In Alfa Romeo's absence, Matra's biggest challenger would be from John Wyer’s Gulf Research Racing. The company had dropped the Mirage name and the new car was called the Gulf GR7 designed by Len Bailey, a much lighter version of the M6, but still 40 kg heavier than the Matras. Although the Cosworth V8 (with 450 bhp) gave away acceleration torque to the Matra V12, reliability would be the biggest concern although they had traded up to stronger ZF gearboxes. Two cars were at Le Mans, driven by team regulars Derek Bell/Mike Hailwood and joined by Vern Schuppan/Reine Wisell.