1970 Porsche 917
At the heart of the 917 was a 4.5-liter flat-12 engine, a technical masterpiece that produced around 580 horsepower. This engine was later developed into 4.9 and 5.0-liter versions, pushing the horsepower up to 630 in some configurations. The car’s lightweight construction, which included the use of materials like magnesium, combined with its powerful engine, enabled it to reach top speeds in excess of 240 mph on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans. The flat-12 engine’s layout contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing the car’s handling dynamics significantly. These performance characteristics gave the 917 an unprecedented power-to-weight ratio, a crucial factor in its success on the track.
One of the critical challenges in the 917’s development was its handling. The car’s initial iterations suffered from high-speed instability, primarily due to aerodynamic deficiencies. Porsche engineers undertook extensive testing and aerodynamic refinements to address these issues. The introduction of the 917K (Kurzheck or “short-tail”) version, with improved aerodynamics, greatly enhanced its stability and performance. This version featured modifications that increased downforce, resolving the car’s handling issues at high speeds. Additionally, the 917LH (Langheck or “long-tail”) variant was developed to maximize top speed on the long straights of Le Mans, showcasing Porsche’s commitment to aerodynamic innovation and their ability to adapt to different racing conditions.
The Porsche 917’s competitive debut was marked by a series of struggles and setbacks, but it quickly evolved into a formidable contender. Its first major success came in 1970 when Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood drove the 917K to victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, securing Porsche’s first overall win at the iconic race. This triumph was followed by another dominant performance in 1971, with Helmut Marko and Gijs van Lennep taking the win and setting a distance record of 5,335.313 kilometers (3,315.21 miles) that stood for almost four decades. The car’s exceptional speed and reliability made it a frequent winner in various endurance races, cementing its legendary status.
The 917’s success at Le Mans was complemented by its performance in the World Sportscar Championship. The car’s versatility allowed it to compete on a variety of circuits, achieving numerous victories across the globe. In 1972, the 917/10 and 917/30 variants, designed for the North American Can-Am series, showcased the car’s adaptability and raw power. The 917/30, in particular, became legendary for its dominance, with its turbocharged engine producing upwards of 1,100 horsepower, enabling it to reach speeds over 260 mph. These cars demonstrated Porsche’s ability to push the boundaries of automotive engineering and achieve unprecedented performance levels in competitive racing.
Although the 917 was primarily a race car, a few roadgoing versions were produced. These rare models were specially modified to comply with road regulations, retaining much of their racing pedigree while being drivable on public roads. These road-legal versions are highly coveted by collectors due to their unique blend of race car performance and road-legal status. In total, only 65 Porsche 917s were manufactured, including 44 prototypes and 21 production cars mainly used in the Can-Am series.
The Porsche 917 is not only celebrated for its race wins but also for its profound influence on the future of motorsport and automotive engineering. Its innovative design and engineering breakthroughs set new standards in aerodynamics, powertrain development, and materials science. The 917’s legacy continues to inspire modern race cars and high-performance road vehicles, solidifying its place as one of the greatest race cars ever built. Today, the Porsche 917 is highly valued in the collector car market, with auction prices reaching several million dollars. For instance, a 1970 Porsche 917K was sold for over $14 million in recent years, underscoring its legendary status and desirability among automotive enthusiasts.