24 Hours of Le Mans 1994 / 1995 / 1996
The 24 Hours of Le Mans, something “magical”, something “mythical” whatever you call it it’s a test for both man and machine racing non stop for 24 Hr’s. As most of you know these where the 3 years Honda Entered the NSX.
1994; Three Honda NSXs were entered in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Cars numbers 46, 47 and 48 were prepared and run by team Kremer Racing Honda, with Team Kunimitsu assisting and driving the number 47 car. All were in the GT2 class, and all completed the race, but placed 14th, 16th and 18th. A nice onboard video of the 1994 NSX GT2;
1995; Three Honda NSXs were entered in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Honda’s factory team brought two turbocharged NSXs which were entered in the GT1 class numbered 46 and 47. Car 46 finished but was not classified for failing to complete 70% of the distance of the race winner. Car 47 did not finish due to clutch and gearbox failure. A great video on the turbocharged GT1 cars made in 2001 at the Twin Ring. Team Kunimitsu Honda prepared and entered a naturally aspirated NSX into the GT2 class numbered 84. Car 84 was driven by Keiichi Tsuchiya, Akira Iida, and Kunimitsu Takahashi, finished first in the GT2 class and 8th overall after completing 275 laps.
1996; Honda entered just 1 car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, only the Team Kunimitsu Honda NSX returned with the same drivers. It completed 305 laps to finish in the 16th position overall, and third in the GT2 class. The car featured a new “nose design”;
During the NSX Club Europe Tour me and a few other members where shown pictures Hirofumi Tomiyoshi took. Hirofumi is the chairman of the NSX Club of Japan, seen below at the Le Mans train station where an NSX was on exhibition.
Seeing today it’s 20 years ago Honda entered the NSX into the 24 Hours of Le Mans Hirofumi has agreed to share these pictures with all members / followers of the NSX Club Europe. We are very honored that Hirofumi Tomiyoshi has sent us pictures from his private collection. Which he took when attending the 1994, 1995 and 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans Races. Enjoy the unique footage below;
