240Z's At Le Mans 1975 and 1976

Contributed by: Carl Beck
As Of 31 March 2011

Photo From the Classic Z Register
In 1975 the first Japanese Sports/GT to finish the 24 Hours Of Le Mans was a 240Z. Pictured above is the entry of Andre Haller, entered in the GTS Category. Sharing Driving Duties with Andre were Hans Schuller and Benoit Maechler.

The 240Z completed 253 Laps at an average speed of 89.465 mph {143.98 km/h}; finishing 26th Overall, 11th in the GTS Category and 1st in the 2001cc to 2500cc class.

For 1976 a second attempt was made at Le Mans. Rebuilt and with a new Livery the 240Z was entered by Sion Autos 2001, in the Group 4 Category. Driving duties were shared by Andre Haller, Claude Buchet and Jean Luc Favressse. Engine capacity was increased to 2565 cc for 1976.

Very sadly this effort ended when Andre Haller crashed 7 hours into the race. The car caught fire and although Andre was removed from the car and rescued from the fire, he died hours later in the hospital from chest injuries. The 240Z was destroyed.