Triumph at Le Mans – 1964 and 1965

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Triumph’s attempt to win endurance glory at Le Mans. In 1964, the Coventry-based competition department developed a team of three modified Spitfires to enter the prestigious 24 heures du Mans. Two cars retired but the third, driven by David Hobbs and Rob Slotemaker, finished 21st overall.

Encouraged by the experience, Triumph entered four Spitfires the following year. Again two retired, but the remaining cars finished 13th and 14th overall, achieving a much-prized one-two class victory. Jean-Jacques Thuner and Simo Lampinen piloted the class-winning car, as the little Spitfire made automotive history.