HISTORIC MOTOR RACING Art Print Series by Alex Book
 
The 1923 24 Hours of Le Mans: The Inaugural Victory
 
On May 26–27, 1923, the automotive world witnessed the birth of a legend: the first Grand Prix de Vitesse et d'Endurance (24 Hours of Le Mans) held at the 17.262 km Circuit de la Sarthe. Amidst grueling conditions of torrential rain and deep mud, André Lagache and co-driver René Léonard secured an historic outright victory for the French firm Chenard et Walcker. Driving the Type U3 15CV Sport, the duo covered 128 laps—a total distance of 2,209.536 km—maintaining an average speed of 92.064 km/h, a remarkable feat for the era's endurance standards.
The Chenard-Walcker Type U3 15CV was a masterclass in early 1920s performance engineering. It was powered by a 3.0-litre (2,978 cc) straight-4 overhead-valve (OHV) engine, noted for its efficiency and sustained high-RPM reliability. A critical technical advantage during this rain-soaked race was the car’s advanced braking system; the Type U3 was equipped with Four-Wheel Braking (Hallot system), which provided superior deceleration on the treacherous public roads of Le Mans compared to competitors still relying solely on rear-axle brakes.
 
The car also featured a four-speed manual transmission and was equipped with Michelin tires and Marchal headlights, which were essential for the first-ever high-speed night driving sessions at La Sarthe. The victory of Lagache and Léonard was not merely a win for Chenard et Walcker, but a validation of the 24-hour endurance format, proving that mechanical stamina and advanced braking were as vital as outright top speed. This triumphant performance cemented the Type U3’s place as the first-ever winner of the world's most prestigious endurance race.
 
Note to Collectors: This artwork is an original creative tribute inspired by the rich history of motorsport. While this print accurately depicts iconic moments, cars, and legendary figures, it is an independent artistic production. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any official racing organizations, racing series, drivers, teams, or automotive manufacturers. All trademarks and brand names mentioned are used for descriptive purposes only and remain the property of their respective owners.