Notable as the winner of the first race in 1923, driven to victory by René Léonard and André Lagache. In contrast to todays professional drivers, the pair were just engineers who worked for Chenard & Walcker.
After finishing in 4th place at the first Le Mans in 1923, W O Bntley achieved the prized win only a year later in 1924 with the Bentley 3 litre. There followed two years of disappointment and then a return to winning ways in 1927, in bizarre fashion as all three Bentley's crashed into each other at Maison Blanche! One of the cars managed to limp to the pits, before returning to race in a patched up form, this included a flash light being strapped to the windscreen pillar to replace a smashed headlight! it won the race!Alfa Romeo 8C 230
Four consecutive wins for this car from 1931 - 1934. An Alfa Romeo hasn't won the race since, despite it's impressive winning streak in the 30's.
Bugatti 57C
The streamlined Bugatti 57C won the race in 1939 following
the win for the Bugatti 57G in 1937, it was driven by Jean-Pierre Wimille and Pierre Veyron. It was to be the last race for ten years as World War II was about to break in Europe. Pierre Veyron would be honoured by Bugatti in 2005 when they launched their supercar, the 'Veyron'.
Ferrari 166MM
In 1949 The 24 Hours Of Le Mans returned after a ten year gap due to WWII and subsequent redevelopment in France. The Ferrari 166MM ushered in this new era with the first of nine victories for the Italian manufacturer.
Delettrez Diesel 4.4L
The sleek (and extremely well financed) Audi R10 in 2006 wasn't the first diesel car to enter Le Mans, that honour goes to a much a lower key effort. The austerity of the late Forties called for a certain amount of improvisation and the French Government, in its Plan Monnet, required commercial vehicles to be diesel-powered. The enterprising Delettrez family saw a market for converting American ex-army surplus engines to diesels and it occurred to the two brothers Jean and Jacques to publicise their activities by entering the first post-war Le Mans race in 1949.
Thus was the recipe for Le Mans first diesel entry, the Delettrez, which appeared in the first three post-war races. A lack of fuel took it out in the 20th hour in 1949, a flat battery accounted for its failure in 1950, while a design fault in the modified engine’s lubrication system after only 338 kilometres caused its retirement a year later.
There have only been two other diesel entries prior to 2006; the MAP diesel in 1950 (retired due to cooling system leak after 39 laps) and the Lola V10 TDI in 2004 (retired after 35 laps due to a broken clutch.
Cadillac Coupe de Ville & Cadillac Spider
"Clumsy Puppy" and "Le Monstre"
Briggs Cunningham was an American entrepreneur and sportsman, who raced cars and yachts. In 1950 he prepared two Cadillacs to race at Le Mans; the first, a conventional Coupe de Ville with a race set up ("Clumsy Puppy"), the second was stripped to its bare chassis and, at the hands of a dozen aerodynamicists and metalworkers from nearby Grumman Aircraft, given a bizarre chasis whose mass and imposing appearance earned its French nickname, “Le Monstre” . A wonderful example of the Le Mans tradition of innovation!They acquitted themselves in grand fashion, 'Clumsy Pup' finishing 10th & 'Le Monstre' 11th! the team and cars winning the affection and cheers of the spectators. Although Le Monstre was built for, and ran, only one event and was not a prototype, it was significant in bringing fame and attention to American entries at this historic 24-hour race. It was big, it was noisy, and in the traditional American white with blue trim racing colors, it portrayed the brash American spirit that Europeans expected. They weren’t disappointed.
Briggs Cunningham was an American entrepreneur and sportsman, who raced cars and yachts. In 1950 he prepared two Cadillacs to race at Le Mans; the first, a conventional Coupe de Ville with a race set up ("Clumsy Puppy"), the second was stripped to its bare chassis and, at the hands of a dozen aerodynamicists and metalworkers from nearby Grumman Aircraft, given a bizarre chasis whose mass and imposing appearance earned its French nickname, “Le Monstre” . A wonderful example of the Le Mans tradition of innovation!They acquitted themselves in grand fashion, 'Clumsy Pup' finishing 10th & 'Le Monstre' 11th! the team and cars winning the affection and cheers of the spectators. Although Le Monstre was built for, and ran, only one event and was not a prototype, it was significant in bringing fame and attention to American entries at this historic 24-hour race. It was big, it was noisy, and in the traditional American white with blue trim racing colors, it portrayed the brash American spirit that Europeans expected. They weren’t disappointed.
