Mazda 737 C - 1985

24 Hrs du Mans 1985

 

Team : MazdaSpeed Co Ltd.

n° 86

Chassis n° 737-002

Result : 19th

160,542 km/h - 3.852,027 km

Engine : Mazda 13B - 2 Rotary

David Kennedy (IRL)

Jean-Michel Martin (B)

Philippe Martin (B)

 

This Mazda 737C, fitted with 2-rotor Wankel engine, came third in its class at Le Mans in 1985.

 

In 1984 four Wankel-engined Mazda 727Cs were entered in Group C2 in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. One of them won its class, while a second 727C took third place. It was a very significant victory in more ways than one. Firstly, the Wankel engine technology was unique, and secondly, it was a first victory for a Japanese make at Le Mans.

 

The following year, Mazda entered two new type 737C cars, fitted with 2-rotor Wankel engines and with a cylinder capacity of two times 650 cc. Mazda’s in-house car tuning arm Mazdaspeed was responsible for the development of the engine.

 

For the 1991 season Mazda was the overall winner with type 787B, fitted with a 4-rotor Wankel engine.

 

Louwman Museum

Den Haag - The Hague

Nederland - Netherlands

August 2024

Done