The Matra vs. Ferrari showdown took place on the Circuit de la Sarthe, on June 9th and 10th, 1973, a day which also marked the 50th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The red Ferrari No. 16 driven by Merzario and Pace started from pole and run away in the distance, chased by the blue Matra of Beltoise and Cevert. When, after two hours, the italian leaders developed a fuel piping issue, the Matra No. 10 took their place on the leaderboard, only to be dangerously delayed, and later forced to retire, by tyre issues. At the end of a grueling race, the checquered flag was waved in front of the victorious Matra Simca 670B No.11 of Henry Pescarolo and Gérard Larrousse. The podium was completed by the surviving Ferrari 312 PB n.16 of Merzario and Pace, and finally Matra’s n.12 car of Jabouille and Jaussaud.