Despite the appalling tragedy that occured during the race in 1955, there was a winner: the Jaguar D Type, driven by Mike Hawthorn and Ivor Beub. The car also won in 1956 & '57, although under the stewardship of Ecurie Ecosse, as Jaguar took time away from motorsport at the end of 1955.
Aston Martin DBR1
Aston Martin's elegant DBR1 finished 1st and 2nd in 1959 it would be (to date) Aston Martin's only overall win, it broke up the Ferrari winning streak (winners in '58) who went on to win consecutively from 1960 - 1965....
Ferrari 250, 330, 275
Le Mans legends from Ferrari, which between them, dominated the event with Ferrari winning each race between 1960 - 1965
One of the most popular of all cars to appear at Le Mans. The Ford GT40 was winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans four times in a row, from 1966 to 1969 (1966 being the Mk II, 1967 the Mk IV, and 1968-1969 the oldest chassis design, the Mk I). It is so far the only racecar built in America (Mk IV only) to win overall at Le Mans (1967 Mk IV)
The famous 1, 2, 3 finish in 1966. The race ended Ferrari's dominance of the event which was given greater significance given the ill feeling towards Ferrari from Ford over a takeover issue. Ford sent no fewer than eight MkII GT40's to race at Le Mans that year. 
The little Mini Marcos finished the race in 15th place in 1966, It was the only British car to finish the race that year, albeit entered and driven by a French team. The unconventional looking racing car managed to suprise onlookers and defy all the odds, and completed 258 laps in 24 hours with an average speed of 89.7mph. Rule Britannia!
Porsche 917
The first Porsche car to win the race in what would be back to back wins in 1970-71. The film 'Le Mans' starring Steve McQueen would be filmed (in part) at the 1970 race. The Gulf liveried 917's may have starred in the film, but the winning 1970 car was the #23 of Austrian team, Porsche KG Salzburg.
The Gulf coloured 917 from 1970/71; film star good looks, 0-62mph in 2.3 seconds, a top speed of 240+mph. Some reasons why this car is still held in high regard! Unfortunately, rule changes meant the 1971 race would be the last for the Porsche 917.
Matra-Simca MS670
The Matra-Simca scored back to back wins in 1972 / 73 / 74. Pictured in the driving seat above is Graham Hill, who drove the car to victory in 1972 with co-driver Henry Pescarolo. The twenty two year drought for a French winning team was over!
Porsche 936
Porsche took their total victories to six with this car, winning in 1976 / 77 and '81.
Porsche 956
The 956 took victory in every race between 1982 - 1985. It was an extremely successful car, in 1983 the top eight places, and '84 the top seven were taken by the 956.
Porsche 962
The Porsche 962 extended the manufacturers dominance with wins in 1986 and '87.
Jaguar XJR-9
After four years of trying, Jaguar finally broke Porsche's seven years of consecutive wins. It wasn't easy, as apart from another Jaguar in 4th spot, the top ten finishers were all Porsche 962's!
Mazda 787B
The Mazda's 787B, powered with a rotary engine, won in 1991. It was the first (and so far only) Japanese manufacturer to win Le Mans, and the only non piston engine ever to win the race. It was driven to victory by Volker Weidler, Johnny Herbert and Bertrand Gachot.
Johnny Herbert took the Mazda 787B back around the famous circuit in 2011, to celebrtate the 20th anniversary of it's famous win.
Peugeot 905 EVO 1B
Peugeot won their first 24 Hours Of Le Mans with this car, in 1992 and followed with another victory in 1993.
