European Endurance Championship

The European Sportscar Championship was a name used by several sports car racing championships based in Europe. Initially created in 1970 by the Fédération Internationale du Sport Automobile (FISA) as the European 2-Litre Sports Car Championship for Makes, the series increased in popularity and eventually became part of the World Sports Car Championship in 1976 even after a troubled 1975 season. Only two years later, as interest in sports-prototypes faded, the championship was downgraded from World Championship status and a European championship returned once more, only to be cancelled after its sole 1978 season.

A European championship for sports cars was created once more in 1983, now named the European Endurance Championship, and combined several events from the World Endurance Championship with other European rounds. The concept was however not continued the following year.

By 1970, light open-cockpit sports prototypes which used engines under 2,000 cc (120 cu in) were becoming popular cars in the World Championship for Makes. Chassis manufacturers Lola, Chevron, Abarth, and Porsche all offered cars to customers which were designed for this category, leading FISA to create a championship specifically for these cars and serving as a junior formula for the World Championship. Races varied from 250 km (160 mi) to 500 km (310 mi), and ran either as a single event or in two heats. Grand tourer cars were also allowed to participate, although they were not included in the championship standings.

Ford-powered Cherons won the inaugural Championship for Makes in the opening 1970 season, leading Lola by a single point. Lola triumphed in 1971, followed by Osella entering the series in partnership with Abarth and dominated the 1972 championship with five victories. Lola won the championship once more in 1973 before the new Alpine A441-Renault swept the 1974 season with nine wins in nine races.

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