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HomeMediaPorsche brings the original 917 race car back to life

Porsche brings the original 917 race car back to life

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The Porsche 917 is one of the most insane automotive creations ever dreamed up by humanity, offering a performance level that remains as impressive today as it was during the 1970s, when it dominated events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Nürburgring 1000 km.

Some iterations were tuned to deliver well over 1,000 horsepower, enabling them to rocket to 60 mph in under 3.0 seconds and attain speeds of more than 240 mph. Remember, this was back in the 1970s.

It was at the 1969 Geneva International Motor Show that the iconic race car was revealed to the world, and now, 50 years on, Porsche is celebrating the anniversary by restoring the first 917 made, car number 001 featuring a 4.5-liter flat-12 engine, to its original glory.

Porsche put a lot of work into restoring the original 917.
Porsche put a lot of work into restoring the original 917.

The first car, which was the example shown at the Geneva debut, was never raced, serving instead as a presentation vehicle and development testbed under the guidance of legendary Porsche engineer Hans Mezger. As such, its development evolved considerably over the years. For example, in 1970, the car was converted into a short-tail version. It was also repainted on several occasions, typically to match Le Mans-winning examples of the 917.

All the modifications made to the car proved to be an extra challenge for Porsche’s classic car team during the restoration process, as the goal with any official Porsche restoration is to preserve as much of the original materials as possible. Where new parts were needed, for example the front and rear fascias as well as the rear section of the aluminum space frame, the team relied on material analysis along with historical design drawings and photographs for authenticity.

Porsche technicians work on the original 917s.
Porsche technicians work on the original 917s.

It will be the star at the Colours of Speed – 50 Years of the 917 exhibition Porsche is hosting at its official museum in Stuttgart, Germany. The exhibition will run from May 14 to September 15 and will also feature a concept envisioning a modern 917.

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3 COMMENTS

  1. The car is amazing but the story of building them is just as interesting. The FIA forced Porsche to have all 50 cars drivable before they could race in their class. Previously the proof of having enough components ready was sufficient to race. They shut down production of road cars so all hands were available and finished the cars on time.

    • Hello,
      you know that 917.001 get not restored at Porsche Classic
      They give the order to out house companies to rebuilt the 917.001
      The frame is complete new not only sections
      This old alloy frame is worn out and corroded
      I be sure that this companies Porsche gave their orders to will show us a brilliant result
      For sure more accurate built as 50 years before when Pirsche showed the 25 cars in a row for the FIA inspection

      Kind regards Jürgen Brodesser

    • The correct build quantity that the FIA required was 25 ….. not 50. Fifty was the previous requirement, but it was lowered to 25 that year…. to entice more factories to participate, and was the poke Porsche needed for the small size company they were at the time.

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