Endurance - Rondeau

Rondeau is a French manufacturer of racing cars, best known for its involvement in endurance racing, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The company was founded by Jean Rondeau, a French engineer and racing driver, and it achieved a significant amount of success in the Group C and sports car racing categories. Rondeau's most famous achievement is its victory at the 1980 24 Hours of Le Mans, which remains a defining moment in the brand's history.

Rondeau's major breakthrough came in 1980 when Jean Rondeau himself drove the Rondeau M379B to victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, securing a famous win for both the brand and himself. Following the success of the M379, Rondeau continued to develop and refine his cars for endurance racing. The M379C was introduced to compete in the 1981 season, with the aim of defending their title at Le Mans.

While Rondeau’s victory at the 1980 24 Hours of Le Mans was a significant achievement, the brand struggled to maintain its success in the highly competitive world of endurance racing. The company faced financial difficulties and was unable to secure consistent sponsorship and support for future racing efforts.

Despite the initial success, Rondeau’s presence in major endurance racing events began to wane. Jean Rondeau himself faced personal challenges, and after a period of struggling with the business side of the company, Rondeau Motorsport went into decline in the mid-1980s.

After the company’s decline, Rondeau cars became rare collectors' items, and enthusiasts of classic endurance racing and Le Mans history continue to admire Rondeau’s contributions to the sport.