24 Heures du Mans 1923-2023 Edition du Centenaire - Edition française

Le Mans, for its afficionados, exists as especially strong memories of places and scenes, of figures and destinies. Throughout its century of existence, these moments have been captured in countless photographs. From black & white to colour, these particularly vivid images bring to life a whole world: that of the cars, naturally, but also of the many human players – drivers, engineers, mechanics… – and the public, always numerous and varied.

This luxurious book of more than 400 pages, imposing in size and carefully finished, is presented like an album of mostly unpublished photographs, arranged chronologically. These images bring to life a century of emotions and sporting exploits while recalling the myriad technological advances. Punctuating the whole are 5 notebooks annotating this story, showcased both by their colour and their format. The whole is graced with an elegant and airy layout that reproduces the intense rhythm so characteristic of this event.

The authors are true historians and connoisseurs of the event, who summarise in a synthetic and lively manner the major moments of Le Mans and the actions of key figures, identifying five main periods:

1923-1939 The age of pioneers

1949-1967 Reconstruction and globalisation

1968-1981 Seeking the right solution

1982-1999 A new start for Endurance

2000-2022 Dawn of an energy revolution

Recreating the energy, the madness, and occasional terror, in sum, the life and vivid palette of emotions that have marked each edition of this renowned and popular sporting event, such is the primary ambition of this prestigious book.