Day or night, rain or shine, sports prototype racing cars are built to race for 24 hours. Last week, the world saw a new generation of endurance racers compete for the first time in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. However, there are plenty of older machines that remain implanted in the imaginations of racing fans around the world.
We asked readers which sports prototypes over the years have been your favorite. These are your answers.
Sports prototype includes stuff like Group 6, 4 and Group C, and all that, so it includes stuff like GT40 and Ferrari P and 917 as well as 787, that sort of things, and that makes it really difficult to pick one. Still, if I’m pressed, I’d go with 787B.
The Mazda 787B is an inspired choice. The most distinctive features of the 1991 Le Mans winner are its 2.6L four-rotor engine and the tremendous noise it produced.
Submitted by jb21
It didn’t have an amazing record or anything, and it could used a better livery, but the Panoz LMP07 looked the business. Something about the front mounted engine and those nostrils. They looked much cooler than the single NACA duct nose.
A purpose-built racing car with its engine mounted in front of the cockpit is always a unique looking decision in the 21st century.
Submitted by Mash_Tun
Ferrari 333SP. I’ve seen it in action more than a few times back in the days and the noise it makes is like music from a violin.
There’s nothing like rosso corsa on a sports car. While Ferrari shuttered its in-house prototype program in the 1970s, Dallara helped the iconic Italian automaker return to endurance racing’s top class in the 1990s.
Submitted by Capt. Janeway’s Imaginary Cat
It’s the right color, it’s a super cool shape, and it was a beast in Gran Turismo.
Ferrari is making its return to Le Mans’ top class this year, but it’s been 20 years since a car in British racing green has won the 24-hour classic outright.
Submitted by the_AUGHT
I think this counts in spirit - if not according to the letter of the request. I’m going old-school, the Jaguar D-type from the mid-50s. It won, and it looked damn good doing it.
Despite Bentley’s dominance during the 1920s, Jaguar is the most successful British manufacturer at Le Mans with seven wins to Bentley’s six. The D-Type won three consecutive times in France.
Submitted by TheWalrus
Deltawing. Because it’s a batmobile.
The DeltaWing has to be the strangest car ever to race at Le Mans. The Panoz-built, Nissan-powered prototype aimed to dramatically increase performance by reducing its frontal area with its unique delta-shaped design.
Submitted by bassracerx
The most beautiful race car there ever was, ever will be.
While not quite able to win the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans, the GT-One still remains one of Toyota’s most fondly remembered Le Mans entries.
Submitted by Adam Ismail
I can’t remember which Forza it was, but I spent MANY hours behind the wheel of the Cadillac LMP.
I promised that I wouldn’t make fun of anyone who submitted the Cadillac Northstar LMP. Though, I have to admit that they did look pretty cool in the early 2000s.
Submitted by WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAthenGTInowA4
Racing cars usually don’t remain competitive for long. Most are out of date after only a couple of seasons. The 956/962 twins crushed all before them for 6 years before anything could match them. Its last win came *13* years from the 956's debut in the 1995 Daytona 24 Hour as a Kremer K8, with the roof chopped off and engine choked down to WSC specs.
The Porsche 962 was the most popular choice by a mile. Its popularity is undoubtedly a result of its beautiful design and dominant competitive record.
Submitted by cbckly962, kvnwynswll, ExGavalonnj, and many others.
Ok, everyone has taken the first car that came to mind (962), so I will put on my pants and show you the car I rooted for to beat the 962 regularly. The Sound of the V-12s in these things was so great.
The perfect foil for the Porsche 962, the Jaguar XJRs always looked good out on track. Admittedly, I am a sucker for wheel covers.
Submitted by hoser68