Cars
Le Mans Yesterday and Today: Peugeot
Peugeot, a three-time winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1992, 1993, 2009), made its debut in 1926. After setbacks and breaks, Peugeot reasserted itself as a contender, with its 1990s 905 and the 2009 diesel-powered 908 securing historic victories.
Today, we reach the ninth spot on the list of the most successful manufacturers in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, occupied by Peugeot, with three overall victories achieved in 1992, 1993, and 2009.
But let's take a step back. When did the French brand's story on the Circuit de la Sarthe begin? Their debut occurred in 1926, the fourth edition of the world's most famous and challenging endurance race. The 174 S, driven by André Boillot and Louis Rigal, came close to a great result, but was stopped only by disqualification due to a broken windshield pillar while in second place overall. The disappointment was immense, and Peugeot stayed away from Le Mans for more than ten years, returning in 1937, spurred by Parisian dealer Emile Darl’mat with three cars, the 302 DS, which, however, did not show much competitiveness.
