It recalled the almost mythical performances of Jacky Ickx. But there was nothing flashy in it. The Joest method was more science than art and produced better results than headlines. Jaguar had impressed, but the surviving Group 44 XJR-5 went to the dead car park in the morning when the gearbox broke. The white Lee Dykstra-designed Jags remained fan favorites anyway.
Beautiful cars elicit that sort of passionate support.
Even today, the XJR-genus Group 44 Jaguars are revered by sports car fans and draw crowds when they appear at vintage car races and concours . Porsche 956s filled eight of the top 10 positions. Jim Busby, Rick Knoop and Boy Hayje was 12th in another T-616. Henri Pescarolo joined Olivier Gendebien as a four-time winner, subordinate only to Jacky Ickx. It was Porsches ninth Le Mans victory, and they now stood equal with Ferrari.