This original 1974 poster by Jean Jacquelin was created for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, held on June 15 and 16 under the organisation of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. Described across the top as “the greatest race in the world,” it celebrates the international prestige and extraordinary endurance demanded by the legendary French competition.
Against a deep blue background, a procession of racing cars passes horizontally in front of an enormous moon. The vehicles are reduced to overlapping bands of red, yellow, green and turquoise, creating an almost abstract impression of speed. Rather than depicting a particular car, Jacquelin evokes the continuous flow of competitors racing through both daylight and darkness.
The moon is central to the composition and refers directly to the event’s unique duration. During Le Mans, drivers, cars and teams must continue through the night, confronting fatigue, changing visibility and mechanical strain. The scattered stars and intense colours give the image a dramatic, almost cinematic atmosphere.
Jean Jacquelin was a French painter, illustrator and poster designer whose career included advertising, cinema, transport and automotive subjects. Known for his clear compositions and ability to combine figurative imagery with modern graphic forms, he created several designs connected with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
With its bold horizontal format, nocturnal imagery and vibrant 1970s palette, this original poster is a striking piece of French motorsport history. It will particularly appeal to collectors of Le Mans memorabilia, endurance racing, vintage automotive design and original event posters.
Original Poster
Sport - Sarthe
Automotive West Club
A. Karcher Aubervilliers
Good condition
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