In the pantheon of motorsport history, few moments command the same reverence as McLaren’s astonishing victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. The #59 McLaren F1 GTR, run by Lanzante and piloted by JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas and Masanori Sekiya, stunned the endurance racing world by seizing outright victory on its debut—an achievement as improbable as it was iconic.
Now, 30 years on, that triumph is being revisited through a lens unlike any other. Launching at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, ‘Jet Black 59’ is a limited-edition photobook that captures the soul of that unforgettable weekend, told from within the team itself. At its heart are more than 100 never-before-seen monochrome images, captured by acclaimed Japanese photographer Mikio Hasui—a name synonymous with emotion, precision, and timeless automotive storytelling.
A Personal Perspective from Behind the Pits
This project is not just a retrospective. It is a vivid, intimate retelling by someone with rare access and deep personal connection: Mikio Hasui is the brother-in-law of Masanori Sekiya, the first Japanese driver to win Le Mans. Armed with Leica and Canon film cameras and a quiet determination to document history as it unfolded, Hasui chronicled the race through traditional black-and-white film, offering a perspective far removed from the official press pens and broadcast feeds.
Each frame conveys a moment of tension, triumph, or quiet resolve—from the gritty preparation in the Lanzante garage to fleeting shots of exhausted yet elated drivers. These are candid, human moments caught in time, enhanced by Mikio’s handwritten notes and transcriptions from the day—meticulously translated from Japanese to English for this release.
A Book Worthy of the Legend
The ‘Jet Black 59’ book is a masterclass in motorsport documentation—crafted for the discerning collector. Only 300 copies will be printed worldwide, each hand-numbered and bound to the highest archival standards. But the first 59 editions offer something even more special: an exclusive pairing with the most detailed scale model of the winning McLaren F1 GTR ever created.
The Ultimate Collector’s Pairing
To accompany this extraordinary book, model artisans Make Up Co., Ltd. of Japan have recreated chassis 01R—the very car that conquered Le Mans—in exquisite 1:18 scale. With only 59 models being made, each reflects the car exactly as it crossed the finish line after 24 punishing hours. Painstaking attention has been paid to features never before rendered in model form: the fuel filler clean area, smudged sponsor decals, taped-over and later-exposed sections of the front bumper—all discussed and verified with team insiders.
Presented in a bespoke display case alongside the book, this collector’s edition is priced at £1,995, offering an unparalleled tribute to a milestone in endurance racing. The standalone photobook is also available for £495, presenting an accessible option for enthusiasts of racing history and photographic art alike.
Authentic, Archival Prints Also Available
For those seeking a more personal tribute, individual prints from the book can be commissioned. Each is printed directly from the original negatives via a traditional wet printing process on Baryta photographic paper, ensuring museum-grade quality. Every print is hand-signed by Mikio Hasui and offered in three sizes, delivering a timeless aesthetic perfect for display.
Launching at Goodwood Festival of Speed
This remarkable celebration of McLaren’s crowning endurance achievement will be offered for the first time at the Lanzante boutique during the Goodwood Festival of Speed, starting Thursday, 10 July 2025. With its evocative storytelling, artisanal execution, and uncompromising attention to detail, Jet Black 59 is not simply a product—it is a historic document, a piece of motorsport’s heart, and a must-have for any collector or connoisseur of the McLaren legacy.
