10 Stunning Endurance Race Cars That Prove Function Can Be Beautiful

1. BMW V12 LMR

This striking open-cockpit machine was built by BMW and the Williams F1 Team. As well as being famous for its aggressive lines and bodywork, the V12 LMR also claimed BMW’s only overall Le Mans victory in 1999. It was the result of a complete revamp of BMW’s sports car programme and was raced in two American Le Mans seasons, winning seven races and finishing second twice before the manufacturer opted to focus on F1.

2. Sauber-Mercedes C9

Before Sauber joined the F1 grid, it found its motorsport feet in endurance racing. The C9 Group C monster was a continuation of the team’s partnership with Mercedes and was first raced in 1987. A slow start saw little early success, but it won five races in 1988, ending the year second overall despite having to withdraw from Le Mans due to tyre concerns. In its final season the car won all but one race, triumphed at Le Mans and both championships before being replaced by the C11.

3. Bentley Speed 8

This endurance racer played a big part in Bentley’s motorsport history, as it marked the manufacturer’s return to competition after 73 years. Powered by a 4.0-litre V8, the Speed 8 shared some parts with the once-raced Audi R8C and debuted at the 2001 Le Mans 24 Hours. One of the two cars finished, placing third, and backed that up with fourth in 2002. Bentley conducted extensive testing for the following year’s race and with no Audi, the two cars led throughout the 24 hours, claiming a one-two finish.

4. Toyota GT-One

The GT-One’s beginning was an unusual one, first built for the GT1 grand tourer rules. But Toyota followed the lead of Mercedes and its ill-fated CLR and instead developed it for Le Mans. It raced at the iconic 24 hour race in 1998 and 1999, with just one making the finish in ninth at the former and a sole GT-One coming home second in the latter. It raced just once more, finishing as runner-up in Fuji, before the project was stopped.

5. Chrysler Viper GTS-R

Known as a Chrysler in Europe and a Dodge in North America, the Viper GTS-R looked like the mad beast it was. It went on to take many race victories in its long motorsport stint, including overall wins at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Spa 24 Hours. It also triumphed in its class at Le Mans from 1998-2000 and took series championships in FIA GT, the American Le Mans Series and many others – just a short list of the car’s many achievements!

6. Peugeot 905

The 905 was developed throughout 1990 and raced in the final two rounds of the World Sportscar Championship. It was both a looker and hugely successful too, picking up the 1992 drivers’ and teams’ championships and winning that year’s Le Mans 24 Hours. The car ran with a naturally aspirated V10-engine (which was later run on the 1994 McLaren MP4/9 F1 car) took victory the following year too, with the updated 905B.

7. Porsche 917

One of the most elegant endurance racers ever created, the 917 brought Porsche its first two overall Le Mans wins in 1970 and 1971. Reaching speeds of up to 225mph, the beast not only looked amazing – especially in the Gulf livery - but it was hugely successful over its 11 variations, after debuting in 1969.

8. Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

Undoubtedly a stunning racing machine, the 250 Testa Rossa is now seen as a classic endurance car and any that are put up for sale go for extortionate amounts. A number of variations were raced in the 1950s and 60s, with only 34 ever being made, but the car won Le Mans three times.

9. Nissan R90C

The R90C and numerous variations of the sleek-looking endurance racer hit the track between 1990 and 1993, racing in the World Sportscar Championship and more frequently in the Japan’s leading prototype category. The car took three All Japan Sports Prototype Championship title victories and achieved podiums in numerous other high-profile events.

10. Top Gear BMW 330d

Of course, who could forget this endurance racing beast. The modified BMW 330d featuring totally legitimate Peniston Oils sponsorship (among others) was driven by the loveable trio of James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, as well as The Stig, in the 2007 Britcar 24 Hours of Silverstone. Despite suffering its fair share of problems, the team managed to get the car home.

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