1973 Le Mans 24 Hours

By Andrew Marriott

Last year’s victory by Matra was somewhat hollow thanks to the lack of opposition, notably from Ferrari, but this year it was an altogether different story. The Prancing Horse made a determined effort to stop Matra winning France’s most important race by fielding a three car team with the intention of bringing the honours back to Italy for the first time in eight years. The result was a stern battle between the two manufacturers and was in the balance until 90 minutes before the finish. It was only then that the Matra of Henri Pescarolo and Gerard Larrousse got the upper hand and was able to drive home to a victory that brought tears to the eyes of thousands of Frenchmen. This time there was no talk of hollow victories for it had been fairly and squarely won in a classic show of speed and reliability.

Race Results

Qualifying

Circuit - Le Mans

Country

France

Location

Le Mans, Pays de la Loire

Type

Temporary road course

Length

8.476 (Miles)

Record

Jean-Pierre Jabouille (Alpine A442A-Renault), 3m34.2, 142.454 mph, Sports Cars, 1978

3,413

Championships

View

19,330

Results

View

25,216

Drivers

View

14,546

Teams

View

917

Circuits

View