Bugatti Type 57G

The first French winner of Le Mans since 1926, the iconic Bugatti 57G took its place in racing history by winning the 1937 race. Car no.2, alternately driven by Jean-Pierre Wimille and Robert Benoist, quickly took and held the lead, it's streamlined shape reportedly giving it a clear advantage in fuel economy, allowing it to lap more and pit less.

Although a possible one-two was thwarted by the no.1 car (driven by Roger Labric and Pierre Veyron) retiring after 130 laps, Wimille and Benoist covered a record-breaking 3287.938 kms or 243 laps, 7 more laps (103km/64 m) than the second place Delahaye 135 CS, at an average speed of 136.997 km/h. A lead that might have been greater but for an 11 minute pause to recover the car after an accident. Roger Labric also set the race's fastest lap of 5:13 before his car's retirement.

A modified and supercharged variant of the car won again in 1939. A success that was quickly overshadowed by the tragic death of Jean Bugatti (Ettore Bugatti's eldest son), the driving force behind the car's development, on August 11th 1939 whilst testing the car at high speed.