Cadillac's Return to Le Mans in 2023
In 2023, Cadillac made a triumphant return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, ending a 21-year absence. The American automaker achieved an impressive feat, securing its first podium in the prestigious event. The V-Series R claimed the third spot, trailing behind a Ferrari 499P and a Toyota GR010 Hybrid.
This marked a significant achievement for Cadillac, a brand not commonly associated with endurance racing. Cadillac's previous attempt at Le Mans was from 2000 to 2002 with the Northstar LMP, which unfortunately yielded limited success—only one top-ten finish in three years.
The Legacy of Cadillac at Le Mans
The Northstar LMP marked Cadillac's first appearance at Circuit de la Sarthe in 50 years. The earlier attempt in 1950, without factory involvement, was led by American entrepreneur Briggs Cunningham. His racing career spanned from 1950 to 1963, with notable wins at Le Mans in 1952 and 1962, along with three victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring.
Briggs Cunningham's first foray into Le Mans involved a pair of Cadillac Series 61 models. One was a slightly modified version of the production model, while the second underwent a radical transformation into a highly aerodynamic speedster named "Le Monstre" or "The Monster" by the French media.
Taking advantage of Le Mans regulations, Cunningham replaced the standard Series 61 body with a "thick wing" shell developed with Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation. Despite its unconventional appearance, this wing-shaped roadster with fully skirted wheels proved to be a groundbreaking prototype.
Powered by the stock 331-cubic-inch V8 of the Cadillac Series 61 coupe, "Le Monstre" featured a five-carburetor setup. This modification, coupled with a wind tunnel-tested aerodynamic design, enabled the car to reach a top speed of 130 mph—20 mph faster than the regular coupe.
Although "Le Monstre" finished 11th overall in its debut race, its legacy endured. Despite a notable setback—Briggs Cunningham getting stuck in a sand bank for about 30 minutes—the radical car remained one of the most memorable in Le Mans history.
Surprisingly, "Le Monstre" continued to captivate enthusiasts more than 70 years later. Recently featured at the 2023 Festival of Speed, the one-of-a-kind spider took on parade laps up the Goodwood hillclimb course, showcasing its enduring legacy and the timeless tale of Cadillac's audacious entry into Le Mans.
# FAQs
**Q1: When did Cadillac return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans?**
A1: Cadillac made its return in 2023 after a 21-year hiatus.
**Q2: What was Cadillac's achievement in the 2023 Le Mans race?**
A2: Cadillac secured its first podium in the iconic event, with the V-Series R finishing third.
**Q3: What was the history of Cadillac at Le Mans before 2023?**
A3: Cadillac previously competed from 2000 to 2002 with the Northstar LMP, experiencing limited success.
**Q4: Who led Cadillac's earlier attempt at Le Mans in 1950?**
A4: Briggs Cunningham, an American entrepreneur, led the earlier attempt in 1950.
**Q5: What was the notable creation in Cunningham's Le Mans history?**
A5: Cunningham's radical transformation led to the creation of "Le Monstre," a highly aerodynamic speedster.
**Q6: What features distinguished "Le Monstre" at Le Mans?**
A6: "Le Monstre" featured a unique aerodynamic design, fully skirted wheels, and a modified V8 engine, reaching a top speed of 130 mph.
**Q7: How did "Le Monstre" perform in its debut race at Le Mans?**
A7: "Le Monstre" finished 11th overall, facing a setback when Briggs Cunningham got stuck in a sand bank for about 30 minutes.
**Q8: What recent event featured "Le Monstre" in 2023?**
A8: "Le Monstre" was featured at the 2023 Festival of Speed, taking parade laps up the Goodwood hillclimb course.
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