Endurance racing is enjoying a boom period as manufacturers flock to build cars for the new Hypercar class regulations with the aim of winning the Le Mans 24 Hours.
But over the years there have been many successful machines that never raced in the world’s most prestigious sportscar event, either due to incompatible regulations, poor timing or in some cases a lack of will on behalf of the entrants or organisers.
We have attempted to rank cars based on their impact on motorsport and their on-track success, with outright winners given priority over class winners.
Arguments could be made for several cars that miss out, including the Audi R8 GT3. The first LMS ultra evolution of the R8 that claimed outright spoils in the Nurburgring and Spa 24 Hours in 2012 and 2014 would be our pick of the GT3 crop, although the ABS-equipped machines will get their chance to race at Le Mans next year when GTE Am is phased out.
Besides, Audi and Nissan – whose GT-R Nismo GT500 we also considered for winning the Super GT title in its first season in 2008 and tallied a further four with various engine/aerodynamic upgrades – have other cars we deemed worthy of making the list…
10. Lotus 23
Source: Autosport