The Porsche 917 is considered one of the most famous and successful racing cars of all time, being best known for its dominance of the 24 Hours of Race at Luhmann in the early 1970s.
Revolutionary Design & Performance
Introduced in 1969, the Porsche 917 featured a lightweight tubular frame and a powerful 4.5L flat-12 engine producing up to 630 horsepower. Its aerodynamic body and innovative engineering made it unbeatable in endurance racing.
Historic Le Mans Victories
The 917 achieved back-to-back wins at Le Mans in 1970 and 1971, setting speed records that stood for decadesThe 1970 victory, at Loman, was Porsche’s first comprehensive victory, cementing its place in the history of motorsport.
Why is the 917 still a famous car?
* Unmatched speeds – speeds in excess of 240 mph on the Mulsanne Strait in Luman.
- Movie fame – Starred in Steve McQueen’s “Le Mans” (1971)
- Rare collectible – Only about 50 were ever built
- Technical innovation – Pioneered aerodynamic advancements
Legacy & Influence
The Porsche 917’s success led to the development of future Porsche race cars and influenced modern endurance racing. Today, original 917 models are worth over $20 million at auction, prized by collectors worldwide.
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