Famous Porsche Race Cars and Their History

Famous Porsche Race Cars and Their History

Porsche 917 (1969 - 1970)

red Porsche 917 Kurzheck model
A red Porsche 917 Kurzheck model featured at Steve McQueen car show in Chino Hills.
Source: Motofutura

The Porsche 917 is an iconic race car produced by Porsche AG. It was designed to meet the FIA’s new Group 4 regulations for sports car racing. First introduced in 1969, the 917 was powered by a flat-12 engine that produced up to 630 horsepower, depending on the configuration. The car was capable of speeds of up to 240 mph, making it one of the fastest race cars of its time. It had a lightweight body made of magnesium and aluminum, and was designed with advanced aerodynamics that allowed it to cut through the air more efficiently. The 917 quickly proved itself to be a dominant force in motorsport, winning numerous races and championships throughout the 1970s.

Porsche 917 at Le Mans in France
Porsche 917 at Le Mans in France (1970).
Source: Porsche

Perhaps the most famous victory for the Porsche 917 was at the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it secured the first of Porsche’s 19 overall victories at the endurance race. The 917K driven by Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood, finished first, beating the competition by several laps. The car was then featured in the 1971 Steve McQueen film “Le Mans,” which further cemented its status as an iconic race car. With its sleek design, impressive performance, and numerous victories, the Porsche 917 has become a beloved symbol of motorsport history and a true legend in the racing world.

1972 Porsche 917-10 model on display at Luftgekühlt 6
1972 Porsche 917-10 model on display at Luftgekühlt 6.
Source: Motofutura

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