Daniel Golson/Jalopnik

This week I am checking off a major goal from my automotive wish list by heading to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Since this marks my first visit, Genesis is hosting the trip as the brand steps into endurance racing for the first time. Le Mans remains the oldest endurance event still held today, dating back to 1923, and over the decades it has welcomed an impressive range of different race cars.

That history brings us to today's question: Which Le Mans race car stands out as your top choice? Any suggestion works if the car entered the race at least one time, including those that failed to finish. Your pick might come from its styling, its technical features, or its results on track. Whatever the reason, share the details and any memorable stories that go with it.

My Selection

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The late 1990s and early 2000s represent my favorite period for Le Mans entries, especially the GT1 and prototype groups. Plenty of standout machines could qualify, such as the Bentley Speed 8, BMW V12 LMR, Lotus Elise GT1, and Nissan R390. Still, my choice comes easily: the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR.

To be exact, the CLK LM version earns the nod because the GTR skipped the 1997 Le Mans event, as it was built more for shorter contests. The car shown in the photos is a GTR rather than an LM, chosen for its striking CLK Sportswear livery. The LM proved unbeatable in the FIA GT series by winning every round, yet both cars retired during the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its successor, the CLR, became known in 1999 for lifting off and flipping three separate times.

Daniel Golson/Jalopnik

Even with those outcomes, the car stays my favorite Le Mans entrant. Its shape appeals strongly, showing how Mercedes placed its own design touches on such an extreme body. Every sighting, whether a road-legal GTR or a track version, keeps me looking for a long while. The different CLK GTR models have also ranked high among my favorite cars to drive in video games.

Now it is your turn. Which car that raced at Le Mans do you like most? Leave your thoughts in the comments and I will gather the best replies later this week.