
Since its inception in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans has stood as the pinnacle of endurance racing, where only the most resilient machines and skilled drivers emerge victorious. Porsche, with an unmatched 19 overall wins, has built a legacy on this circuit, proving time and time again that its cars are engineered for both speed and stamina.

From the revolutionary Porsche 917K that claimed its first victory in 1970 to the dominance of the 956 and 962 in the 1980s, each win tells a story of perseverance and innovation. With the complexities that surround and make up 24hr Le Mans, here is how Porsche triumphed and the cars that shaped its legacy at Le Mans.
Inagural Win – 917KH (1970)

Drivers: Richard Attwood, Hans Herrmann
Source: Porsche
In 1970, Porsche clinched its inaugural Le Mans victory with the formidable 917K, driven by Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood. This powerhouse featured a 4.5-liter flat-12 engine, delivering approximately 580 horsepower, propelling the car to a top speed of 360 km/h. The race was notorious for its torrential rain, leading to numerous accidents, but the 917K persevered, finishing five laps ahead of its closest competitor.
Win 2 – 917K (1971)

Drivers: Dr. Helmut Marko, Gijs van Lennep
Source: Porsche
The following year, the 917K repeated its triumph at Le Mans, this time piloted by Gijs van Lennep and Helmut Marko in a new look, dressed in the infamous Martini Racing-Team livery. The car’s engine had been upgraded to a 4.9-liter flat-12, maintaining its formidable performance. Notably, the 1971 race set a distance record of 5,335 kilometers, a testament to the 917K’s endurance and speed.
Win 3 – 936/76 (1976)

Drivers: Jacky Ickx, Gijs van Lennep
Source: Porsche
In 1976, the Martini Porsche 936 emerged victorious, driven by Jacky Ickx and Gijs van Lennep. This open-cockpit prototype was equipped with a turbocharged 2.1-liter flat-6 engine, producing around 520 horsepower. The 936 dominated the race, finishing 11 laps ahead of the nearest rival, marking Porsche’s first turbocharged victory at Le Mans.
Win 4 – 936/77 (1977)

Drivers: Jürgen Barth, Hurley Haywood and Jacky Ickx
Source: Porsche
The 1977 race saw the 936/77, an evolution of its predecessor, take the win with Jürgen Barth, Hurley Haywood, and Jacky Ickx at the helm. Despite early setbacks that left the car trailing, a remarkable comeback, largely credited to Ickx’s relentless driving, secured victory by an impressive 11-lap margin.
Win 5 – 935 K3 Kremer Racing (1979)

Drivers: Klaus Ludwig, Don Whittington and Bill Whittington
Source: Kremer Racing
Porsche’s 935, a race variant of the 911 Turbo, claimed the 1979 Le Mans title. Driven by Klaus Ludwig and brothers Don and Bill Whittington, the 935 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-6 engine, delivering substantial power. The race was marked by heavy rain and numerous lead changes, but the 935’s reliability and speed ensured an eight-lap victory.
Win 6 – 936/81 (1981)

Drivers: Jacky Ickx, Derek Bell
Source: Porsche
In 1981, the 936/81, piloted by Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell, secured another win for Porsche. This iteration housed a 2.65-liter turbocharged flat-6 engine, producing approximately 620 horsepower. The duo showcased exceptional skill and consistency, finishing 14 laps ahead of their closest competitors.