Porsche 911 GT1-98
This car was the last Porsche (to date) to win the race, taking Porsche's overall total of wins to a remarkable sixteen. Despite the moniker it had little in common with a road or even race configured 911. In order to comply with GT1 race regualtions, there was a street legal version, of which only one was believed to have been be produced! Following the race Porsche went into a sabbatical, rumoured to be part of a plan to allow Porsche's partner Audi to develop their own sportscar without competition from within the alliance. There was some excitement before the 2011 race as Porsche announced that they will return with a factory team to race at Le Mans in 2014.
Audi R8
Audi won their first Le Mans with the R8 in 2000 and it went on to win five out of the six 'Le Mans 24 Hours' the factory team entered, it is one of the the most succesful Le Mans cars of all time. It bowed out with a win in it's final race in 2005 and after the race Tom Kristensen (who had been behind the wheel for all of it's Le Mans wins) spoke with fondness of the car on the podium saying "the good old R8 is going to a museum, Dr Ulrich, it will be an honour for me to drive it there, it has been a fantastic pleasure, dream and privilege to be part of this..."
Bentley Speed 8
Bentley had to wait a full 73 years to win Le Mans for the sixth time, and did so with a little help from Audi, by adapting their R8 engine. Tom Kristensen, came on board the project along with Rinaldo Capello and Guy Smith, steering the car to victory in 2003. It remains one of the most striking cars to enter the race with it's low closed cockpit and evocative British Racing Green colour scheme.
Audi R10
Following the retirement of the R8 programme, Audi returned in 2006 with the all new R10 and in a bold departure from their race cars to date, as it was a diesel! Would this mean an end to their winning habit..? Well, no. Audi R10 winner:- 2006, 2007, 2008.
Peugeot 908 HDi FAP
Peugeot arrived back at Le Mans in 2007, their first race since the successful 905 programme in 1992 / 93. Their new car, the 908 Hdi FAP had been in development since 2005 it was also a diesel. They were back to challenge the dominant Audi and their successful R10, they achieved it in 2009 and won the race, with rivals Audi struggling with reliability of their R15 car.
Audi R18
Audi R18 made it's debut in 2011 and won the race in dramatic fashion, finishing only 13 seconds ahead of rivals Peugeot in their 908. There were two very worrying high speed crashes for the #1 & #3 R18's at the race, but both drivers escaped unharmed despite the force of both the impacts. A testament to the strength of the driver cockpit in these cars.
Aston Martin DBR1
Aston Martin's elegant DBR1 finished 1st and 2nd in 1959 it would be (to date) Aston Martin's only overall win, it broke up the Ferrari winning streak (winners in '58) who went on to win consecutively from 1960 - 1965....
Ferrari 250, 330, 275
Le Mans legends from Ferrari, which between them, dominated the event with Ferrari winning each race between 1960 - 1965
One of the most popular of all cars to appear at Le Mans. The Ford GT40 was winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans four times in a row, from 1966 to 1969 (1966 being the Mk II, 1967 the Mk IV, and 1968-1969 the oldest chassis design, the Mk I). It is so far the only racecar built in America (Mk IV only) to win overall at Le Mans (1967 Mk IV)
The famous 1, 2, 3 finish in 1966. The race ended Ferrari's dominance of the event which was given greater significance given the ill feeling towards Ferrari from Ford over a takeover issue. Ford sent no fewer than eight MkII GT40's to race at Le Mans that year. 
The iconic 'Gulf' livery of the 1968 & '69 winning GT40 MK1.
Mini Marcos
The little Mini Marcos finished the race in 15th place in 1966, It was the only British car to finish the race that year, albeit entered and driven by a French team. The unconventional looking racing car managed to suprise onlookers and defy all the odds, and completed 258 laps in 24 hours with an average speed of 89.7mph. Rule Britannia!
Porsche 911
Pictured above is the very first (and only) Porsche 911 to enter the 1966 24 Hours Of Le Mans. The hugely successful road and race car has been entered a staggering 301 times in the prestigious race, and as such has appeared more times than any other car (by some margin). The 911 will celebrate it's 50th birthday in 2013. 
