Bernard Rubin stands as a towering figure in early motorsport history, remembered best as the pioneering Australian racing driver and aviator who captured the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans crown. Born in Melbourne in 1896 before moving to London early in life, Rubin overcame severe World War I injuries to carve out a legendary path in high-stakes racing and aviation. As a core member of the elite "Bentley Boys" team at Bentley Motors, his fearless driving style and resilience pushed both machine and man to their absolute limits.
The defining moment of his racing career arrived at the 1928 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he partnered with Bentley Motors director Woolf Barnato. Driving a battered Bentley 4½ Litre that suffered damage during the grueling endurance contest, the duo successfully crossed the finish line to secure a historic victory. This triumph made Rubin the very first Australian to conquer the world-famous French endurance classic, a milestone that paved the way for future generations of Australian motorsport champions.
Related Stories
Get the Latest Sports News from Seymour's Bird
Receive the latest updates on football, basketball,and technology news directly in your inbox. It's free!
SubscribeBeyond his exploits on the asphalt, Rubin demonstrated remarkable grit through military service and aviation ventures. Having served in the Royal Garrison Artillery and the Royal Flying Corps during World War I, he endured a grueling three-year recovery from severe injuries before returning to high-performance pursuits. His adventurous spirit later translated into long-distance flying, where he and test-pilot K.F.H. Waller set impressive unofficial records on journeys between England and Australia.
Though his life was cut short by pulmonary tuberculosis in 1936 at the age of 39, Rubin's impact on automotive racing and aviation endured. Transitioning later into team ownership to support fellow racing icons like Henry Birkin, he remained deeply intertwined with the golden era of motorsport. Today, his legacy lives on as an enduring testament to an era of fearless pioneers who defined modern endurance racing.