paid off in the race’s early stages, as the bright orange and green number 55 car made its way up to third place. The Mazda cars were running well, but they would need a bit of luck if they wanted to win the race.

The first bit of luck came when the number 11 Mercedes C11 spun off the track and later pitted with gearbox issues, putting the 787B in second place. The other Mercedes, which was leading the race, was slowing down to preserve its fuel, and Mazda, being more reliable and fuel-efficient, had a big chance of winning the event. At the 22nd hour, the number 55 car took the lead after the C11 was forced to pit due to mechanical problems. At the last pit stop for Mazda, Johnny Herbert asked to stay in the car and crossed the finish line first, making the 787B the first Japanese car and the only rotary-powered car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

After winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the winning car was retired from racing, while a new 787B continued to compete in Japanese and world championships. Unfortunately, this model could not repeat the success of Le Mans, coming fifth overall in the World Endurance Championship. Due to new rules for the 1992 season, rotary cars were not allowed to compete and were ultimately retired from racing.

In our era, the 787B is considered one of the most iconic and legendary race cars, and it will forever be remembered for its surprising victory at the prestigious event.

Photo Source: Mazda Newsroom