The Mazda 787B was a Group C endurance-racing prototype powered by a naturally aspirated four-rotor rotary engine. In June 1991, its No. 55 entry won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, making it the first Japanese car to take the race’s overall victory.
What was the Mazda 787B?
The 787B was Mazda’s Group C prototype for endurance racing. Its most famous result came at the 59th 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 1991. Mazda identifies the winning car as chassis 787B-002, entered as No. 55. The car completed 362 laps of the 13.6 km Circuit de la Sarthe, a distance Mazda gives as approximately 4,923 km. Mazda’s race-result account
The victory was the first overall Le Mans win by a Japanese car. It came on Mazda’s 13th attempt, 17 years after the company’s first Le Mans entry in 1974. Mazda says 1991 was the final year rotary-powered cars could enter Le Mans under the regulations then in force. Mazda’s 787B history
Who drove the winning No. 55 car?
Volker Weidler, Johnny Herbert, and Bertrand Gachot shared driving duties in chassis 787B-002. Mazda’s official account credits the trio with the 362-lap finish. Mazda’s winning drivers and team page
#1 Best Overall
- Brand new box
- Real rubber tires.
- Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
- Has Removable Front and Rear Cover
- Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts.
What engine did the 787B use?
The 787B used the R26B, a naturally aspirated four-rotor rotary racing engine. Mazda describes its four sequential rotor housings as using the same rotor shape as the production 13B. The engine’s listed features include peripheral-port intake and exhaust, electronically controlled fuel injection, a linear variable air intake system, three-plug ignition, and ceramic apex seals. Mazda gives maximum output as 700 PS. Mazda’s technical specifications
In Mazda’s description, the engine architecture and its supporting systems were purpose-built for racing; the shared rotor shape does not mean the R26B was simply a production 13B installed in a prototype.
Rank #2
- Brand new box
- Real rubber tires.
- Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment.
- Has Removable Front and Rear Cover
- Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts.
How did the 787B make history at Le Mans?
Mazda’s win was significant both as an overall victory and as the first for a Japanese car. It also arrived at a turning point for rotary-powered entries: Mazda says 1991 was the final year they were eligible under the regulations then in effect. The available account does not establish detailed rule text, so it is more accurate to describe the change as the end of rotary eligibility than to say the 787B was banned for a specific reason. Mazda’s Le Mans history
What are the Mazda 787B’s key specifications?
| Specification | Mazda-published figure or detail |
|---|---|
| Race car | Group C prototype |
| Winning entry and chassis | No. 55; 787B-002 |
| Engine | R26B, naturally aspirated four-rotor rotary |
| Maximum output | 700 PS |
| Weight | 830 kg |
| 1991 Le Mans result | Overall winner; 362 laps |
| Distance | Approximately 4,923 km on a 13.6 km circuit |
These specifications and race figures are Mazda-published values, rather than independently audited statistics. Mazda’s 787B specifications and race result
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Authentic Design: Meticulously crafted 1:64 scale die-cast replica of the iconic Mazda 787B race car featuring vibrant orange finish and precise detailing
- Racing Heritage: Captures the legendary motorsport legacy of the Mazda 787B with accurate body styling and distinctive racing livery
- Collector Quality: Premium die-cast construction ensures durability while maintaining the authentic proportions and features of the original race car
- Display Ready: Perfect size for showcasing in collections, dioramas, or racing displays with other Hot Wheels vehicles
- Perfect Scale: Compact 1:64 scale makes this model ideal for both play and display while maintaining impressive detail accuracy
Can you build a scale model of the 1991 winner?
Tamiya lists a 1/24 scale plastic assembly kit of the Mazda 787B ’91 Le Mans Winner. The product page establishes the kit and scale, but not its current stock or price in a particular market. Tamiya 1/24 Mazda 787B kit
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Each car is manufactured by Spark for the Le Mans collection (Hachette Japon)
- The cars are presented in Spark boxes: see the photo
- Models rarely seen in Europe
Rank #4
- 1:43 car manufactured by SPARK for the Hachette Le Mans collection in Japan
- Each model is presented in a Spark display box, see photo
- Rarely seen in Europe
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