Beligond, Michel 1927 - 1973
24 H du Mans
Offset 1959
22 x 15.7 in. (56 x 40 cm)
Printer: A.A.T. Thivillier
Condition Details: (A-) was folded horizontally, minor creasing at the edges, corner needle holes

The 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours poster, designed by Michel Beligond, captures the dramatic “Le Mans start,” a signature moment when drivers sprinted across the track to their waiting cars before racing away without assistance. This tradition, which began in 1925, was a defining feature of the event until safety concerns led to its discontinuation. The vibrant lithographic artwork showcases the electrifying start, with grandstands packed with spectators and flags from participating nations fluttering above. Held on June 20–21 at Circuit de la Sarthe, the race served as the fourth round of the FIA World Sports Car Championship and drew an immense crowd of 150,000 eager fans. The 1959 event saw an intense battle between Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Porsche, culminating in a historic victory for England’s Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori, who piloted their Aston Martin DBR1 to first place.