Porsche 917
The Gulf coloured 917 from 1970/71; film star good looks, 0-62mph in 2.3 seconds, a top speed of 240+mph. Some reasons why this car is still held in high regard! Unfortunately, rule changes meant the 1971 race would be the last for the Porsche 917.Matra-Simca MS670
The Matra-Simca scored back to back wins in 1972 / 73 / 74. Pictured in the driving seat above is Graham Hill, who drove the car to victory in 1972 with co-driver Henry Pescarolo. The twenty two year drought for a French winning team was over!Porsche 936
Porsche took their total victories to six with this car, winning in 1976 / 77 and '81.Porsche 956
The 956 took victory in every race between 1982 - 1985. It was an extremely successful car, in 1983 the top eight places, and '84 the top seven were taken by the 956.Porsche 962
The Porsche 962 extended the manufacturers dominance with wins in 1986 and '87.Jaguar XJR-9
After four years of trying, Jaguar finally broke Porsche's seven years of consecutive wins. It wasn't easy, as apart from another Jaguar in 4th spot, the top ten finishers were all Porsche 962's!Mazda 787B
The Mazda's 787B, powered with a rotary engine, won in 1991. It was the first (and so far only) Japanese manufacturer to win Le Mans, and the only non piston engine ever to win the race. It was driven to victory by Volker Weidler, Johnny Herbert and Bertrand Gachot.
Johnny Herbert took the Mazda 787B back around the famous circuit in 2011, to celebrtate the 20th anniversary of it's famous win.Peugeot 905 EVO 1B
Peugeot won their first 24 Hours Of Le Mans with this car, in 1992 and followed with another victory in 1993.Porsche 911 GT1-98
This car was the last Porsche (to date) to win the race, taking Porsche's overall total of wins to a remarkable sixteen. Despite the moniker it had little in common with a road or even race configured 911. In order to comply with GT1 race regualtions, there was a street legal version, of which only one was believed to have been be produced! Following the race Porsche went into a sabbatical, rumoured to be part of a plan to allow Porsche's partner Audi to develop their own sportscar without competition from within the alliance. There was some excitement before the 2011 race as Porsche announced that they will return with a factory team to race at Le Mans in 2014.
Audi R8
Audi won their first Le Mans with the R8 in 2000 and it went on to win five out of the six 'Le Mans 24 Hours' the factory team entered, it is one of the the most succesful Le Mans cars of all time. It bowed out with a win in it's final race in 2005 and after the race Tom Kristensen (who had been behind the wheel for all of it's Le Mans wins) spoke with fondness of the car on the podium saying "the good old R8 is going to a museum, Dr Ulrich, it will be an honour for me to drive it there, it has been a fantastic pleasure, dream and privilege to be part of this..." Bentley Speed 8
Bentley had to wait a full 73 years to win Le Mans for the sixth time, and did so with a little help from Audi, by adapting their R8 engine. Tom Kristensen, came on board the project along with Rinaldo Capello and Guy Smith, steering the car to victory in 2003. It remains one of the most striking cars to enter the race with it's low closed cockpit and evocative British Racing Green colour scheme.Audi R10
Following the retirement of the R8 programme, Audi returned in 2006 with the all new R10 and in a bold departure from their race cars to date, as it was a diesel! Would this mean an end to their winning habit..? Well, no. Audi R10 winner:- 2006, 2007, 2008.Peugeot 908 HDi FAP
Peugeot arrived back at Le Mans in 2007, their first race since the successful 905 programme in 1992 / 93. Their new car, the 908 Hdi FAP had been in development since 2005 it was also a diesel. They were back to challenge the dominant Audi and their successful R10, they achieved it in 2009 and won the race, with rivals Audi struggling with reliability of their R15 car. Audi R18
Audi R18 made it's debut in 2011 and won the race in dramatic fashion, finishing only 13 seconds ahead of rivals Peugeot in their 908. There were two very worrying high speed crashes for the #1 & #3 R18's at the race, but both drivers escaped unharmed despite the force of both the impacts. A testament to the strength of the driver cockpit in these cars.