Le Mans 1970-79
The decade of the 1970s was a time of transition for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The decade’s opening pair of races were won by the mighty Porsche 917—the German automaker’s first overall triumphs at La Sarthe—while the last was won by a Porsche 935, a loosely production-based machine. In between, all seven races were won by open-cockpit prototypes, three by Matra Simcas, two by Porsche’s 936, and one each by an English Mirage-Ford and a Renault Alpine.
Much of this diversity was the result of rule changes enforced by the organizing ACO as the sport adapted to the realities of a modern world where an engine’s fuel efficiency was at least as important a consideration as its power output. These changes and the races resulting from them are carefully chronicled by author Spurring, an endurance racing devotee of long standing, in this officially sanctioned history of “the world’s greatest motor race.” Spurring’s words are supplemented by both excellent illustrative photography and complete statistical records, making this a must for any serious follower of the classic French enduro.
Available for $75 (£45) from enthusiast booksellers as well as directly from publisher Haynes at www.haynes.co.uk
