Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA
1016944112-SCH-19710613-71LM-1-PO001-A2
Prime
Special feature

How 1971's benchmark Le Mans team lost with the best car

The JW Automotive Engineering team won twice at the Le Mans 24 Hours with ageing Fords and was considered the heavy favourite to add more victories to its tally after partnering with Porsche. But despite being armed with the all-conquering 917, this formidable combination was never as successful in real life as on the big screen.

There is some great real footage from Steve McQueen’s film, Le Mans. But, aside from the dubious wheel-to-wheel ‘racing’ in the closing stages, one thing that really stands out is that a Gulf Porsche 917 wins.

In real life, the JW Automotive Engineering Gulf squad had won Le Mans with the ageing Ford GT40 in 1968-69 and was the team to beat in the world sportscar championship once it joined forces with old rival Porsche for 1970-71. But Le Mans success with the iconic blue-and-orange 917s eluded John Wyer’s team.

Previous article Le Mans Records: Biggest winning margin, most distance & more
Next article Le Mans test day: Toyota leads Alpine in opening session

More from Kevin Turner

How the best and worst races of F1 2023 stacked up to 2022

How the best and worst races of F1 2023 stacked up to 2022

Prime
Prime
F1 Formula 1
How the best and worst races of F1 2023 stacked up to 2022 How the best and worst races of F1 2023 stacked up to 2022
The McLaren secrets revealed in a 60th birthday celebration

The McLaren secrets revealed in a 60th birthday celebration

F1 Formula 1
The McLaren secrets revealed in a 60th birthday celebration The McLaren secrets revealed in a 60th birthday celebration
Joseph Loake wins Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year

Joseph Loake wins Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year

AAs Autosport Awards
Joseph Loake wins Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Joseph Loake wins Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year
Christian Horner wins Autosport's John Bolster Award

Christian Horner wins Autosport's John Bolster Award

AAs Autosport Awards
Christian Horner wins Autosport's John Bolster Award Christian Horner wins Autosport's John Bolster Award
Ferrari’s Le Mans 24 Hours win is Autosport’s Moment of the Year

Ferrari’s Le Mans 24 Hours win is Autosport’s Moment of the Year

AAs Autosport Awards
Ferrari’s Le Mans 24 Hours win is Autosport’s Moment of the Year Ferrari’s Le Mans 24 Hours win is Autosport’s Moment of the Year
Red Bull RB19 scoops Autosport's Competition Car of the Year award

Red Bull RB19 scoops Autosport's Competition Car of the Year award

AAs Autosport Awards
Red Bull RB19 scoops Autosport's Competition Car of the Year award Red Bull RB19 scoops Autosport's Competition Car of the Year award
Oscar Piastri named Autosport’s Rookie of the Year Award

Oscar Piastri named Autosport’s Rookie of the Year Award

AAs Autosport Awards
Oscar Piastri named Autosport’s Rookie of the Year Award Oscar Piastri named Autosport’s Rookie of the Year Award
Jackie Stewart receives Autosport's Gold Medal

Jackie Stewart receives Autosport's Gold Medal

AAs Autosport Awards
Jackie Stewart receives Autosport's Gold Medal Jackie Stewart receives Autosport's Gold Medal

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA