Heading
Close X
Menu
One of the most iconic racing cars in motorsport history is returning to the place where it made history.
Mazda has confirmed that the legendary Mazda 787B will return to the Circuit de la Sarthe for the 2026 Le Mans Classic, commemorating the 35th anniversary of its unforgettable victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The famous orange and green Group C race car will perform demonstration runs between 2nd and 5th July 2026, giving motorsport fans the rare opportunity to once again experience the unforgettable sound of its four-rotor rotary engine echoing around one of the world's greatest racing circuits.
The Mazda 787B occupies a unique place in automotive history.
In 1991, it became:
That remarkable victory cemented Mazda's reputation for engineering innovation and showcased the extraordinary potential of rotary engine technology on the world stage.
More than three decades later, the 787B remains one of the most recognisable and admired endurance racing cars ever created.
The Le Mans Classic is one of the world's largest historic motorsport festivals, bringing together legendary racing cars from across the history of the famous 24-hour race.
Although the Mazda 787B will not compete in the event, it will participate in several special demonstration runs around the full 8.5-mile Circuit de la Sarthe.
These demonstrations will allow spectators to witness the car in motion once again and hear the unmistakable high-revving soundtrack produced by its iconic rotary engine.
As part of the celebrations, the 787B will also feature in a special parade session in partnership with model car manufacturer Spark.
The demonstration run will be driven by Yojiro Terada, one of Mazda's most respected endurance racing drivers and a long-standing competitor at Le Mans, alongside Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO).
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Fillon said:
"It has long been a dream of mine to have the privilege of getting behind the wheel of this iconic car."
The Mazda 787B represents the pinnacle of Mazda's rotary engine development.
Mazda first introduced rotary power to the world with the launch of the Mazda Cosmo Sport in 1967, beginning a journey that would produce some of the company's most iconic sports cars, including:
The 787B demonstrated just how capable rotary technology could be, delivering exceptional reliability, high-revving performance and unforgettable character during the world's toughest endurance race.
Even today, the sound of its four-rotor engine remains one of the most distinctive in motorsport history.
The return of the 787B also celebrates Mazda's enduring engineering philosophy.
Thirty-five years after its historic Le Mans victory, Mazda continues to embrace the same spirit of innovation, lightweight engineering and driver-focused design that made the 787B so successful.
That philosophy can still be seen throughout today's Mazda range, including the award-winning Mazda MX-5, Mazda CX-60, Mazda CX-80, and the all-new Mazda6e.
Development of rotary engine technology also continues, with Mazda's rotary engineering programme approaching its 60th anniversary in 2027.
The 2026 Le Mans Classic provides more than an opportunity to celebrate a famous victory.
It offers enthusiasts of all ages the chance to experience one of motorsport's greatest engineering achievements first-hand while introducing a new generation of fans to the remarkable story behind Mazda's greatest racing success.
By returning the 787B to the Circuit de la Sarthe, Mazda is honouring one of the defining moments in its history while demonstrating the innovation, challenger spirit and passion for driving that continue to shape the company today.
Mazda's motorsport history continues to inspire every vehicle the company builds today.
From the pioneering rotary-powered sports cars that captured the imagination of enthusiasts worldwide to today's award-winning SUVs and electrified models, Mazda remains committed to creating vehicles that put driving enjoyment at the heart of every journey.
Visit your nearest Western & Barnetts Mazda retailer to explore the latest Mazda range and discover how more than a century of engineering innovation—and legendary moments such as the Mazda 787B's historic Le Mans victory—continue to influence Mazda's cars today.
Whether you're a lifelong Mazda enthusiast or discovering the brand for the first time, the story of the 787B remains one of the greatest achievements in motorsport history.
8 Westerton Road, East Mains Industrial Estate, Broxburn
West Lothian EH52 5AU
Calls may be monitored for quality and training purposes. Eastern Western Motor Group Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit broking and insurance distribution activities under reference number 310505 – we are a credit broker not a lender. Registered Office: 8 Westerton Road, East Mains Industrial Estate, Broxburn West Lothian EH52 5AU Registered in Scotland No. 14833 VAT Registration No. 269233051.
We work with a number of carefully selected credit providers who may be able to offer you finance for your purchase. We are only able to offer finance products from these providers.