Mazda Motor Corporation will conduct demonstration runs of the 1991 Le Mans winning Mazda 787B at the 2026 Le Mans Classic from the 2nd to 5th July. One of the largest and highest profile historic racing events in the world, Le Mans Classic brings together Le Mans race cars from a wide range of periods to race on the full 8.5-mile 24-hour circuit.
While not competing in the races, the Mazda 787B will take part in demonstration runs to allow the fans to hear its unmistakable rotary engine and famous exhaust soundtrack. With the cooperation of Spark, a model car brand, the Mazda 787B will take part in a special parade session, performing a standalone demonstration run driven by Yojiro Terada – long associated with the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Pierre Fillon, President of the ACO*. Commenting on this opportunity, Mr. Fillon said: “It has long been a dream of mine to have the privilege of getting behind the wheel of this iconic car.”
Since the launch of the Cosmo Sport in 1967, Mazda has introduced a wide range of rotary-engine vehicles. The Mazda 787B remains the only rotary-powered car to have achieved an overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking a historic milestone in 1991 as the first Japanese manufacturer to win the race. The 787B has captivated fans around the world through demonstration runs at various events, including at the Circuit de la Sarthe in 2016 and 2022.
Marking the 35th anniversary of its victory, this occasion offers a unique opportunity to once again hear the clear, unmistakable sound of its rotary engine across the Circuit de la Sarthe, allowing audiences to experience Mazda’s enduring commitment to the joy of driving and its relentless challenger spirit. Development of the rotary engine continues to this day, and it will mark its 60th anniversary in 2027.
Through this demonstration run, Mazda aims to inspire anticipation for the future and ensure this legacy is passed on to the next generation.
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